Consumer advisory: Insurance companies agree to extend ALE coverage for Marshall Fire survivors

NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES
*************************

Responding to the Dec. 11 request from the Colorado Division of Insurance regarding additional living expenses (ALE) coverage for Marshall Fire survivors, homeowners’ insurance companies have agreed to extend coverage for up to 24 months for policyholders that only had 12 months of coverage. ALE coverage provides money for the expenses people have when they can’t live in their home due to a catastrophic event like a fire, but still need a place to live, along with the other necessities of life.

“I am relieved to see these insurance companies giving their policyholders up to 24 months of ALE coverage. For the homeowners that only had 12 months of coverage, I know that these extensions will be a small bit of relief in what continues to be a trying time,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. 

Of the 57 companies responding to the DOI’s request, 47 did not have policyholders with only 12 months of coverage, or did not have policyholders with a total loss. Ten companies had policyholders with 12 months of ALE, and all 10 companies agreed to extend ALE coverage up to 24 months for Marshall Fire survivors who experienced a total loss of their owner-occupied home. 

See the full list of companies and their responses at "Insurance Companies Agree to Extend ALE Coverage for Marshall Fire Survivors."

Below is a breakdown of the 10 companies that had policyholders with 12 months of coverage.

• American Modern Property & Casualty Insurance Co.: Four policyholders
• American Strategic Insurance Corporation: Five policyholders
• Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance Company: Three policyholders
• Hartford Financial Services: Five policyholders
• Homesite Indemnity Company: One policyholder
• Homesite Insurance Company: Three policyholders
• Standard Fire Insurance Company: One policyholder
• State Auto Property & Casualty Insurance Company: Two policyholders
• Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company: 17 policyholders
• Travelers Personal Insurance Company: Eight policyholders

Marshall Fire survivors who lost their home and only had 12 months of ALE coverage and haven’t yet received an extension, should contact their insurance company, agent or adjuster immediately to request the necessary extension, up to 24 months, to allow them to rebuild their homes. If people experience any problems or resistance regarding this request, they should contact the Division of Insurance Consumer Services Team: 303-894-7490 / [email protected] / doi.colorado.gov (click on “File a Complaint”). 

*************************