Chapter Overview: Moving & Storage Services During Displacement
When a home becomes uninhabitable due to damage or significant repairs, homeowners may need to relocate temporarily. Moving and storing Personal Property can be an added challenge during this time. Loss of Use / Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage may help cover some of the moving and storage costs associated with displacement, allowing you to protect your belongings and maintain your lifestyle as you await the completion of repairs.
This chapter explores key aspects of moving and storage services, including Moving Companies, Rentals, Packing Materials, and Storage Options.
Why Consider Moving & Storage Services Under ALE?
Protection for Personal Property: Moving and storing your belongings prevents further damage and ensures that valuable items are kept safe during repairs.
Organization During Displacement: Moving and storage services help keep personal property organized and accessible, reducing clutter in temporary accommodations.
Financial Support for Unexpected Costs: ALE may cover some moving and storage costs, reducing the financial burden associated with relocating temporarily.
Types of Moving & Storage Services Covered by ALE
The following articles provide guidance on how to navigate moving and storage expenses covered by Loss of Use / ALE:
Moving Companies
Coverage: ALE may cover the cost of hiring a professional moving company to transport your belongings from your home to temporary accommodations or storage. This includes packing, loading, transportation, and unloading services.
Considerations: Keep records of quotes, invoices, and any additional services required, such as special handling for fragile items. Some ALE policies limit coverage to basic moving costs, so confirm specifics with your insurer.
Examples: If hiring a moving company costs $500 for packing and transporting your belongings, ALE may reimburse this Expense as part of your displacement costs.
Rentals
Coverage: ALE can cover the cost of rental equipment, such as moving trucks, dollies, or crates, if you choose a DIY moving approach. Rental costs for tools or equipment needed to disassemble or secure property may also be eligible.
Considerations: Document rental costs and retain receipts. ALE typically covers the cost difference if renting equipment due to displacement is more than you’d usually spend.
Examples: If renting a Moving Truck and equipment costs $150, ALE may cover these expenses if temporary relocation is necessary.
Packing Materials
Coverage: ALE may cover the cost of essential packing materials, such as boxes, packing paper, Bubble Wrap, and tape, to ensure your belongings are packed securely for the move or for storage.
Considerations: Keep receipts for packing materials, as insurers often require proof of purchase for reimbursement. ALE typically covers materials that ensure the safe transportation or storage of personal property.
Examples: If packing materials cost $75, ALE can reimburse these expenses as part of the temporary relocation process.
Storage Options
Coverage: ALE may cover the cost of renting a storage unit to keep your belongings secure while your home undergoes repairs. This includes monthly rental fees and may cover additional insurance on stored items if needed.
Considerations: Confirm with your insurer if there are limits on storage duration or unit size. Save all rental receipts, and, if required, document the items stored for insurance records.
Examples: If a storage unit rental costs $100 per month, ALE may cover this fee during the period of displacement.
Steps to Documenting and Claiming Moving & Storage Costs Under ALE
Review Your Insurance Policy:
Understand ALE Coverage for Moving & Storage: ALE often has specific limits or restrictions for moving and storage expenses. Review your policy to understand what’s covered and any limitations on duration or size of storage.
Confirm Eligible Services and Materials: Discuss eligible moving services, rental options, and storage with your claims adjuster. Verify coverage for items like specialty movers, climate-controlled storage, or additional insurance on stored property.
Track and Document All Moving & Storage Expenses:
Record Costs and Rental Agreements: Gather records for all services, including moving quotes, rental agreements, and storage unit receipts. Many insurers require evidence of expenses to validate ALE claims.
Save Receipts for Packing Materials: Keep detailed receipts for packing supplies and any rental items needed to pack and transport property on Loti. ALE reimbursement often requires proof of purchase for these materials.
Submit Claims for Reimbursement:
File Separate Claims for Each Category of Service: Use Loti’s automated Submissions for moving services, rentals, packing materials, and storage fees, including supporting documentation.
Include Past and New Costs if Applicable: Document any regular storage costs or transportation expenses you had prior to displacement to clarify additional needs with your insurer.
Additional Tips for Managing Moving & Storage During Displacement
Plan for Storage Needs in Advance: Assess which belongings need to be moved to temporary accommodations and what can be stored. This helps optimize storage space and avoid unnecessary costs.
Choose Cost-Effective Moving Options: If ALE limits your moving budget, consider a hybrid approach using both professional movers and DIY options. Rental trucks and moving equipment are often more cost-effective for smaller moves.
Use Durable Packing Materials: Invest in high-quality packing materials for fragile or valuable items. This minimizes the risk of damage during transit or storage and ensures that items remain safe throughout the displacement period.
Communicate with Your Insurer Regularly: Notify your claims adjuster if your storage needs or moving costs change, such as if repairs extend beyond the expected timeline. Clear communication helps ensure continuous ALE coverage and avoids unexpected expenses.
Understanding Reimbursement and Next Steps
Submit Detailed Expense Reports: Using Loti, provide itemized receipts and supporting documentation for all moving and storage expenses. Include rental agreements and packing material receipts to your insurer.
Monitor Your Claims: Keep in regular contact with your insurance provider to track the status of ALE claims. Insurers often assign representatives to assist with ALE claims and provide guidance on coverage specifics.
Prepare for Extended Storage Needs: If repairs take longer than expected, discuss extending storage coverage with your insurer to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
Learn More
Moving and storage services are essential when living in temporary accommodations during home repairs. By understanding your ALE coverage, tracking moving and storage expenses, and maintaining communication with your insurer, you can ensure smooth reimbursement and minimize financial stress during this challenging time.
Whether it’s covering moving companies, equipment rentals, packing materials, or storage units, ALE provides critical support for keeping your belongings safe while you await your home’s return to livable conditions. As usual, this chapter goes into each of the above areas with greater detail. Let’s move in…