• Will Insurance Pay for the Minibar?

  • Dec 10 2024
  • Length: 21 mins
  • Podcast

Will Insurance Pay for the Minibar?

  • Summary

  • The named insured's home underwent a total loss. The insured wants coverage for a place to stay while his home is being rebuilt. The insured wants to know the scope of Loss of Use coverage, and exactly how many bags of M&Ms he can snag from the minibar.

    Notable Timestamps

    [ 00:25 ] - The insured also lives with his girlfriend, which may come into play later.

    [ 01:00 ] - Are minibars even a thing anymore?

    [ 02:23 ] - ALE is triggered when the insured premises is unfit to live in, and applies to any necessary increase in living expenses incurred to maintain its normal standard of living.

    [ 03:50 ] - “Expenses” could include house rental, meals, drink, tips, transportation, heating, lighting, laundry, etc., but the insured must be able to show an increase in expenses.

    [ 04:37 ] - ALE is not intended to cover a shortfall in personal property coverage.

    [ 05:30 ] - ALE is analogous to Extra Expense under commercial policies, but Extra Expense can be more expansive.

    [ 06:40 ] - Is alcohol a daily expense? ALE can include laundry, restaurants and tips, etc. if it can be shown the expense is more than normal.

    [ 07:40 ] - The live-in girlfriend would be considered a member of his household, but ALE only applies to the insured's additional expenses.

    [ 09:30 ] - In 2022, ISO added some language to allow ALE to cover expenses by residents of the household who are relatives or dependents.

    [ 10:55 ] - The girlfriend may have to prove her residency.

    [ 12:10 ] - ALE only applies when there is a covered cause of loss.

    [ 13:10 ] - If the home is only partially fit to live in, an insured can still incur ALE. If the kitchen is uninhabitable, ALE may cover restaurants.

    [ 14:30 ] - If a guest's visit was planned pre-loss, the insured's expenses for the guest may be covered.

    [ 16:30 ] - Pet boarding expenses are also likely included in ALE expenses.

    [ 17:35 ] - John provides a recap of the scenario and the points above.

    Your PLRB Resources

    PLRB, Homeowners Annot. Key HO37 - https://www.plrb.org/legacy-documents?DN=77

    Adjuster Resource Sheet: ALE Claims - https://www.plrb.org/documents/adjuster-resource-sheet-ale-claims/

    ALE or FRV: Insured Decides to Stay on Premises in Cottage But Loses Rent from Current Tenants - PCQ.2024.03.22.slc.a - https://www.plrb.org/documents/ale-or-frv-insured-decides-to-stay-on-premises-in-cottage-but-loses-rent-from-current-tenants-pcq-2024-03-22-slc-a/

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    Legal Information

    The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

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