Living in Louisiana, you understand the importance of hurricane insurance coverage.
But do you know everything your policy provides?
Insurance policies often include confusing terms, unexpected exclusions, and high deductibles. If you’re dealing with hurricane damage, you’re probably ready to start rebuilding and moving forward, but you may not be sure whether your insurance provider will pay for it.
At Insurance Claim HQ, we know what you’re going through. Many of our attorneys are Louisiana natives, so we truly understand the devastation these storms can bring to families and businesses.
As you begin restoration efforts, you deserve the full coverage your insurance policy promises.
If you had a hurricane insurance claim denied and you’re not sure why, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Counts as Hurricane Damage in Louisiana?
Hurricane damage refers to property losses caused by wind, rain, or debris from a named storm.
A named storm is one that severe enough to have been given a name by the National Weather Service, such as Hurricanes Katrina, Ida, Camille, and Rita.
Hurricane damage might include broken windows, torn roofs, collapsed walls, and destroyed structures. Water damage from rain that enters through wind-damaged areas also qualifies. Wind-driven debris, like tree limbs or torn siding, can cause additional destruction that counts as hurricane damage.
To decide whether damage is covered, insurance companies look for evidence linking it to a named storm.
Adjusters often check local weather data and storm alerts to determine what qualifies. Policyholders should report hurricane damage promptly, document all visible damage, and gather repair estimates to limit the possibility of claim disputes.
What Hurricane Insurance Usually Covers
Hurricane insurance typically pays for damage caused by high winds, heavy rain that enters through storm-damaged areas, and wind-driven debris.
Coverage often includes the costs of repairing or rebuilding the property, replacing damaged belongings, and securing temporary housing if the property is uninhabitable. Some policies also pay for the removal of fallen trees and structural debris.
However, coverage applies only up to your homeowners insurance policy’s limits and is subject to a Louisiana named storm deductible, which is often higher than the standard deductible.
If you live in a coastal area of Louisiana, you may pay a higher windstorm deductible than standard policies.
What Hurricane Insurance Does Not Cover
Hurricane insurance does not pay for every type of storm-related damage.
Most policies exclude flood-related losses, even if a hurricane causes the flooding. Property damage related to rising water from storm surge, flash floods, or overflowing drainage systems requires separate flood coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurance company.
Some policies also exclude damage caused earth movement, preexisting structural issues, or lack of maintenance.
If a policyholder delays repairs and mold develops in their property, insurers might refuse to cover mold removal. Insurers can also deny coverage for losses unrelated to the storm or caused by other perils not named in the policy.
Wind vs. Flood: Which Policy Pays in Louisiana?
Wind and flood coverage serve different roles in hurricane insurance claims.
Wind damage falls under most standard homeowners or hurricane insurance policies, which cover losses caused by strong gusts, flying debris, and rain entering through wind-damaged areas.
Flood damage, which includes damage from storm surge, rising bayou waters, or drainage overflows, requires separate flood insurance policies.
If a hurricane hits and damages your roof, allowing rain to enter your property, your wind policy usually pays.
However, if water rises from the ground level and enters your home, you need flood insurance to cover the loss. In Louisiana, policyholders often need both types of coverage to fully protect against hurricane-related losses.
Hurricane and Named-Storm Deductibles Explained
Hurricane and named-storm deductibles apply only when a named storm causes damage to your home.
These deductibles are usually a percentage of your home’s insured value, commonly two to five percent. For example, if your home is insured for $250,000 and your deductible is five percent, you must cover the first five percent ($12,500) of hurricane damage before your insurer will pay.
This amount replaces the standard deductible during a named storm event.
You can find this information on your policy’s declarations page. It’s best to ask your insurance provider or an attorney to explain how your hurricane deductible works before hurricane season starts.
Additional Coverage to Consider
Some homeowners carry optional coverage for hurricane damage, such as:
- Loss of use insurance, or additional living expenses coverage (ALE) – Pays for your housing and meals if you can’t live in your home while it’s being repaired
- Debris removal insurance – Can cover the cost of clearing fallen trees or broken structures after a storm.
- Law and ordinance coverage – Helps you pay for code-required upgrades during reconstruction
- Mold remediation – May be optional or limited to a specific dollar amount
- Scheduled personal property coverage – Can protect high-value items like jewelry or electronics
If you’re unsure about what your policy includes, review it with your insurer and ask about optional add-ons that apply during hurricanes.
How to File a Hurricane Insurance Claim
Insurance companies experience a high volume of claims after a hurricane. The sooner you file your hurricane damage claim, the better.
Here are a few tips:
- Start by reviewing your policy and gathering documentation. Take clear photos or videos of all damage, both inside and out.
- Keep receipts for temporary repairs, materials, and hotel stays.
- Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report the claim. Make a record of the call, including the representative’s name, the date, and a summary of your conversation.
- Ask when the adjuster will arrive and what information they’ll need from you. After the inspection, request a full breakdown of the estimate.
- Stay in touch with your insurer, respond to their requests, and keep copies of everything.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied or Underpaid
If your insurance company denies or underpays your hurricane claim, review the denial letter and your policy closely.
Look for any listed exclusions or justifications the company gave for the denial. Gather evidence that supports your claim, such as repair estimates, contractor reports, or additional photos.
Louisiana law gives you the right to challenge your insurer’s decision. An experienced hurricane insurance claim lawyer can review your situation, explain your rights, and step in to help you fight back.
ICHQ helps Louisiana residents hold insurers accountable and pursue the full compensation they’re owed under the terms of their policies.
Contact a Hurricane Insurance Claim Lawyer in New Orleans Today
If you have damaged property due to a hurricane and your insurer won’t pay what it owes, don’t try to handle it alone.
Get help from a skilled hurricane insurance claim lawyer at ICHQ. Our law firm has extensive experience handling hurricane-related property claims across Louisiana. We know how insurance providers operate and how to fight back.
Contact us now to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.