Insurance RV Housing: Temporary Accommodations After Disasters

When fire, flood, or other covered disasters make your home uninhabitable, your homeowners insurance doesn't just cover repairs—it also pays for temporary housing through Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage. Many homeowners don't realize that ALE can cover RV rentals, which often provides a better experience than cramped hotel rooms during what may be months of displacement.

Understanding ALE Coverage

Additional Living Expense (ALE), sometimes called Loss of Use coverage, is a standard component of homeowners insurance policies. It's designed to maintain your standard of living when you can't live in your home.

What ALE Covers

• Housing costs: Hotels, rental homes, apartments, and RVs
• Food expenses: Increased food costs (restaurant meals if no kitchen)
• Transportation: Additional commute costs from temporary location
• Storage: Temporary storage for belongings
• Other necessities: Reasonable additional expenses

Key Principle: Incremental Costs

Why RVs for Insurance Housing?

RVs offer advantages over hotels for insurance-covered temporary housing. Understanding the different types of RVs available helps you choose the right option for your family's needs.

• Full kitchen: Prepare normal meals, reducing food expenses
• Privacy: Your own space, not a hotel room
• Pet-friendly: Keep your pets with you
• Stay nearby: Park on your property or close to your neighborhood
• Family space: Room for everyone, not multiple hotel rooms
• Stability: Same space throughout repairs, not hotel availability issues

Cost Comparison

"Many families don't realize their homeowners insurance can cover RV housing—often more cost-effectively than hotels. We've helped hundreds of displaced families navigate the ALE process and get into comfortable temporary housing within days of filing their claims."

— Sarah Chen, Client Success Manager, EventFleetRV

How to Use ALE for RV Housing

Step 1: Document the Damage

• Photograph all damage thoroughly
• Video walkthrough of affected areas
• Save any receipts for immediate expenses
• Get written statement of uninhabitability if possible

Step 2: File Your Claim Promptly

• Contact your insurance company immediately
• Report the loss and request ALE coverage
• Get your adjuster's contact information
• Ask about ALE limits and requirements

Step 3: Get Approval Before Renting

Step 4: Rent the RV

• Select appropriate size for your family
• Confirm rental terms and duration
• Arrange delivery and setup
• Keep all rental agreements and receipts

Step 5: Submit Expenses

• Submit receipts according to adjuster instructions
• Document all ALE-related expenses
• Keep copies of everything submitted
• Track reimbursements received

ALE Coverage Limits

Common Policy Structures

• Percentage of dwelling: 20-30% of your home's insured value
• Specific dollar limit: Named amount (e.g., $50,000)
• Time limit: Coverage for 12-24 months typically
• Daily/monthly caps: Some policies limit daily or monthly spending

Example Coverage Calculation

For detailed guidance on managing RV housing during disasters, see our comprehensive disaster relief RV rental guide.

RV Placement Options

Your Own Property

• Pros: Stay home, monitor repairs, no lot rent
• Cons: Need utilities, may need permits
• Requirements: Level spot, power, water access

RV Park

• Pros: Full hookups, amenities, easy
• Cons: Monthly lot rent, may not be near home
• Cost: $500-1,500/month lot rent (often covered by ALE)

Family Property

• Pros: Support network, often free placement
• Cons: May need temporary utility setup
• Considerations: Local zoning rules for temporary RVs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowners insurance cover RV rental after a disaster?

Yes, most homeowners insurance policies include Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage that can pay for temporary housing including RV rentals when your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss like fire, hurricane, or other disaster.

What is ALE coverage and how does it apply to RVs?

ALE (Additional Living Expense) coverage reimburses you for temporary housing costs that exceed your normal living expenses when your home is uninhabitable. This includes RV rentals, delivery fees, setup costs, and related utilities.

How much ALE coverage do I have for RV housing?

ALE coverage limits vary by policy—typically 20-30% of your dwelling coverage or a specific dollar amount. Some policies have daily limits. Review your policy or contact your agent to understand your specific coverage limits.

How do I get insurance to pay for RV housing?

Document the damage to your home, file a claim promptly, get written approval from your adjuster before renting, keep all receipts and rental agreements, and submit expenses according to your insurer instructions.

Working with RV Providers

What to Ask

• Experience with insurance-covered rentals
• Flexible rental terms for uncertain timelines
• Delivery and setup services
• Proper documentation for insurance claims
• Servicing and support during rental period

Documentation Needed

• Detailed rental agreement with dates and costs
• Itemized invoices (rental, delivery, setup)
• Proof of payment (credit card statements, checks)
• Photos of RV and setup

Tips for Maximizing ALE Benefits

• ☑️ Review your policy before disaster strikes
• ☑️ Document everything from day one
• ☑️ Communicate regularly with your adjuster
• ☑️ Get pre-approval for major expenses
• ☑️ Keep all receipts organized
• ☑️ Understand your coverage limits
• ☑️ Ask about coverage extensions if needed

We Work with Insurance Companies

Navigating insurance claims during a disaster is stressful. We have experience working with insurance companies on ALE-covered RV rentals and can help ensure you have the proper documentation. Our team understands the urgency of displacement situations and can coordinate rapid RV delivery while you work through the claims process.