Table of contents

• What happens when I can’t stay in my home after it’s damaged?
• Challenges of temporary accommodation
• 8 ways to cope with home displacement
• Why choose Aligned Corporate Residences for your temporary accommodation
• Temporary accommodation for insurance assessors and loss adjusters

Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, like when your home requires insurance repairs due to isolated events or large-scale natural disasters.

Last year alone, extreme weather events cost Australian insurers more than AU$7 billion, according to the Insurance Council of Australia. That doesn’t include the impact of other damage caused by burst pipes, electrical faults, fallen trees, and more. Whatever the damage, the experience of undergoing home repairs through your insurance company and having to relocate while those repairs are made can be overwhelming.

In this post, we’ll delve into the hurdles that those requiring temporary accommodation may encounter and explore how our expertise in emergency relocation ensures a reassuring and settled experience during this trying period.
Please note that this information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. Check with your insurance company to see what you’re covered for and be sure to refer to your insurance company PDS for more information.

What happens when I can’t stay in my home after it’s damaged?

When your home becomes uninhabitable due to significant damage, it means that the living conditions are no longer safe, functional, or suitable for occupancy. There can be many different causes, such as fire, flooding, structural damage, severe mould infestations, or other catastrophic events. When your home is deemed uninhabitable, you will need to make alternative living arrangements while repairs are made.

Your insurance company can provide you with guidance on what’s covered and help you understand your policy’s provisions when alternate living arrangements are needed. It is recommended that you keep detailed records, take video footage as events are unfolding (if safe to do so), take photos of the damage, and track any expenses related to your temporary housing.

Many home insurance policies include coverage for additional living expenses (ALE) when your home becomes uninhabitable due to a loss covered by your policy. Some insurers may cover and settle the costs incurred for alternative accommodation directly, and others may reimburse you for things like temporary accommodation, meals, and other living expenses. When your policy covers alternate accommodation, some insurers will provide a few different options for you to choose from.

The timeline for repairs can vary widely depending on the assessment process, the extent of the damage, and the availability of materials and contractors. It’s important to maintain communication with those involved in the repair process to get regular updates on progress. This will allow you to plan and be prepared.

Challenges of temporary accommodation

Being uprooted from the comfort of your home and placed in temporary accommodation can be overwhelming. Our residents often grapple with several challenges during this transitional phase.

You may experience delays when dealing with your insurance claim, resulting in an uncertain return-home date. Disrupted routines, and unfamiliar surroundings can amplify feelings of stress and unease, leading you to feel uncomfortable.

Coping with the emotional toll of displacement can leave you feeling disconnected and isolated from your usual support systems, and the loss of your home, property, and valuable items, especially those of sentimental value can leave you feeling a sense of grief.

Amidst the chaos, the longing for the familiarity and warmth of one’s own home and uncertainty around timeframes can further compound emotional stress.

Keep reading for 8 ways to cope with home displacement.

8 ways to cope with home displacement

While there’s no place like home, finding the right temporary accommodation can offer you a welcoming home-away-from-home that aligns with your needs, leaving you feeling comfortable, supported, and reassured.

Here are some important things to consider when searching for temporary accommodation.

1. Personalised Spaces: Look for thoughtfully designed accommodation to reflect your preferences, cultivating a sense of familiarity and personalisation. From furnishings and appliances to decor, your accommodation provider should work with you to recreate the feeling of home.
2. Supportive Community: Look for a provider who fosters a sense of community by bringing together individuals who share similar experiences. They should offer avenues for connection, easing feelings of isolation, and provide a place where you feel like you belong.
3. Homely Amenities: Your temporary lodgings should be equipped with the comforts you treasure at home. Think fully equipped kitchens, cozy living areas, and private bedrooms, allowing you to maintain routines and enjoy home-cooked meals. Laundry facilities, kitchen appliances like microwaves and dishwashers, and items to make you feel at home should be provided.
4. Convenient Location: Look for properties located in convenient proximity to supermarkets, retailers, cafes, restaurants, schools, and civic amenities. A place that provides you easy access to work, loved ones, and if you have children, convenience to childcare, schools, and extracurricular activities. Proximity to pursue your favourite leisure activities, like a morning walk or afternoon run, should be considered too, for example, are nice walking trails or running paths close by.
5. Respecting Your Privacy: Your accommodation provider should recognise the value of privacy and offer accommodation where you can retreat and unwind after a demanding day. Bedrooms that are separated from communal spaces like the kitchen and living areas is important to maintaining that sense of retreat. Your provider should offer the flexibility to request housekeeping service when it’s convenient to you.
6. Compassionate Assistance: Look for a dedicated and experienced team to guide you through the emergency accommodation process and make it a seamless experience. They should offer support and practical aid as you navigate through your insurance claim and home restoration and the challenges that go hand-in-hand with that. Unavoidable delays in repairs can have a significant impact, leading you to experience frustration, anger, uncertainty, and restlessness. As you navigate a wide range of emotions, having the support of a team of people that you can talk to about your situation makes all the difference.
7. Experienced in Insurance Relocations: Look for a provider that is experienced in looking after insurance claim relocations. They should work closely with you to understand the progress of your home repairs to minimise further disruption to your stay, as claims can often take longer than first anticipated.
8. Pet Friendly: Find an accommodation provider that is pet friendly, and who understands how important your pets are to you. They will welcome your pet as warmly as you!

Why choose Aligned Corporate Residences for your temporary accommodation

At Aligned Corporate Residences, we understand the upheaval that individuals and families endure when forced to temporarily leave their cherished homes. Our commitment goes beyond providing mere lodgings – we offer a warm and inviting sanctuary that seamlessly accommodates your needs and preferences.

With a wealth of experience in providing emergency relocation accommodation, we’re well-versed in addressing the unique needs of displaced individuals and their families.

Here’s how the ACR Difference will support you during your time of need:

• Tailored Comfort: Our residences are meticulously designed to align with your lifestyle and preferences, ensuring a smooth transition to your temporary home. We know it’s the personal touches that make a big difference, and understand it’s hard to leave your favourite things behind. Through our concierge service, we uncover what’s important to you, and do what we can to incorporate that into your temporary home.
  Whilst we will organise the little extras to make a difference, if you have special items that are important to you, like family photos, sentimental items, a favourite throw blanket, even your house plants, feel free to bring them with you.
• Home Appliances: Our residences provide you with essential home appliances, like a full-sized fridge, cooktop and oven, microwave, and dishwasher, plus a washer, dryer, and iron. But we don’t stop there, we ensure you have the key appliances you need to feel at home, like a food processor, air fryer, blender, coffee machine, essential oil diffuser, or night light. Whatever you need to make you feel at home, let us know, and we’ll do what we can to make it happen
• Flexible Layouts: From fully furnished residences to modern amenities, choose from Three, Two, and One Bedroom, or Studio apartment layouts to suit your individual or family dynamics. Separate living, dining and sleep zones provide privacy within your home. Our flexible approach allows you to tweak your floor plan to suit your needs, and that includes converting a bedroom to a home office, yoga zone, or nursery. We prioritise your comfort and convenience in every aspect of your stay.
• Community Connection: Our vibrant resident community fosters a sense of belonging, offering opportunities for social interaction and mutual support. Our team helps connect you with local civic amenities and services to further enhance your stay. Our established connections and engagement in the community, including with local schools, businesses, and organisations, help you integrate with ease. We host regular social gatherings to foster connections among our team and our residents, and connect you to local facilities like swimming pools and gyms to ensure your health and well-being is supported.
• Emotional Well-being: Your emotional well-being is our utmost concern during this challenging time. In addition to our hosted resident events, that provide an opportunity to connect with your immediate “village”, you can count on us for compassionate assistance and a welcoming atmosphere. We’re always up for a cuppa and a chat!
• Convenient Locations: Our residences are conveniently located in Australia, in Mackay and Townsville in Northern Queensland, and Kew and Williamstown, suburbs in Melbourne, Victoria. Each location offers easy access to transportation, community amenities, schools, shops, restaurants, parks, and gardens.
• Pet Friendly: We understand that pets are important members of our families, and we know that the experience of moving out of home can be overwhelming for them too. As pet-friendly accommodation providers, we know that pets have their own set of specific needs, and we tailor your family’s accommodation to cater for them too. Whether it be an aroma-diffuser, a scratching post, or directions to the nearest dog park, we’ll help them feel right at home too.

Temporary accommodation for insurance assessors and loss adjusters

In the aftermath of a large-scale disaster, many professionals are involved in assisting in the recovery efforts. Among them are the dedicated insurance assessors and loss adjusters who travel to impacted areas, working tirelessly to help individuals and families rebuild their lives.

Insurance assessors and loss adjusters play a pivotal role in the recovery process after a disaster strikes. They’re often thrust into unfamiliar environments, facing a unique set of challenges, including unpredictable conditions, extended stays away from their own homes and families, isolation, and the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of a disaster, as they assess the damage, process claims, and support homeowners.

At Aligned Corporate Residences, we recognise the challenges met, and the sacrifices these professionals make. Our mission extends to looking after insurance assessors and loss adjusters, supporting them while they complete the critical work they do, so those impacted by disaster and damage can get back into their own homes sooner.

We understand the invaluable work insurance assessors and loss adjusters do, and we’re dedicated to providing a comfortable, homely, supportive environment during their stay.

Conclusion

When faced with unexpected challenges such as natural disasters or accidents that cause damage to your home, it can be difficult to know how to handle the situation. Dealing with insurance claims, finding temporary housing, and managing the emotions that come with it can be overwhelming. It is crucial to have a reliable support system in place to help you navigate through these challenges.

Our team at Aligned Corporate Residences recognise the challenges that individuals and families face in these situations. Our unwavering commitment to aligning our residences with your needs and personal preferences ensures a seamless and comfortable experience. From personalised spaces to a supportive community, we strive to create a temporary haven that truly feels like home while you’re away from yours. With our expertise and dedication, you can rest assured that your well-being and comfort are our primary focus.

Explore our residences to see which Aligned Corporate Residences location suits your needs.

Contact our team to find out more about how we can support you with emergency insurance relocation accommodation.