Will Insurance Pay for a Hotel If My Home Is Damaged?

Loss of use coverage, sometimes called additional living expenses, can help pay for a hotel, apartment, or other temporary housing when your home is too damaged to live in. It may also cover extra costs like restaurant meals and laundry if you cannot use your kitchen or washer.

This coverage only applies if the damage comes from a peril your policy covers, such as a burst pipe or a storm. If the damage is from something excluded, like flooding from outside, the coverage may not apply. Read your policy or ask your insurance company directly.

Act quickly to protect your home and your health. If water is still coming in, shut off the main water valve if you can do so safely. Move valuables and important papers to a dry area. Take photos of the damage for your insurance records.

Contact your insurance company as soon as you can to start the claim process. Ask specifically about temporary housing coverage and what documentation they need. Keep a written log of every call and expense, since that helps if questions come up later.

Keep a home inventory with photos and receipts for major items. Store it somewhere safe, like a cloud drive or with a relative. This helps you document losses and supports your claim for damage and living expenses.

If you live in Bonita Springs, where the humid subtropical climate with hot rainy summers and an Atlantic hurricane season can bring storm damage, review your policy before a storm hits. Know what your deductible is and what coverage you have. Also, keep your insurance company's contact information handy.

• Read your policy before you need it
• Take photos of your home and belongings now
• Save receipts for any temporary housing
• Ask your insurance company about coverage limits
• Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local water damage pros