What you need to know about hurricane insurance claims in Louisiana

Some damage that may occur due to a hurricane is typically covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. 

Unfortunately, these policies don’t always cover everything, so it’s a good idea to go over your coverage in advance of the hurricane season to see what you’ll get if something goes wrong.

Below, the team of legal professionals at Crescent City Law Firm will walk you through everything you need to know about hurricane insurance claims in Louisiana.

First, insurance companies don’t have a policy just for hurricanes. There is no such thing as “hurricane insurance.”

Insurance companies write homeowner insurance policies that cover homeowners in the event of a hurricane. There are different types of damage that can happen to a home during a hurricane. Some of these examples include:

First, insurance companies don’t have a policy just for hurricanes. There is no such thing as “hurricane insurance.”

Insurance companies write homeowner insurance policies that cover homeowners in the event of a hurricane. There are different types of damage that can happen to a home during a hurricane. Some of these examples include:

• Wind Driven Rain
• Roof damage caused by wind
• Destruction from fallen trees
• Structural collapse caused by the wind
• Flooding
• Water damage
• Electrical wiring damage

In these situations, a homeowner might want various types of additional insurance coverage. 

Wind

Hurricanes produce strong winds that last for extended periods of time at high velocities. Roof damage is one of the main concerns caused by this. Many homeowners insurance policies cover wind destruction. However, in some areas where hurricanes are common, homeowners insurance policies may not cover wind damage during a hurricane, and this may need to be purchased separately. 

Water Damage from a Hurricane

There are 2 types of water damage usually associated with a hurricane.  First, there is wind-driven water that rains down from the storm.  Damage caused by this type of water is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.  On the other hand, if water from the rainstorm pools and eventually floods your home from the ground up, this is flooding.  Flood damages is usually covered by your flood policy.  Thus, its important to have a homeowner’s policy that covers rain from the sky and a separate flood insurance policy that covers water entering your home from the “on the ground”.  

Hurricane Deductible

Another impact factor to consider when you choose any insurance policy is the deductible. Insurance companies may give homeowners in states with frequent hurricanes – such as Louisiana – a larger deductible if the damage to your home is caused by a named hurricane.  Louisiana Law permits insurance company to set your “named storm deductible” as low as 2% and as high as 10% of the the value of your home. Most policies provide the hurricane deductible that kicks immediately after the local authorities issue a hurricane warning.

How Renter’s Insurance Policy Functions in the Event of Hurricanes in Louisiana

Renters’ insurance is similar to homeowners’ policy in making claims after a hurricane. Renters’ insurance does not give specific hurricane coverage, but it often protects the renter’s belongings from harm caused by the hurricane and provides alternative living assistance while a renter is displaced following a hurricane.

Make sure to check your policy for information about potential damage from a hurricane, or have an attorney at Crescent City Law Firm go over it with you.

What Kinds of Hurricane Damage are Covered in Renter’s Policy

Here are some examples that may cause damage to your property if you are renting a home or apartment during a hurricane:

• Lightning that sets fire to something
• Hail
• Wind
• Damage causing a gas leak that induces an explosion
• Your property is being struck by falling things.
• Water damage that is not caused by flooding
• Alternative Living Expenses (such as a hotel room)

If a hurricane damages the roofing material of your rental property, rain may get into the apartment. Water damage to your personal belongings might occur as a consequence of this, which should be covered by insurance.

Let Crescent City Law Help You Through This Difficult Time

Here at Crescent City Law, our New Orleans-based firm is ready to help our neighbors with what they need to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve after a hurricane. We consider it a privilege to serve our community – especially when they need us most.

When a hurricane hits and your home is damaged, you can trust us to be fighting by your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.