What Is Alternative Accommodation Cover?
Alternative Accommodation cover -- sometimes called 'Loss of Use' cover -- is a section of your buildings insurance policy that covers the cost of temporary accommodation when your home is uninhabitable following an insured event. It's included as standard in most UK home insurance policies, though the specific terms and limits vary between insurers.
When Does It Apply?
Alternative Accommodation cover applies when your home -- or a significant part of it -- is rendered uninhabitable by an insured event. Common triggers include:
- Fire damage -- including smoke and water damage from firefighting
- Flood damage -- from external flooding or internal escape of water
- Escape of water -- burst pipes, leaking appliances, or failed plumbing
- Storm damage -- structural damage that makes the property unsafe
- Subsidence -- in some policies
The cover does not apply to planned renovations or voluntary works -- it's specifically for situations where you're forced out of your home by an unexpected insured event.
Does It Cover Temporary Kitchen and Bathroom Pods?
This is the question most homeowners don't think to ask -- and the answer is often yes. If your kitchen or bathroom is rendered unusable by an insured event, the cost of a temporary pod to replace those facilities typically falls within the scope of Alternative Accommodation cover.
The key argument is straightforward: the purpose of Alternative Accommodation cover is to ensure you have access to essential living facilities during reinstatement. A temporary kitchen or bathroom pod provides those facilities while allowing you to remain in your home -- which is generally preferable to hotel accommodation for both you and your insurer.
How Much Does Alternative Accommodation Cover Pay?
Most policies set a limit on Alternative Accommodation cover, either as a fixed sum (typically £25,000-£50,000) or as a percentage of the sum insured (typically 20-30%). The cover usually applies for the duration of the reinstatement works, up to the policy limit.
It's important to check your specific policy documents to understand your limits. If you're unsure, your loss adjuster will be able to confirm what your policy covers.
How to Claim Alternative Accommodation Cover
The process for claiming Alternative Accommodation cover is straightforward:
- Notify your insurer of the insured event and confirm that you require alternative accommodation
- Ask for a loss adjuster to be appointed (for significant claims)
- Request a temporary kitchen or bathroom pod specifically -- ask your loss adjuster to contact FlexiPod Solutions
- We provide a formal quote and, once authorised, arrange delivery and installation
For a detailed step-by-step guide, see our article: How to Request a Temporary Kitchen Through Your Insurance Claim.
What If My Insurer Offers a Hotel Instead?
Some insurers will default to offering hotel accommodation rather than a temporary pod. If this happens, you're entitled to request a pod instead -- particularly if staying in your own home is your preference and the pod cost is comparable to or lower than the hotel cost.
A temporary pod is often the more cost-effective option for insurers, particularly for multi-week reinstatement projects. If your insurer is resistant, ask them to compare the total cost of hotel accommodation against the pod hire cost over the expected reinstatement period.