Do You Know What’s Included in Your Policy?
While most people are familiar with standard coverages from hurricane damage, like roof repairs or structural fixes, many overlook other important aspects of their policy. These lesser-known coverages can help you navigate the recovery process with more ease and less out-of-pocket expense. Let’s break down some of the coverage options you might not even realize you have in your hurricane insurance policy.
What is Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage?
If your property is damaged and temporarily uninhabitable after Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage depending on your policy. ALE helps cover the costs of staying elsewhere while repairs are being made to your property. Here’s what ALE typically covers:
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- Hotel or rental property costs
- Additional meal expenses (if you can’t cook)
- Pet boarding costs, if needed
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Remember, ALE doesn’t cover your regular living expenses—only the extra costs that arise because you’ve had to leave your property. Keep your receipts and a detailed log of these expenses so you can include them in your claim.
Debris Removal Coverage: What You Might Not Know
One of the most overlooked aspects of hurricane insurance is debris removal coverage. After a storm like Hurricane Helene, debris such as fallen trees, roofing materials, and other damage can quickly pile up. The good news is that most hurricane insurance policies include coverage for debris removal. However, there are limitations. For example:
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- Coverage typically applies to debris that directly impacts your property, such as a tree that falls on your roof.
- It may not cover debris that simply lands in your yard without causing damage.
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Always photograph the debris before removal and document any cleanup costs to ensure you’re reimbursed.
Ordinance or Law Coverage: Why Building Codes Matter
After a hurricane, local building codes or regulations may require that your property be brought up to current standards during repairs. This is where the Ordinance or Law Coverage comes into play. It helps cover the additional costs of complying with new building codes or ordinances that weren’t in place when your property was originally constructed.
If Hurricane Helene caused damage that requires upgrades to meet new building standards, it’s worth checking to see if your insurance policy includes this coverage type—allowing you to restore your property without paying extra out of pocket for code compliance.
Spoiled Food Coverage: Yes, It’s a Thing
Did you know that your insurance policy might cover the cost of food that spoils due to a power outage caused by the hurricane? It’s true! Many policies offer spoiled food coverage as part of their package. This can help offset the cost of restocking your fridge after an extended power outage.
Keep a list of all spoiled food items and document any losses to include in your claim.
Review Your Policy, File Your Claim
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, understanding these lesser-known coverages could be key to making the most of your claim. Review your policy, document your losses, and if you’re not sure what’s covered, consider reaching out to a public adjuster for professional guidance. Our team of legal professionals can take a deeper look at your policy and identify exactly what you have coverage for. If we find gaps in your policy, we’ll help you pinpoint areas you could consider adding coverage to prepare for future storms. To have your insurance policy reviewed by our team, fill out the following form: General Policy Review
Need help filing your claim? Contact Premier Claims today!