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JoAnn M. Drabble, Keller Williams ElitePhone: (508) 930-1711
Email: [email protected]

Homeowners insurance basics: Additional living expenses

by JoAnn M. Drabble 07/02/2025

Every homeowners insurance policy includes additional living expenses coverage. If you’re temporarily displaced from your home because of damage, this coverage can help you pay for the additional everyday expenses until you’re able to move back in. But what exactly does additional living expense (ALE) coverage include?

Here is a basic guide to help you learn more about ALE insurance:

What does ALE coverage include?

Additional living expenses covered by your home insurance generally include:

  • Restaurant and food costs exceeding normal grocery bills.
  • Temporary lodging including hotels, motels and rentals.
  • Fuel and transportation costs for an increased commute.
  • Pet boarding if your temporary lodging doesn’t allow them.
  • Furniture rental if your temporary lodging is unfurnished.
  • Laundry services.
  • Storage fees for your personal belongings.

What isn’t covered?

Unfortunately, your ALE insurance won’t cover everything. It’s important to remember that this portion of your insurance policy will not pay for damage to your home or belongings. However, these costs are covered by the dwelling portion of your homeowners insurance policy.

How much ALE coverage do I need?

Your insurance company may offer options for different amounts of coverage for additional living expenses. By default, this benefit is about 10% to 20% of the amount covered by your dwelling coverage.

For example, if your home is damaged and your dwelling coverage is $400,000, your ALE policy would provide around $40,000 to $80,000 of coverage for your additional living expenses.

For any questions about coverage amounts and details of your additional living expense coverage, check with your insurance company for more information. The more you know about your coverage, the better prepared you’ll be if you ever need to make a claim.

About the Author
Author

JoAnn M. Drabble

JoAnn Drabble prides herself in making a "personal investment in each client”. With over ten years of experience working as a paralegal for various law firms, JoAnn brings significant legal expertise to her work. She understands the ins and outs of the real estate business and follows through on her sales from start to finish. She is often praised for her attention to detail in all aspects of a sale.

Working as a full-time professional in the real estate industry for 27 years, JoAnn has continuously been a top sales producer. She attributes her successful sales’ results to the personal relationships that she forges with her clients. Her years of experience combined with her outgoing personality and compassionate nature enable her to understand both the stated and unspoken needs of clients who are buying and selling their homes. JoAnn stays current with changing market conditions and trends in order to provide exceptional service and ensure a timely sale.

Her perseverance and real estate market savvy help her achieve 100% client satisfaction. The relationships that JoAnn forms with clients often last long after the purchase or sale of a home. Her clients’ satisfaction is her top priority and drives her to consistently exceed her performance goals and expand her growing referral base.