In 2026, as wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, “Mandatory Evacuation” is a term every driver must understand. While most people look to their homeowners insurance for displacement costs, your auto policy plays a surprising role in your financial survival during a fire.
The “Additional Living Expense” (ALE) Myth
- Home vs. Auto: Standard auto insurance does not pay for your hotel or meals during an evacuation. That coverage (ALE) lives exclusively in your homeowners or renters policy.
- The “Comprehensive” Exception: If your vehicle is damaged by heat, smoke, or ash during the evacuation, your auto policy’s Comprehensive coverage kicks in. In 2026, many “safer-from-wildfire” laws now require insurers to provide an advance payment for vehicle repairs or replacement within 30 days of a declared disaster to help you stay mobile.
- The 2026 Survival Tip: Keep all receipts for fuel and car rentals during an evacuation. If your car is rendered undrivable due to the fire, your auto insurer may reimburse transportation costs under a Loss of Use rider, even if your home remains untouched.
