What is 'Loss of Use' on Your Homeowner's Insurance Policy?
Ray Cogan
There is coverage if you cannot live in your home temporarily.

There are losses to a home that is so catastrophic, that the persons living in the home cannot stay there while the home is being repaired or rebuilt.
That is considered an indirect financial loss. The covered peril (fire, tree falling on home, etc.) was so enormous that the insured(s) can no longer live in the home. They have to relocate to other lodgings until the home is repaired or rebuilt.
In your homeowner’s policy, the loss of use coverage will pay for temporary rentals, storage or moving costs, and other additional living expenses during the time that your home is being repaired or rebuilt. It’s commonly known as additional living expenses (ALE) insurance which is Coverage D. Your homeowner insurer will make payments for the time it takes to repair or rebuild your home, or when you reach your policy’s coverage limit. ***
Here is how the coverage works:
1. If your home has severe damage by a covered loss and you need to stay somewhere else temporarily, loss of use coverage reimburses you for increased living costs during the repair/rebuilding time.
2. Expenses that are covered include hotel/lodging expenses, rentals, restaurant bills, grocery expenses, dry cleaning, and some essential costs.
3. Rental income protection if you’re not able to rent out your property.
4. It is 30% of your policy’s dwelling coverage limit.
The following expenses are covered under the additional living clause in your homeowner’s policy:
1. Hotel stays
2. Temporary rentals
3. Transportation costs
4. Rental cars
5. Additional fuel or mileage expenses
6. Grocery or restaurant bills
7. Dry cleaning costs
8. Storage units
9. Daycare
10. Pet boarding
Those expenses that are excluded under loss of use:
1. Flooding: As mentioned earlier, homeowner’s policies do not cover damage from flooding. Your coverage excludes it if your house becomes uninhabitable due to a flood.
2. Earthquakes: This is also not covered. You would need a separate earthquake policy.
3. Continuing expenses: Mortgage payments, property taxes, utility bills, and other normal, monthly expenses are not covered.
Loss of use coverage is 30% of your home’s insured value, or your dwelling coverage limit. That would be the total limit provided after a covered loss.
If you have questions about your homeowner’s policy,
Lindquist Insurance
can review your coverage with you and make sure your home is fully covered. Call (301) 694-0008 to speak to our experienced and licensed insurance agents for a consultation and quote. We serve the Annapolis, MD, and Frederick, MD areas.
*** For more information about
homeowners
coverage, visit the Insurance Information Institute website.

Whether you're grilling in the backyard in Annapolis or planning a mountain getaway from Frederick, our team is just a phone call or email away. Let’s have that conversation now, so your summer, and every season after, is secure.
Contact us today for an appointment with our experienced insurance specialists.
Serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD

At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup.
We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.

Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .

At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.
Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote.
We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.
Share On: