Wildfires & Evacuations: What Your Homeowners Insurance Covers
With wildfires spreading across Colorado, many residents in Pueblo and surrounding communities are facing mandatory evacuation orders. If you’re one of them, first and foremost — please stay safe and follow all official guidance. Once you’re out of harm’s way, you may be wondering: what does my homeowners insurance actually cover during an evacuation?
Here’s what you need to know.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office has expanded mandatory evacuation zones for the Aspen Acres Fire. Read the latest coverage from KKTV.
The 2-Week Civil Authority Window
When a government authority — such as a county sheriff or emergency management office — issues a mandatory evacuation order, your homeowners policy activates what’s known as the Civil Authority clause. This provision is pretty universal across most carriers and typically provides coverage for up to two weeks of living expenses while you’re displaced from your home.
This coverage falls under the “Loss of Use” or “Additional Living Expense” (ALE) portion of your policy. It’s designed to help maintain your normal standard of living while you’re unable to stay in your home.
What Does ALE Cover?
The ALE coverage during a mandatory evacuation typically reimburses you for expenses that go above and beyond your normal day-to-day costs. Here’s what is commonly covered:
Lodging — Hotel stays, short-term rentals, or other temporary housing costs while you cannot return home.
Food — Restaurant meals and grocery costs that exceed what you’d normally spend eating at home.
Animal Boarding — Kennel or pet boarding fees for your dogs, cats, or other animals if you’re unable to keep them with you during the evacuation.
Fuel — Additional gas expenses related to displacement, such as longer commutes from your temporary location.
It’s important to keep all your receipts. Your insurer will typically reimburse you for the difference between your normal living expenses and what you’re spending during the evacuation.
How to File a Claim
If you’re under a mandatory evacuation order, here are the steps to follow:
Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible to report the displacement. Have your policy number ready and let them know you’ve been mandated to evacuate. Document your expenses from day one — save every receipt for lodging, food, fuel, and boarding. Ask your insurer specifically about the Civil Authority or ALE coverage and confirm the time limits and dollar limits under your specific policy. Check whether your policy requires you to choose the “least expensive suitable option” for temporary housing, as some carriers have this requirement.
Important Things to Know
The Civil Authority clause is triggered by a mandatory evacuation order, not a voluntary one. If you chose to leave your home as a precaution but were not ordered to do so, ALE coverage may not apply.
The two-week window is a general guideline — your specific policy may offer more or less coverage. Always refer directly to your policy documents or call your agent to confirm your limits.
ALE coverage does not replace coverage for physical damage to your home or belongings. That falls under your dwelling and personal property coverages, which would be handled separately in the event of fire damage.
We’re Here for You
At Main Street Insurance – Patrick Murakami Agency, our thoughts are with everyone in the Pueblo area and across Colorado impacted by these fires. If you have questions about your coverage, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. We’re here to help you navigate this difficult time and make sure you understand exactly what your policy provides.
Stay safe, Colorado.
