Request 4 months ALE

In California, if your home is a total loss during a Presidentially Declared Disaster, your insurer must give you a four-month advance of ALE (Additional Living Expenses) without requiring receipts.

Here’s how to get it. 

*This information has been checked for accuracy and non-bias 
by licensed professionals, experts and representatives from 
National 501c3’s. Consult with a licensed professional about your specific situation.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ALE is calculated based on the “fair rental value” of a comparable home.

  • You are allowed to rent a furnished home, which will factor into the cost and what your insurer will allow you to spend monthly

  • After the four-month advance, ongoing ALE payments will require documentation (receipts for rent, hotels, meals, etc.).

Because “fair rental value” is subjective, adjusters may underestimate it - especially if they’re out of state.

TIP:

Be sure to note whether you are looking for furnished or unfurnished rentals. 

GET A BETTER NUMBER

What to do to get a better number:

To make your case, send them 3-4 local rental listings from sites like Zillow or Trulia that match your home in size and features, in a comparable area.

Tip: Don’t lowball yourself. Choose places you’d be comfortable in for the long haul.

On the next step you’ll find a template for an email to your adjuster asking for your four months of ALE. Send this in an email from your new email account. 

TIP:

Don’t lowball yourself. Choose places you’d be comfortable in for the long haul.

NEXT STEP

On the next step you’ll find a template for an email to your adjuster asking for your four months of ALE.

Send this in an email from your new email account.