How To Get The Most From Loss Of Use Benefits In Homeowner Property Damage Claims

Loss of use provisions in your homeowner’s insurance policy help offset living expenses if you are unable to remain in your home due to property damages. Find out more about this coverage and how to get the most from these benefits when filing a homeowner property damage claim.

What Are Loss Of Use Benefits?

Loss of use benefits, often referred to as Additional Living Expenses (ALEs), are generally included by insurers in homeowner policies. These benefits help offset costs if you are unable to remain in your home while it is being repaired or rebuilt.

Travelers Insurance advises that many companies place a limit on ALEs equaling a percentage of dwelling coverage. For example, if you have $200,000 worth of dwelling coverage and the ALE portion of your policy is 25 percent, you may be able to claim up to $50,000. Loss of use benefits help cover the following:

• The cost of temporary shelter, such as staying in a hotel or renting an apartment.
• The cost of transportation if you have to travel time to and from work increases.
• The cost of food and other basic needs while you are away from your home.
• The cost of boarding your pet, if they are unable to stay with you in temporary housing.

How To Get The Maximum Amount Of Adjusted Living Expenses You Are Entitled To

The Florida Statutes contain a bill of rights for homeowners. This details the obligations of insurers, which includes making policyholders aware of benefits they may be entitled to. However, it is still up to you to carefully read through all policy-related documents. Pay close attention to provisions concerning loss of use benefits.

Ask your insurer for a detailed list of the different types of expenses included in your coverage. This way you will know exactly what to claim. To get the maximum amount you are entitled to, be sure and include the following:

• Rental insurance you may need to take out while staying in an apartment;
• Credit check fees, deposits, and other charges associated with either hotels or property rental companies;
• New account set-up fees for utilities and wifi;
• In addition to increased transportation costs for work, add in the additional time it takes to run errands, take children to school, or attend medical appointments;
• Mileage and meal costs incurred during the home rebuilding phase;
• The cost of photocopies and supplies incurred during the course of your claim. 

Request A Consultation With Our Daytona Beach Property Damage Claims Attorneys

At Bundza & Rodriguez, we are dedicated to helping homeowners get the maximum amount they are entitled to in property damage claims. Additional living expenses (ALEs) are generally included in your policy and can end up representing a significant amount of money. To find out more about how to get the most out of these benefits, call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage claims attorneys online and request a consultation today.