Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses (ALAE) are expenses associated with a specific insurance claim. They are the estimated cost an insurance company will pay to investigate, settle, and adjudicate a claim. ALAE are part of a larger category of expenses known as unallocated loss adjustment expenses (ULAE). Unallocated expenses are more general, including overhead, investigations, and salaries.

ALAE are allocated to reimburse for direct costs that are unique to each claim. Examples of such expenses include the cost of appraisals, legal fees, witness fees, and consultants. These expenses are associated with specific claims and vary depending on the individual circumstances, making it difficult to assign an exact cost to each claim. Instead, insurance companies use a calculation to develop an estimate of what they will pay out, in total, during the process of settling a claim.

Allocated loss adjustment expenses can vary greatly depending on the type and size of claim. Smaller, more straightforward claims are typically the easiest to investigate, settle and adjudicate and often require less ALAE. However, larger and more complex claims can take years to settle, and will require more ALAE in order to cover all costs associated with the investigation and settlement.

In addition to being important for insurance companies and policyholders, ALAE also play an important role in the financial reporting of insurance companies. By accurately accounting for costs associated with each claim, insurance companies can keep track of their overall net expense and better anticipate future costs.

Overall, allocated loss adjustment expenses are an essential part of any successful insurance company. By having accurate estimates of expenses associated with each claim, insurance companies are able to manage their budget and ensure their financial success.