Moving Companies: Managing and Claiming Moving Expenses Under ALE Coverage
When a home becomes uninhabitable due to damage or significant repairs, relocating to temporary accommodations is often necessary. Moving your personal belongings can be a daunting task, but professional moving companies can help ease the burden. Loss of Use / Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage may help cover the costs associated with hiring a moving company, reducing the financial strain during displacement.
This article explores what ALE covers for moving company expenses, how to document and claim these costs, and tips for managing a professional move during your temporary relocation.
Why Consider Moving Companies Under ALE?
Professional Assistance: Hiring a moving company provides reliable, professional support for safely transporting belongings to temporary housing or storage.
Reduced Stress: Movers can handle packing, loading, transportation, and unloading, allowing you to focus on managing other aspects of your temporary relocation.
Financial Support for Moving Costs: ALE can cover moving company expenses, reducing out-of-pocket costs and ensuring that your transition to temporary accommodations is as smooth as possible.
Types of Moving Company Services Covered by ALE
Packing and Unpacking Services:
Coverage: ALE may cover the cost of packing and unpacking services, where movers professionally pack your belongings, load them onto the truck, and then unpack at the destination.
Considerations: Keep records of the types of items packed and any special handling needed for fragile or valuable items. Ensure you save the Invoice for these services as ALE typically requires detailed documentation for reimbursement.
Examples: If packing and unpacking services cost $200, ALE may reimburse this Expense as part of the moving process.
Transportation Services:
Coverage: ALE can cover the cost of transporting your belongings from your home to temporary accommodations or a storage facility. This includes mileage, fuel, and any fees associated with the Moving Truck or equipment.
Considerations: Obtain a quote for transportation costs upfront and save the final invoice, as some policies have limits on transportation expenses. Be sure to clarify with your insurer if there are any mileage caps.
Examples: If transporting your items to a temporary residence costs $300, ALE can reimburse this expense.
Loading and Unloading Services:
Coverage: Moving companies often include loading and unloading as part of their service package. ALE may cover these expenses, as they are necessary for safely moving personal belongings during displacement.
Considerations: Discuss with your moving company if loading and unloading fees are separate or bundled into the overall moving cost. Retain a copy of the invoice showing this breakdown on Loti, if available.
Examples: If loading and unloading services cost $100, ALE may cover these fees.
Specialty Services for High-Value or Fragile Items:
Coverage: ALE may cover additional fees for handling fragile, oversized, or high-value items, such as pianos, artwork, or electronics, if these items require special handling or packaging.
Considerations: Inform your insurer if you have high-value items that require specialty services. Some ALE policies may have restrictions on covering these extra costs, so clarify specifics with your adjuster.
Examples: If moving a piano or antique furniture incurs an additional $150 fee, ALE may cover this cost if deemed necessary for safe transport.
Steps to Documenting and Claiming Moving Company Expenses Under ALE
Review Your Insurance Policy:
Understand ALE Coverage for Moving Costs: ALE policies often have specific limits or requirements for moving expenses. Review your policy to determine the extent of coverage and any limitations on total moving costs.
Confirm Eligible Moving Services: Discuss eligible services with your claims adjuster. Some policies may limit coverage to basic moving services, so verify if specialty handling or additional fees are covered.
Obtain and Document Moving Quotes:
Get Multiple Quotes if Possible: To ensure you’re receiving a fair price, obtain quotes / estimates from multiple moving companies and store on Loti. This also helps you estimate costs within ALE limits.
Save Detailed Invoices and Contracts: Keep copies of the moving company’s invoice, contract, and any additional documentation provided. These documents are essential for filing an ALE claim.
Submit Claims for Reimbursement:
File a Claim with Supporting Documentation: Submit a copy of the moving company’s final invoice, along with a breakdown of costs, to your insurer via Loti’s automated Submissions. If additional services were required, provide supporting documentation explaining why these were necessary.
Include Details on Usual vs. New Costs: Document any usual moving expenses you might have (if any) to highlight the increase caused by the temporary displacement. This helps clarify the necessity for ALE coverage.
Additional Tips for Managing Moving Companies During Displacement
Choose a Reputable Moving Company: Look for companies with positive reviews, proper licensing, and a reputation for reliable service. Companies accredited by organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or Better Business Bureau (BBB) are generally reliable.
Discuss Moving Insurance Options: Most moving companies offer valuation coverage, which protects against loss or damage to items. Confirm with the company what’s covered and whether additional insurance is advisable for high-value or fragile items.
Use a Full-Service Option if ALE Coverage Allows: If your policy includes coverage for full-service moving, consider taking advantage of packing, loading, and unpacking services. This can reduce the time and effort required for your transition.
Communicate with Your Insurer Regularly: Inform your claims adjuster if your moving needs change, such as if you have to relocate to a second temporary location or require storage. Clear communication ensures smooth ALE coverage and avoids unexpected expenses.
Understanding Reimbursement and Next Steps
Submit Detailed Expense Reports: Provide itemized receipts and supporting documentation for all moving expenses through Loti. Include the moving company’s invoice and any extra costs related to specialty services.
Monitor Your Claims: Stay in touch with your insurance provider to track the status of ALE claims. Many insurers assign representatives to assist with ALE claims and provide guidance on moving expense coverage.
Plan for Additional Moving Needs: If repairs take longer than expected or you need to move items a second time, discuss extending ALE coverage with your insurer to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
Wrap-Up
Hiring a moving company can simplify the process of relocating to temporary accommodations during home repairs. By understanding your ALE coverage, tracking moving expenses, and maintaining communication with your insurer, you can ensure smooth reimbursement and minimize financial stress during this challenging time.
Whether it’s covering basic moving services or specialty handling for high-value items, ALE provides essential support to protect your belongings and make the transition as seamless as possible.