What Is Coverage D on a Homeowners Policy?

Coverage D on a homeowner’s policy provides reimbursement for additional living expenses after certain events. Read this guide to learn what coverage D covers and more.
Written by Elan Mcafee
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Coverage D on a homeowner’s insurance policy is also known as additional living expenses (ALE) protection.
Usually when damage is done to your home, you're able to easily live around the issue until you are able to either fix the issue or bring in an outside contractor. But occasionally, there may be damage done to your home that are so serious or extensive that it would not be safe for you or your family to stay in the house until those damages are resolved.
But living away from home can be expensive. That's where Coverage D comes in.
Following a qualifying disastrous event, you might have to leave your home while it is made livable property again. If that were to happen, Coverage D alleviates the financial burden of living off premises.

What does Coverage D cover on a homeowners policy?

In the event of sudden disaster resulting in property damage or loss that makes the dwelling uninhabitable, Coverage D on a homeowner’s policy helps to offset the cost of living away from home. This is why Coverage D is also known as loss of use insurance or use coverage; it serves to help when a homeowner loses the use of the home. Some of the things this part of a homeowner’s policy pays for are:
  • Hotel or other rental property
  • Groceries
  • Eating out or takeout (after all, a kitchen may not be available to you during your temporary emergency housing)
  • Fuel costs due to increased commuting
  • Laundromat or cleaners
  • Pet boarding
Essentially, Coverage D can reimburse homeowners displaced from home for the expenses that would not have been incurred had they been able to stay rather than leave.

When does a homeowner qualify for Coverage D?

Not every possible disaster that might make your house uninhabitable for a period of time will qualify you for additional living expenses. An event that will trigger this coverage is known as a "qualifying event" and only when a qualifying event renders a dwelling uninhabitable will Coverage D kick in. Qualifying events vary according to the type of homeowner’s insurance policy you have, but the average basic policy covers 12 situations:
  • Aircraft crashes
  • Civil commotions, or riots
  • Explosions
  • Fallen objects
  • Hail or wind damage
  • Motor vehicle crashes
  • Smoke damage
  • Vandalism
  • Volcanic eruptions
  • Weight of ice or snow
A broad homeowner’s policy has a little more extensive Coverage D. It covers everything that the basic Coverage D on a homeowner’s policy does along with four other situations:
  • Accidental steam or
    water overflow
  • Freezing
  • Sudden bulging, burning, or busting of household systems
  • Sudden damages from artificially generated electrical currents
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

When does a homeowner not qualify for Coverage D?

While it is possible to add riders to your Coverage D insurance to increase protections against disaster, there are also some situations that are unlikely to be covered under any homeowner’s policy. These include but are not limited to:
  • Earthquakes, landslides, or sinkholes
  • Flood or water damage
  • Ice and water pressure
  • Intentional loss
  • Neglect in upkeep, or wear and tear
  • Nuclear damage
  • Pest-related damage
  • Settling of the house
  • War damage
Additional
flood
or earthquake insurance to cover additional living expenses may be available to add to your homeowner’s policy outside of Coverage D, but you are likely out of luck for insurance help in the other situations.
Be sure to check your policy or talk to your agent when purchasing home insurance to make sure you fully understand what your qualifying events will be.

What else you should know about Coverage D on a homeowner’s policy

There is an overall limit to the amount that can be paid on a claim for personal property loss under Coverage D on a homeowner’s policy. This is usually around 20% of your home’s declared value on the policy. So, if your house is valued at $500,000, the overall Coverage D limit is $100,000. That is the maximum amount a homeowner can receive on a claim for additional living expenses in this case.
There is no deductible associated with Coverage D on a homeowner’s policy. So, this portion of your home insurance works differently than dwelling coverage or personal property coverage. The expenses you claim under Coverage D, however, will be assessed if they are reasonable.
You may not want to book a hotel at the Ritz-Carlton while your home is being repaired unless you are prepared to pay for it out of pocket. If you are in doubt of what expenses are considered reasonable, reach out to your insurance agent for clarity.
RECOMMENDED
Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.
avatar
Judith switched to Progressive
icon savingsSaved $725 annually
avatar
Alexander switched to Travelers
icon savingsSaved $834 annually
avatar
Annie switched to Nationwide
icon savingsSaved $668 annually
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings