A tornado can make your home unsafe or unlivable. If that happens, you might need to move out while repairs take place. The good news is that many insurance policies in Wisconsin include coverage for temporary housing.
Look for additional living expenses (ALE) coverage
Most homeowners insurance policies have a section called “loss of use” or “additional living expenses” (ALE). This coverage pays for extra costs you face when a covered event forces you out of your home. Tornadoes are usually considered covered events, so ALE can help pay for a hotel, short-term rental, meals, and laundry.
Review your policy to see if ALE is included and how much it covers. Some policies limit ALE by time, like 12 months, while others limit it by dollar amount. You can only claim reasonable expenses above your usual costs, so keep receipts and track your spending.
Understand when coverage starts and stops
ALE coverage begins when a tornado causes enough damage to make your home unsafe to live in. An adjuster may need to inspect your property to confirm the damage. The coverage ends when your home becomes livable again, even if it hasn’t been fully restored.
If local authorities order you to evacuate because of tornado damage, your policy may cover your expenses during the evacuation period. This applies even if your home wasn’t damaged, as long as the order was related to a covered loss.
Stay organized during the claim process
Save all receipts for hotels, food, transportation, and other temporary expenses. Insurance companies require proof to reimburse you. It also helps to compare your current costs with your regular household spending to show the added burden.
If your insurer disputes your ALE claim, you can ask for a detailed explanation in writing. You may also consider filing a complaint with Wisconsin’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance if the claim was wrongfully denied.
If your insurance policy includes ALE coverage, you have a path to stay safe and comfortable during repairs. Review your policy now so you know what’s covered before disaster strikes.