Does homeowners insurance cover temporary housing?

What is temporary housing coverage?

Loss of use coverage, also known as temporary housing or temporary living expenses coverage, is a common part of standard homeowners insurance policies. To use it, your home must be deemed uninhabitable after a covered loss. It may then help cover expenses related to maintaining a short-term residence.

All of that is up to your policy’s limits. Typically, no deductible applies. Please contact an insurance agent to learn more about limits and deductibles for this coverage, as well as differences and limitations by state.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage

Learn more about how this added coverage offers protection should your appliances, home systems or smart home devices be damaged due to equipment breakdown.

What does loss of use coverage include?

To understand how loss of use coverage benefits you, consider your policy’s covered events and losses.

Covered events

Covered events must be accidental or unexpected events that could deem your home uninhabitable. Examples may include:

Explosion
Fire
Lightning
Tornado
Vandalism
A vehicle colliding with your home
Windstorm

Also, civil authorities will sometimes prohibit people from staying in their homes if hazards like wildfires or landslides are expected. That means you may be able to file a temporary housing claim even when your home isn’t yet damaged. These cases may yield up to two weeks of coverage.

Covered expenses

Temporary housing coverage may help with the following costs, potentially among others:

Increased food expenses, such as eating at restaurants due to lack of access to a kitchen
Laundry
Moving fees
Parking fees
Rates for staying at a hotel or apartment
Storage costs for household items
Transportation costs for increased mileage to home
Utilities

What is not covered by temporary living expense coverage?

Loss of use coverage helps pay for additional living expenses when your home is temporarily uninhabitable. It doesn’t typically cover the following:

Fees associated with canceling your lease or mortgage
Preexisting expenses, such as your wireless bill
Rent or mortgage for your permanent residence

Are You a Renter?

Your renters insurance policy includes loss of use coverage! It's just one more reason why renters insurance is a good idea.

Connect With an Agent

Curious to learn more about temporary living expenses coverage? Your agent can help you better understand how you’re covered and ensure that you’re properly insured. Connect with your American Family Insurance agent today and gain peace of mind you’re protecting what matters most.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.