If water damage makes the kitchen or bathroom unusable, will insurance pay for somewhere else to stay?

Ask your insurer whether this covered loss qualifies for additional living expense or loss-of-use coverage. Explain which rooms and essential services cannot be used, and request the accommodation budget, approval process and time limits in writing. This coverage generally concerns necessary extra costs above normal living expenses, not every household bill. Keep lodging, meal and other expense receipts, including any advance payment records. A contractor can describe the work and access restrictions, but cannot promise that the insurer will reimburse a particular hotel or stay.