TDI on Additional Living Expenses: Receipts and Limits

Additional living expenses are not automatic—and receipts matter

If storm or other covered damage forces you out of your East Texas home while repairs run, Texas Department of Insurance guidance on additional living expenses (ALE) explains what those dollars are for: the extra rent, food, laundry, hotel, or temporary housing costs you would not have if you were still living in the house.

TDI notes most policies pay ALE up to roughly 10–20% of the dwelling coverage amount (check your declarations page), often for up to 12 months or until that limit is used. Save all receipts. If you burn the limit before repairs finish, remaining costs can fall on you.

Coverage only follows a covered reason to leave

Per TDI: policies generally cover ALE when you cannot stay because of damage from a covered peril. Example given: a tornado damages the house and your policy covers tornadoes. Leaving because of a power outage alone—with no covered damage to the home—typically does not trigger ALE.

Flood and wind rules are separate: many standard homeowners policies do not cover flood, and NFIP flood policies do not pay ALE. Coastal / TWIA wind situations need a direct ask of your agent about whether ALE is included.

Pair ALE with temporary-repair discipline

TDI’s storm recovery tips and homeowners claim filing guide still apply beside ALE: photograph damage, make temporary repairs only to prevent further loss, keep receipts, and do not throw damaged materials until the adjuster says so. Be present for the inspection when you can.

East Texas Roof Quotes passes each quote request to one local roofer. It doesn’t handle insurance claims, and this article doesn’t invent coverage that is not in the policy.

Takeaway: Ask early whether ALE applies, watch the limit, and keep every receipt. Temporary weatherproofing is not the same as permanent repairs—and power outages alone usually do not open the ALE checkbook.

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