Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
Hurricane season may feel far away during the winter months, but this is actually the perfect time to prepare. While the weather is calm, Louisiana homeowners and renters have a valuable opportunity to check insurance policies, update coverage, and make sure they’re protected before the storms roll in.
Many people think of hurricane prep as boarding windows or stocking up on batteries, but it should begin with a closer look at your insurance. Here’s how to use the winter season to get ahead of hurricane risks and avoid surprises when it’s time to file a claim.
Review Your Home Inventory First
Start your winter prep by updating your home inventory. A clear record of your belongings—including photos, receipts, and values—can make filing a claim much easier. Be sure to include new purchases and compare your inventory to your policy limits to confirm you’re fully covered.
Understand What Your Policy Covers and What It Doesn’t
Many homeowners assume they’re covered for all storm-related damage, but that’s not always the case. In Louisiana, flood damage—especially from storm surges—is almost never included in a standard homeowners policy. You need a separate policy, usually from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), to cover this risk.
You also need to check whether your policy covers windstorm damage. Some policies require an extra rider for wind or offer only limited coverage.
Take a close look at your deductible, too. Hurricane deductibles work differently. Instead of a flat amount, it might be a percentage of your home’s insured value.
Your hurricane deductible could be a flat dollar amount or a percentage of your home’s insured value—often 2% to 5%. Make sure you understand what that means for your out-of-pocket costs.
Types of Insurance to Consider Before Hurricane Season
Different properties and households need different levels of protection. Beyond homeowners or renters insurance, here are other types of coverage that may apply in Louisiana:
Table: Comparison of Common Hurricane-Related Insurance Policies
|
Insurance Type |
What It Covers |
Typically Included in Homeowners Policy? |
| Homeowners Insurance | Structural damage (limited), personal property | Yes, but may exclude hurricane-specific perils |
| Flood Insurance (NFIP) | Rising water, storm surge, flooding | No |
| Windstorm Coverage | Wind damage, flying debris, roof/siding damage | Sometimes (check for exclusions) |
| Sewer Backup Insurance | Water damage from backed-up drains or sewers | No |
| Comprehensive Auto | Damage to vehicles from flood, debris, or wind | Optional (through auto insurer) |
| ALE (Add’l Living Expenses) | Temporary housing, meals, basic necessities post-evacuation | Yes, with limits |
Depending on your situation, you might also need mobile home insurance or boat insurance. If you’ve made home improvements recently—such as a new roof or siding—update your policy to include those upgrades.
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. In most cases, flood insurance must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
How Much Insurance Coverage Do You Really Need?
Your insurance policy should be enough to rebuild your home fully, not just make basic repairs. If your coverage is based on the purchase price or market value, you could end up short.
Calculate what it would cost to rebuild your home from the ground up. That includes materials, labor, permits, and current construction rates in Louisiana.
Don’t forget about coverage for additional living expenses (ALE). If you can’t stay in your home after a storm, ALE helps pay for hotel stays, restaurant meals, clothes, and other necessities while repairs are underway.
What to Expect If You File a Hurricane Damage Claim
If a hurricane damages your home or property, the first step is to stay safe. Once conditions allow, document the damage as thoroughly as possible—photos, videos, and written notes are essential.
You’ll need to notify your insurer, file the claim, and provide proof of your losses. The process can be time-consuming, especially when large-scale disasters cause delays in inspections or processing times.
Many people encounter problems here. Insurance companies sometimes reduce, delay, or deny claims—even when damages seem obvious. Their goal is to limit payouts, and they may use policy language or technicalities to avoid full compensation.
Louisiana law does not require insurers to cover all hurricane-related losses under a single policy. Multiple policies may be needed to protect property owners fully.
How a Lawyer Can Help if Your Claim Is Denied or Delayed
Legal help can make a big difference when you’re dealing with hurricane-related insurance claims. An attorney can review your policy, assemble the required paperwork, and communicate with the insurance provider on your behalf.
At Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm, our team helps clients throughout Louisiana resolve disputes over denied or underpaid claims. We’ve handled complex cases involving flood damage, wind damage, and business interruption losses. We also understand how to challenge bad-faith insurance practices.
If you’re unsure whether your policy covers everything you need—or if your claim has already hit a roadblock—our attorneys can guide you through the right next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does homeowners insurance typically cover in a hurricane?
Homeowners’ insurance may cover structural damage and personal belongings but often excludes flood and windstorm damage. Separate policies are needed to fill these gaps.
Do I need flood insurance in Louisiana if I already have homeowners insurance?
Yes. Flood damage is almost never included in standard homeowners policies. Having a separate flood policy is crucial in a flood-prone state like Louisiana.
What is a hurricane deductible, and how is it different from a regular deductible?
A hurricane deductible is a separate, higher out-of-pocket cost triggered explicitly by hurricane damage. It’s usually calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value.
How can I calculate how much insurance coverage I really need?
You should base it on the cost to rebuild your home from the ground up, not its market value. Include an inventory of your personal property and estimate additional living expenses.
Can I file a claim without a lawyer?
Yes, but having an attorney helps ensure that your claim is taken seriously and that your rights are protected if the insurer delays, underpays, or denies it.
Conclusion
Winter is the ideal time to check in on your insurance coverage, update your home inventory, and make sure you have the proper protection in place. Don’t wait until a storm is on the radar—by then, it may be too late to make changes.
Take the time now to understand your policies, confirm your coverage limits, and prepare your household for the season ahead. If you run into challenges with your insurance company,
Contact Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn how they can help you move forward.
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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.
