If you think your hurricane insurance will cover your property damage the next time a storm hits Louisiana, you may need to think again. Many homeowners in Louisiana only learn the difference between hurricane vs. flood insurance when it’s too late.
If your insurer is refusing to cover damage that they should have under the terms of your policy, you have the right to push back.
Contact Insurance Claim HQ today to arrange a free consultation with Louisiana hurricane damage attorneys who understand what you’re going through and how to help.
What Hurricane Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Hurricane insurance is a type of coverage you usually get through your homeowners policy with a separate hurricane, named storm, or wind and hail deductible. Standard hurricane insurance covers wind-related damage, like roof damage, broken windows, or siding ripped off during a storm.
If wind-driven rain enters your home and causes damage, that’s usually included, too.
Hurricane coverage does not pay for damage caused by rising water or flooding, even if a hurricane caused it. That means if water enters your home from ground level, your hurricane insurance won’t help. You’ll need to pay out of pocket unless you also have flood insurance.
Hurricane insurance policies also include deductibles that are often higher than a standard deductible.
In Louisiana, hurricane deductibles are around two to five percent of your home’s insured value.
What Flood Insurance Covers and Why It’s Necessary in Louisiana
Flood insurance covers damage from rising water, whether it’s from heavy rain, tropical storms, overflowing rivers, or storm surge. It pays for repairs to your home and personal belongings damaged by floodwater. Standard homeowners insurance does not include flood coverage, regardless of the cause of the flooding.
Floods are common in Louisiana, even in areas outside high-risk flood zones. When floods hit, many homeowners without flood insurance must pay thousands in repair costs themselves.
You can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private company. The NFIP covers up to $250,000 for the structure of your home and $100,000 for its contents. You might need extra coverage if your home is worth more.
Keep in mind that NFIP policies may have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect, so don’t wait until a storm is approaching to buy one.
Do You Need Both Hurricane and Flood Insurance?
Yes, most Louisiana residents should purchase both. Hurricane insurance covers wind-related damage. Flood insurance covers damage from rising water. These are separate risks, and insurance companies treat them differently. If a hurricane hits and your roof blows off, hurricane coverage will apply.
However, if floodwaters enter your home, your hurricane policy won’t help. You’ll need flood insurance for that.
Many homeowners discover too late that a single policy does not cover all types of damage. Together, these two types of coverage give you more complete protection during storms. Lenders often require flood insurance if you live in a high-risk zone, but even if they don’t, it’s smart to carry both.
Most of Louisiana is at risk for both hurricane-related wind and flooding. If your home gets hit by both, you’ll likely need to file claims under both policies to pursue the maximum available coverage.
How to Determine Whether Damage Was Caused by Wind or Flood
When you file a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to evaluate your property. Adjusters rely on physical evidence, expert reports, and on-site inspections to establish what caused the damage.
They check things like debris patterns, water lines on the walls, and roof damage. They might also take photos, use moisture meters, and talk to contractors or engineers.
The goal is to separate wind damage from water damage to determine which covers each loss.
If a dispute about the cause of the destruction arises, the insurer might bring in specialists to provide a more detailed analysis.
You also have the right to hire your own expert if you think the insurance company’s assessment is off. Strong documentation, like photos and receipts, can support your side during this process.
Common Reasons Hurricane and Flood Insurance Claims Get Denied
Even if you believe you’ve done everything right, the insurance company could still deny your claim, so understanding and preparing for potential obstacles is crucial before you file. A solid grasp of the most common reasons for claim denials can help you avoid problems, or at least prepare for what you might need to fight.
Here are some common reasons claims get denied:
- Missed deadlines
- Incomplete or missing documentation
- Damage not covered under the policy
- Lapsed or canceled coverage
- Policy exclusions based on the cause of the damage
- Failure to make temporary repairs
- Pre-existing damage
- Disagreements over the cause of the damage
- Not meeting deductible thresholds
- Filing under the wrong policy
- Inaccurate information on the claim
- Lack of proof of ownership for lost items
If you feel the insurer denied your claim without a fair reason, you should talk to an experienced hurricane damage lawyer in Louisiana for guidance on your next steps.
What to Do If Your Hurricane or Flood Insurance Claim Is Denied
If your hurricane or flood insurance claim is denied, you don’t have to accept it without question. You can respond to the denial and fight back by:
- Reading the denial letter carefully to identify the reason the company gave
- Comparing the denial reason with the actual language in your policy
- Gathering any missing documents, photos, or receipts that support your insurance claim
- Keeping records of every phone call, email, and letter related to your claim
- Asking the insurance company to explain its decision in writing
- Requesting a full copy of your claim file, including adjuster notes and inspection reports
- Getting a second opinion from a licensed contractor, engineer, or public adjuster
You also have the option to appeal. Before initiating this process, consult a property damage attorney for legal advice on the appeals process. In some cases, you may need to file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance if the company refuses to reconsider.
Speak With a Louisiana Hurricane Damage Insurance Attorney Today
Was your hurricane insurance claim denied?
You don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. The dedicated flood and New Orleans hurricane damage attorneys at ICHQ help policyholders across Louisiana respond to unfair delays, denials, and underpayments.
We can review your claim, protect your rights, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Contact us today for a free consultation.