FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2024

 

Louisiana Department of Insurance Issues ALE Guidance for Policyholders Evacuating Due to Francine

As homeowners evacuate or consider evacuating due to Hurricane Francine, it is important that policyholders who have a homeowners policy with Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage understands what ALE covers and when it may take effect.

ALE coverage pays for additional living expenses like hotel stays and food while your home is inaccessible following a covered property loss. Policyholders who have ALE coverage and live in an area that is placed under a mandatory evacuation may be eligible for short-term ALE coverage for up to 14 days while the policyholder is prohibited from returning to their home.

If no mandatory evacuation is declared, policyholders with ALE coverage may still be eligible for these expenses depending on the terms of their policy, the accessibility of their property and several other factors.

“It is vitally important for policyholders to understand what their policy covers and does not cover,” Commissioner Tim Temple said. “If you are not sure whether you have ALE coverage that would be triggered by evacuating due to Hurricane Francine, I urge you to contact your insurance agent or company immediately.”

ALE coverage is not provided in all homeowners insurance policies, and some policies contain different terms that must be met to receive a payment under the policy. If a policyholder does have ALE coverage, they should keep receipts for all expenses that could be reimbursed through ALE including, but not limited to, hotel receipts, meal receipts and more.

For more information, visit our website or call 1-800-259-5300. You can also download the new LDIConnect app, which provides easy access to resources like our Storm Claim Center and Consumer Services contact information, in the App Store and Google Play.

About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state’s insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by calling 1-800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.