REQUEST 4 MONTHS ALE
If your home is a total loss during a California-declared state of emergency, your insurer is required by law to give you a four-month advance of ALE without requiring any receipts.
*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 is Ale?
If your home can't be lived in after the fire, your homeowner's insurance likely includes a benefit called Additional Living Expenses - ALE.
It covers where you go and what you spend while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
ALE is more than rent. Hotels, food, clothing, storage, furniture rental, utility setup in a temporary place, extra gas to work or school - all of it can qualify.
In California, after a declared state of emergency, you're entitled to a minimum of 24 months of ALE coverage. That can extend if reconstruction takes longer than expected. Your policy may also have a dollar cap that runs out before the time limit - worth checking now. (Cal. Ins. Code § 2060)
Renters, your coverage may work differently. It typically ends when you're able to return home or find comparable housing - not at 24 months. Check your policy.
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.).
Even if your home wasn't damaged: if your area is unsafe due to downed power lines, toxic ash, or no water or electricity, you may still qualify for ALE (Cal. Ins. Code Section 2060(b)(2))
Because “fair rental value” is subjective, adjusters may underestimate it - especially if they’re out of state.
WHAT YOU NEED
TO KNOW
Send your adjuster 3-4 current rental listings from Zillow or Trulia that match your home in size and features, in a comparable area.
Don't underestimate what "comparable" means. Pick places you'd actually be comfortable staying.
TIP:
Be sure to note whether you are looking for furnished or unfurnished rentals.
Email your adjuster
Copy this email, fill in your details, and send it to your adjuster from your new email account.
We recommend setting up a dedicated email account for recovery communications. Learn more here.
Dear [Adjuster's Name],
My name is [Your Name]. My home at [Your Address] sustained a total loss in the [Fire Name]. My policy number is [Policy Number].
Under California Insurance Code § 2061(a)(1), I am entitled to a four-month advance of Additional Living Expenses based on fair rental value, without requiring receipts.
I am making that request now in writing.
To support fair rental value, I have attached [number] current rental listings in comparable areas that match my home in size and features.
Please confirm receipt of this request and provide the advance amount and payment timeline.
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]