Does homeowners insurance cover temporary housing?

A standard homeowners policy typically includes limited temporary living expenses. If your home is deemed uninhabitable after a covered loss, this coverage may help you afford temporary housing while repairs are made. Read on to learn more about this valuable part of homeowners insurance.

What is temporary housing coverage?

Loss of use coverage, also known as temporary housing or temporary living expenses coverage, is a common part of standard homeowners insurance policies. To use it, your home must be deemed uninhabitable after a covered loss. It may then help cover expenses related to maintaining a short-term residence.

All of that is up to your policy’s limits. Typically, no deductible applies. Please contact an insurance agent to learn more about limits and deductibles for this coverage, as well as differences and limitations by state.

What does loss of use coverage include?

To understand how loss of use coverage benefits you, consider your policy’s covered events and losses.

Covered events

Covered events must be accidental or unexpected events that could deem your home uninhabitable. Examples may include:

• Explosion
• Fire
• Lightning
• Tornado
• Vandalism
• A vehicle colliding with your home
• Windstorm

Also, civil authorities will sometimes prohibit people from staying in their homes if hazards like wildfires or landslides are expected. That means you may be able to file a temporary housing claim even when your home isn’t yet damaged. These cases may yield up to two weeks of coverage.

Covered expenses

Temporary housing coverage may help with the following costs, potentially among others:

• Increased food expenses, such as eating at restaurants due to lack of access to a kitchen
• Laundry
• Moving fees
• Parking fees
• Rates for staying at a hotel or apartment
• Storage costs for household items
• Transportation costs for increased mileage to home
• Utilities

What is not covered by temporary living expense coverage?

Loss of use coverage helps pay for additional living expenses when your home is temporarily uninhabitable. It doesn’t typically cover the following:

• Fees associated with canceling your lease or mortgage
• Preexisting expenses, such as your wireless bill
• Rent or mortgage for your permanent residence

Get loss of use coverage today

Contact an American Family Insurance agent today for a homeowners policy review. They can give you more information on how loss of use coverage may help you after an unexpected loss.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.