Ask An Expert

Hi Leigh,

Thank you for your question.

Whether your homeowners insurance would provide Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage for your house sitter in the event of an evacuation depends on the specific language in your policy.

In most homeowners policies, ALE benefits are intended for the named insureds and resident members of the household if a covered loss or mandatory evacuation makes the home temporarily uninhabitable. Whether a house sitter would qualify for those benefits depends on how your policy defines who is covered and the specific facts of the situation.

Relevant factors may include:

How your policy defines an "insured," "resident," or "household member."

Whether your policy provides ALE benefits following a mandatory evacuation order.

The nature and duration of your house sitter’s stay and whether they are considered a resident under your policy.

If your insurer has told you that your house sitter would not be covered, ask them to identify the specific policy language they are relying on. Reviewing that language before an evacuation or loss occurs can help you better understand your coverage and avoid surprises.

You may find these United Policyholders resources helpful:

Survivors Speak: Additional Living Expense (ALE)/Loss of Use

https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-publications/survivors-speak-additional-living-expense-ale-loss-of-use/

Additional Living Expenses Coverage in Homeowners Insurance

https://uphelp.org/additional-living-expenses-coverage-in-homeowners-insurance/

Claim Guidance Library

https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-publications/

If you can obtain the relevant policy language or a written explanation from your insurer, feel free to submit it through Ask an Expert. We’d be happy to help you better understand how your policy may apply.

Best, Lexi