The Louisiana Department of Insurance published a news release providing Additional Living Expense (ALE) guidance for policyholders in anticipation of Hurricane Francine. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in the state at around 6 pm CT, Wednesday, September 11. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency.
The news release serves to inform policyholders who have a homeowners policy with ALE coverage to understand what would be covered as homeowners evacuate the area.
Typical ALE coverage pays for additional living expenses while the insured's home is uninhabitable after a covered loss. In these special circumstances, ALE coverage may be available before a covered loss.
Many policyholders are in areas subject to mandatory evacuations and may be eligible for short-term ALE coverage for up to 14 days while they are barred from returning home.
Even for policyholders from areas where there is no mandatory evacuation declared, there may still be ALE coverage available. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple recommends policyholders contact their insurance company for more information.
Policyholders who do have ALE coverage should keep receipts for all their expenses that could be reimbursed under ALE, including hotel and meal expenses.
The news release can be found here.