New Orleans residents and property owners know all too well the destruction flooding can wreak on local homes and businesses. Whether the result of storms or infrastructure failures, floods cause untold property damage and disrupt the lives of people who depend on their insurers for essential financial support. When those insurers delay or deny payment, many flood victims feel unsure of where to turn.
When you’re facing the aftermath of a flood that damaged or destroyed your property, you deserve the support of a caring New Orleans flood insurance lawyer who understands what you’re going through. At Insurance Claim HQ, our lawyers will always put you first, aggressively fighting to hold your insurance company accountable and providing the compassionate and supportive legal advocacy you need.
Fighting insurance claims is personal to us. With many of our lawyers living in Louisiana, we really do know what it’s like to lose everything to disasters like floods. Our team is very familiar with the physical and emotional strain involved in the rebuilding and recovery process. We’ve channeled this passion into recovering over $1 billion for our clients, and we’re prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact ICHQ today to get started with a free, no-obligation claim evaluation.
How a New Orleans Flood Damage Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
A New Orleans flood damage lawyer plays an important role in helping you through the claims process after a flood. They understand the challenges you face and can provide valuable guidance. Your lawyer can review your flood insurance policy to clarify what coverage you have and what steps to take next.
If you encounter any issues with your claim, your lawyer can advocate on your behalf. They can help gather the necessary documents and evidence to support your case. This assistance increases your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Additionally, they can identify potential bad faith practices from the insurance company. With your lawyer’s support, you can focus on recovery while they manage your claims process. Having a knowledgeable professional by your side can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable outcome and moving forward after a flood.
In addition, your lawyer will not charge any fees unless and until your insurance claim dispute is resolved. Instead, any fees come from a portion of your settlement, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.
What Does a Flood Insurance Policy Typically Cover?
A typical flood insurance policy, such as those offered under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), provides two types of coverage: building and contents.
Building coverage protects the structure of your home, including the foundation, walls, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC equipment, and major built-in appliances. It also covers permanent fixtures like cabinetry and flooring materials. Contents coverage protects personal belongings within the home. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, rugs, and valuables.
Both building and contents coverage come with limits, so it’s important to thoroughly understand your policy. Knowing what your flood insurance policy covers — and what it doesn’t — can help you better prepare for potential losses and ensure you receive the necessary support during recovery.
What Are the Possible Exceptions on a Flood Insurance Policy?
While a flood insurance policy provides significant coverage, it doesn’t cover everything.
Certain items do not fall under these policies, including cash, important documents, and most vehicles. Exterior property —such as decks, landscaping, septic systems, and swimming pools — is also not covered.
Additionally, flood insurance typically does not cover temporary housing expenses or loss of use if you cannot live in your home due to flood damage. This includes damage from mold or mildew that occurs after a flood.
Understanding these exceptions helps you prepare for potential gaps in your coverage and ensures you have a clear plan in place during recovery.
Does Hurricane Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
Hurricane insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Many standard homeowners’ policies include windstorm coverage but exclude flooding caused by hurricanes. To protect yourself from flood-related losses, you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the NFIP or a private insurer.
Understanding the differences between hurricane insurance and flood insurance ensures you have the necessary coverage to safeguard your property during severe weather events such as those we see in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.
How Could Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith in My Flood Damage Claim?
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company fails to uphold its obligations to policyholders by acting unfairly or dishonestly in handling claims. This behavior can significantly impact your flood damage claim. Knowing how to recognize these tactics can help you address potential issues with your insurance provider and protect your rights.
Some sadly typical examples of bad faith tactics include:
- Denying valid claims without a reasonable explanation
- Unnecessarily delaying payments or responses to claims
- Misrepresenting policy provisions to avoid providing coverage
- Failing to conduct a thorough investigation of the claim
- Using unreasonable requirements to process claims
What Legal Rights Do I Have as an Insurance Policyholder in Louisiana?
As a Louisiana flood insurance policyholder, you have several legal rights that protect you during the claims process.
First, you have the right to receive clear and truthful information about your policy coverage and the claims process. Your insurer must act in good faith, treating your claim fairly and without unreasonable delay. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance if you believe your insurer has acted improperly or unjustly denied your claim.
Additionally, if your insurance company fails to honor its obligations, you may have the option to pursue legal action for breach of contract. This gives you the opportunity to seek compensation for the full extent of your losses, including property losses and any additional expenses incurred due to the denial of your claim.
A New Orleans flood damage lawyer from ICHQ can help you understand your rights and empower you to advocate for yourself. Your attorney can help you hold your insurer accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities under your flood insurance policy.
How Much Time Does My Insurance Company Have to Respond After a Flood?
Your flood insurer should typically acknowledge your flood damage claim within a couple days of receiving it, and it can take four to eight weeks for them to issue a decision. If they deny your claim, they must provide a valid reason for the denial. Understanding these timelines helps you hold your insurance company to its obligations and allows you to take appropriate action if they fail to respond promptly.
How Long Do I Have to File a Flood Damage Claim in Louisiana?
Your timeframe for filing a claim will depend on the specifics of your policy.
The NFIP requires policyholders to file a flood damage claim within 60 days of the flood event, although they may extend this deadline for significant weather events, when claim volume is high. This timeline applies to both building and contents coverage claims.
However, if you need to file a claim against your insurer for bad faith practices, Louisiana law gives you more time. Should your insurance carrier delay, deny, or undervalue your flood damage claim, you have up to 10 years to file a bad faith insurance claim. This extended period gives you protection if your insurer does not handle your claim properly.
Timely filing is necessary to ensure your claim remains valid. Acting quickly allows you to provide the necessary documentation and evidence and increases your likelihood of receiving a fair settlement for your flood-related losses.
Filing a flood insurance claim requires careful attention to detail to maximize your chances of receiving proper compensation. Following some best practices can help you handle the process smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
Start by documenting the damage immediately after the flood and contacting your insurance provider as soon as possible. Make sure to review your policy so you understand your coverage and exclusions.
Some key best practices for filing a flood insurance claim include the following:
- Documenting all damage with photos and videos
- Creating a detailed inventory of damaged items
- Keeping receipts for any repairs or temporary expenses
- Filing your claim within the 60-day window
- Maintaining all correspondence with your insurance company
- Following up regularly on the status of your claim
- Working with a New Orleans flood damage attorney from ICHQ to protect your rights
Floods can cause catastrophic property damage and often lead to costly repairs and significant losses. Floods may occur due to natural disasters, infrastructure issues, or environmental factors, and understanding these causes can help you take preventative measures or prepare for potential risks.
Common causes of New Orleans flood damage include the following:
- Storms and heavy rainfall
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- Broken levees or dams
- Overflowing rivers and streams
- Faulty drainage systems
- Blocked storm drains
The National Flood Insurance Program provides flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and businesses in areas prone to flooding. Managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the NFIP helps property owners protect themselves from the financial losses associated with flood damage. The program offers affordable insurance policies that cover both buildings and contents, providing essential protection for homes and personal belongings.
Additionally, the NFIP encourages communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations to reduce future flood risks and damage. By securing coverage through the NFIP, New Orleans property owners can access much-needed coverage and support during flood events.
While flood damage and water damage are similar, insurers typically treat them differently on policies.
With flood damage, water enters a property from the ground and stems from a natural event, like a heavy rain, storm surge, or river overflow. Water damage usually refers to water-related issues from inside the home, including burst water heaters, pipe leaks, or structural issues such as a damaged roof. Standard homeowners insurance policies cover certain types of non-flood water damage, compared to flood insurance policies, which generally cover flood damage exclusively.
The distinction between these two types of damage is important, as policyholders usually need two separate policies to cover each type.
