Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Insurance Claims
Living in Louisiana means facing hurricane season year after year. While many homeowners review their wind and flood coverage in advance, renters often assume their personal belongings are automatically protected under their landlord’s insurance. Unfortunately, that’s a common misconception.
If you’re renting in New Orleans or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, it’s essential to understand precisely what your renter’s insurance covers—and what it doesn’t. Without the right coverage, you could be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses after a storm damages your property. Knowing the limits of your policy can help you prepare and avoid unexpected financial stress.
Why Renters Need to Understand Hurricane Coverage
Louisiana has experienced some of the strongest hurricanes in the country, from Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Ida. With more frequent storms hitting coastal cities, renters must know how well they’re protected.
Many people assume that the landlord’s insurance covers all storm-related damage. In reality, that policy only protects the building—not your personal belongings or the costs of relocating after a storm.
Knowing how your renter’s insurance works can help you make better decisions before the next hurricane hits.
What Renters Insurance Typically Covers
Most standard renters insurance policies protect your belongings from specific events listed in the policy. These are called “named perils.” Wind damage, hail, and fire caused by lightning are usually included.
Renters insurance may also include personal liability coverage and reimbursement for additional living expenses if your apartment becomes uninhabitable.
Policies can vary, so it’s essential to review the terms. Some policies may cover damage from rain that enters through a broken window but not flooding caused by rising water.
Renters insurance policies generally exclude damage from flooding, even if it results from a hurricane. To be protected, renters must purchase separate flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
What Renters Insurance Doesn’t Cover During a Hurricane
One of the biggest misconceptions is that renters insurance automatically covers flood damage. Flooding is usually not included. That means if rising water from a hurricane damages your personal property, your renter’s insurance won’t cover it unless you have a separate flood policy.
Another issue is that insurance companies may impose “binding restrictions” when a storm is forecasted to hit. This means you can’t buy or upgrade your coverage once a hurricane enters the Gulf.
Insurance companies can invoke a binding restriction, preventing new or upgraded policies from being issued once a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico—meaning last-minute policy changes may be denied.
Named storm deductibles are also significant. These deductibles are usually higher and only apply when a named hurricane or tropical storm causes the damage.
Named storm deductibles in Louisiana are often higher than standard deductibles and only apply when damage is caused by a storm officially named by the National Weather Service or NOAA.
Optional Coverage and Government Support
To stay protected, renters should consider adding more coverage. Many private insurers allow policyholders to add riders for windstorm or hurricane damage. But even with added protection, flooding is almost always excluded from private insurance plans.
You can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which FEMA administers. This coverage is beneficial for renters living in flood-prone areas, including many parts of New Orleans.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than half of renters in hurricane-prone areas incorrectly believe their insurance includes flood coverage—when, in fact, it does not.
Some policies also offer Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, which can cover food and temporary housing costs if you have to move following a storm.
Louisiana Laws That Affect Renters Insurance
Louisiana has unique insurance rules and tenant protections that impact renters after a natural disaster. One key law renters should know is:
Louisiana Civil Code Article 2715 allows tenants to terminate leases early if the property becomes uninhabitable after a natural disaster, including hurricanes.
This means you may not be stuck in a lease if your rental unit is no longer safe or livable. Renters should also know how damage is classified. Insurance companies investigate whether the damage was caused by wind, flood, or negligence. Sometimes, disputes arise over whether damage was wind-driven rain (which may be covered) or flooding (which may not be).
Comparison of Coverage: Renters Insurance vs. Flood Insurance
| Damage Type | Renters Insurance | NFIP Flood Insurance |
| Wind Damage | Usually Covered | Not Covered |
| Rain Through Broken Window | Covered | Not Covered |
| Flooding from Rising Water | Not Covered | Covered |
| Mold from Flood | Not Covered | Covered (with limits) |
| Temporary Housing (ALE) | Covered (limits) | Not Covered |
| Personal Property Replacement | Covered | Covered |
| Policy Source | Private Insurer | FEMA/NFIP |
FAQs
Does renters insurance cover hurricane-related damage in Louisiana?
Renters insurance typically covers damage from wind, hail, or lightning during a hurricane. However, it usually excludes flooding unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.
Can I buy renters insurance right before a hurricane?
Possibly not. Once a storm is named and enters the Gulf, insurers may enforce binding restrictions preventing new policies or changes. It’s essential to plan ahead of storm season.
What’s the difference between flood and water damage in a policy?
Water damage usually refers to internal sources (like plumbing leaks), while flood damage refers to rising external water, which is excluded unless you carry NFIP flood coverage.
What documentation helps support a renters insurance claim after a storm?
Photos of the property, receipts, pre-storm video walkthroughs, and any written appraisals can help establish the value and condition of damaged belongings.
Are my hotel expenses covered if I can’t stay in my rental after a hurricane?
Some renter’s policies include coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE), which may reimburse you for short-term lodging if a covered peril renders your unit unusable.
What legal options do renters have if the landlord fails to repair storm-damaged property?
Under Louisiana law, if a rental becomes uninhabitable, renters may have the right to terminate the lease or demand timely repairs. If the landlord refuses, legal action may be necessary.
Conclusion
Renters in Louisiana face real risks every hurricane season. A standard renter’s insurance policy may provide some protection, but it is not enough. If you don’t have flood insurance or understand your policy’s exclusions, you could be left paying for damages out of pocket.
Review your policy carefully, speak with your insurer about add-ons, and understand your legal rights as a tenant. If you experience insurance denial or need help after a storm, make an appointment for a free consultation with Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm right now to find out how they can support your future.
Categories
In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
