Louisiana is no stranger to hurricanes; anyone who lives here knows the damage they inflict is devastating, from extensive property damage to serious injuries and losses of life. With the 2024 hurricane season seeing some of the most destructive and deadliest storms since Katrina, including Hurricane Helene and Milton, it’s more important than ever that you understand not only what to do to stay safe but also how to navigate the aftermath of a hurricane or tropical storm.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing to file a hurricane insurance claim, understanding the process can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively you receive compensation. Here, we discuss the types of damages that may be covered under your insurance policy, the steps involved in filing a claim, and what to do if your hurricane claim is denied or if you suspect bad faith practices by your insurer.

Types of Damages Covered by Hurricane Insurance

In Louisiana, homeowners and business owners typically hold two main types of insurance that may cover hurricane-related damages.

1. Homeowners’ Insurance

Most standard homeowners policies cover a variety of damages resulting from hurricanes, including:

Wind Damage: This provides coverage for damages caused by wind, such as roof damage, and/or flying debris.
Rain Damage: If rainwater leaks through damaged roofs or windows, this may also be covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy.
Personal Property: Coverage extends to personal belongings, including furniture, electronics, and other possessions that are damaged or destroyed.

Notably, deductibles tend to be higher for hurricane-related damage than other types of covered losses. This means you could end up paying more out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Additionally, flooding—regardless of whether it is hurricane-related or not—is not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance in Louisiana.

2. Flood Insurance

As previously mentioned, standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. In Louisiana, you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurance provider.

Flood insurance typically covers:

Structural Damage: This includes damage to the home itself, including the foundation, walls, and other structural features.
Contents Coverage: This includes damage to personal property inside the home, such as appliances and electronics.

It’s important to carefully review your insurance policies to determine what coverage you have, as well as what damages are covered after a qualifying event.

Business Interruption Claims After a Hurricane

For business owners, hurricanes can result not only in physical damage to property but also in lost income due to business interruption. Business interruption insurance is designed to cover lost income and operating expenses if your business is forced to shut down due to a covered event, such as a hurricane.

This coverage often includes:

Lost revenue/income during the period your business is unable to operate
Operating expenses and fixed costs, like rent, utilities, and payroll
Damage to equipment, systems, and other items necessary for business operations

You should review your policy and check if you have business interruption coverage. Make sure you understand the specific terms and conditions, including what constitutes a “qualifying event.”

If your business shut down due to a hurricane, be sure to document everything. Keep thorough records of lost revenue, ongoing expenses, and any repairs made. This documentation will be essential in substantiating your claim. An insurance adjuster will likely visit your business to assess the damages and verify your claim. You should be ready to present all documentation related to your losses.

How to File Your Hurricane Claim

Filing a hurricane claim involves several steps, but the first thing you should do is carefully assess the damage. Before filing your claim, take the time to thoroughly document your losses.

This may include:

Taking photographs or videos of the damaged property
Creating a list of damaged items, including approximate values
Gathering any receipts for repairs or replacements you’ve already incurred

Next, you should notify your insurance company as soon as you can that you intend to file a claim.

When you contact your insurer, be prepared to provide:

Your policy number
A brief description of the damage
Documentation you’ve collected

Your insurer may have specific procedures for submitting claims. This could involve filling out forms online, sending a written claim, or using a mobile app. Ensure you keep copies of all correspondence and documentation submitted.

After filing your claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to assess the damage. You should be present during the inspection and provide the adjuster with any additional documentation they may need to process your claim. It’s also important that you stay in regular contact with your insurance company to check on the status of your claim.

What to Do If Your Hurricane Claim Is Denied

Receiving a denial for your hurricane claim can be frustrating, but there are certain things you can do when this happens. First, you’ll want to make sure you understand the reasons provided for the denial in the denial letter.

Common reasons hurricane claims are denied include:

Insufficient documentation
Lack of coverage for specified damages
Failure to meet specific requirements outlined in your policy

After reviewing the reason your claim was denied, you may believe the denial was unjust. At this point, you should gather any additional evidence that supports your case, including more documentation or expert assessments. Next, reach out to your insurance company to discuss the denial. Sometimes, claims can be reconsidered through additional dialogue and negotiation.

At this point, it is a good idea to consider hiring an attorney who can assist you in this process. An attorney will know how to negotiate with the insurance company. If discussions do not yield results, you and/or your attorney can file a formal appeal with your insurance company.

What to Do If You Suspect Bad Faith Practices

Insurance companies in Louisiana are required to act in good faith when handling claims. If you suspect your insurer is engaging in bad faith practices—such as delaying your claim without reason, failing to investigate your claim thoroughly, or undervaluing your damages—you may want to hire an attorney who can help you take action against your insurance company.

An attorney with experience handling denied hurricane insurance claims can help you file a bad faith insurance claim. They will not only be able to aggressively advocate and negotiate on your behalf but can also communicate with your insurer so that you don’t have to. Your lawyer can assist you in documenting everything related to your claim and gathering important evidence, such as records of communications with your insurance company, proof of your damages, and assessments from qualified experts.

If you encounter issues in the claim filing process, such as a claim denial or bad faith insurance practices, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Your rights and well-being are paramount in the wake of a disaster, and having knowledgeable support can make all the difference.