A hotel or B&B
Often used for the first few nights while longer-term options are found.
Advice centre
Alternative accommodation after a fire or flood
If fire, flood or a major leak leaves your home unfit to live in, your policy may pay for somewhere else to stay. Here's how it usually works.
Your cover
What your policy may pay for
Most home insurance policies include cover for alternative accommodation if your home can't be lived in after an insured event. It's often found under the buildings section, the contents section, or both.
There's usually a limit. It may be a fixed amount or a percentage of your sum insured, so check your policy schedule and wording.
The aim is to put you in similar accommodation to what you had, close enough for work and school, for as long as the repairs reasonably take.
Types of accommodation
A rented house or flat
Usually the best option for longer repairs, especially for families.
Serviced apartments
Useful when you need somewhere furnished at short notice.
A caravan or mobile home
Sometimes placed on your own property so you can stay close by.
Pets and animals
Some policies include kennel or cattery costs. Check what yours says.
Extra costs
Such as additional travel or storage. Your insurer may deduct costs you no longer pay, like some household bills.
Step by step
How to protect your claim
Getting this right early makes a big difference to your family.
- Tell your insurer straight awayExplain that the property can't be lived in and ask about alternative accommodation.
- Agree it before you commitGet the insurer's agreement before signing a tenancy or booking anything long-term.
- Think about your needsSchool runs, work, health, pets and anyone with mobility needs should all be considered.
- Keep every receiptRecord any extra costs, such as fuel, laundry, meals out or storage.
- Plan for the long termDrying and rebuilding can take months. Make sure the arrangement can be extended if needed.
- Get helpA loss assessor can arrange and negotiate the accommodation for you.
Landlords and tenants
If you're a landlord, your tenant's alternative accommodation is usually their responsibility, often through their own contents insurance. Your own policy may include loss of rent cover for the rent you lose while the property can't be let.
If you're a tenant, check your contents policy. Your landlord's buildings insurance doesn't usually cover your belongings or where you stay.
FAQs
See all FAQs
Common questions
Will my home insurance pay for a hotel?
If your home can't be lived in after an insured event, most policies will pay for reasonable alternative accommodation, which can include a hotel for the first few nights. There's usually a limit, so check your policy.
How long will alternative accommodation be paid for?
Usually for as long as it reasonably takes to make your home habitable again, up to the policy limit. After a major fire or flood, that can be several months.
Do I have to use the accommodation my insurer suggests?
It has to be suitable for your household. If what's offered doesn't meet your needs, for example it's too far from school or work, raise it with your insurer. We can negotiate this for you.
Can you arrange accommodation for me?
Yes. If you appoint us early, we can arrange alternative accommodation where it's needed and deal with your insurer about the cost.
Keep reading
All guides
More from our advice centre
What to do after a fireA step-by-step checklist for the first hours and days after a fire, and the mistakes to avoid.
What to do after a flood or leakHow to stay safe, limit the damage and protect your claim after flood or escape of water.
How long does an insurance claim take?The stages of a property claim, what slows it down and how to keep yours moving.
Need help with your claim?
Speak to an experienced loss assessor for free, no-obligation advice. No win, no fee.
Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.