Seeing your property damaged by flood waters is heart-wrenching.
Filing an insurance claim to cover your losses should be straightforward, but insurance companies frequently make the process harder than it needs to be. The last thing you need is a fight to get what your policy promises.
The experienced attorneys at Insurance Claim HQ care about what you’ve experienced and understand the headache and confusion that accompany delayed or denied payments.
We’re here to help Louisiana home and business owners take control of the flood insurance claim process. Let us review the flood insurance coverage in your policy, handle the back-and-forth with your insurer, and take legal action if it refuses to pay what you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation and explain how our law firm supports people dealing with the aftermath of a flood.
How Our Louisiana Flood Insurance Claim Attorneys Can Help You
The flood insurance claim lawyers at ICHQ know how to deal with insurers that delay, underpay, and deny valid claims.
We can take an aggressive approach to pursue the full amount your policy allows by presenting clear evidence and compelling arguments when disputes arise. Many of our attorneys live in Louisiana, so we understand the devastation floods, hurricanes, and tropical storms can cause — especially in New Orleans, which sits below sea level.
Clients across Louisiana trust us to step in when insurance companies fall short. Here’s what one client had to say about working with our team:
“Lindsey and Randi did a great job with negotiations with my insurance company. I finally got plenty of money for repairs to my house and was worth the wait.” – Melanie
When you come to us for help, we can look at the terms of your flood insurance policy carefully, assess how your insurer has handled the claim so far, and recommend next steps, such as filing a supplemental claim or taking further legal action.
If your insurance provider acted in bad faith, they can and should be held accountable.
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim in Louisiana
You should start your flood claim as soon as possible after the flood. Here’s what to do:
Notify Your Insurance Company or Insurance Agent
Give them your policy number and your current mailing address if you have had to move due to the flood. Ask about any policy exclusions, such as coverage for mold damage or additional living expenses.
Make Temporary Repairs
Try to prevent further property loss by using tarps or boards to cover structural damage. Taking this step shows the insurance company you did your best to mitigate the damage to your home and personal property.
Prepare for Inspection
A claims adjuster will need to inspect the damage. Before they arrive, take photos and videos of everything that was damaged, both inside and outside your home.
If you dispose of items for safety reasons, keep samples and pictures. Keep receipts for cleanup or emergency repairs, and ask the adjuster to show their Flood Control Number when they arrive. If you have questions about your policy or the next steps, your adjuster or agent should be able to provide guidance.
File a Flood Damage Claim
Insurance companies set deadlines for policyholders to file claims. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) generally requires that claims be filed within 60 days of the flood. You must prepare a Proof of Loss statement and submit it within the 60-day window.
If you miss this deadline, your insurer could deny your claim. If you have a private flood policy, check your policy documents or ask your agent to confirm the deadlines and required steps.
Keep in mind that deadlines may be extended after a natural disaster or severe weather that causes widespread damage and high claim volumes. But don’t rely on that. Act promptly to protect your claim.
Contact a Flood Damage Attorney for Additional Help
If the insurance carrier fails to acknowledge, process, or make a timely claim payment, you may want to consult a lawyer. An attorney can verify whether the insurer is meeting its obligations and advise you on potential legal options.
Requirements for Flood Insurance Claims in Louisiana
Most policies in Louisiana follow the NFIP flood claims process. Talk to your adjuster about any paperwork or photos you’ll need.
If you disagree with the payout your provider offers, you can request more or file an appeal. Also, if your policy includes Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, ask if you qualify for up to $30,000 in extra funds to help you bring your home up to code.
Always check your policy to confirm any other deadlines or rules that might apply.
Documenting Flood Damage and Working with Insurance Adjusters
Follow these tips to protect your flood damage claim:
- Begin documenting flood damage as soon as it’s safe to go back inside your home. Take clear photos and videos of every room. Capture both wide shots and close-ups.
- Include serial numbers on damaged appliances and electronics.
- Keep small samples of carpet, flooring, drywall, or other materials you plan to throw away.
- Don’t begin permanent repairs without approval from your adjuster.
- Ask for the adjuster’s report and estimate. If something seems wrong or appears to be missing, speak up. If the damage turns out to be worse than you first thought, you can file a supplemental claim with new evidence.
Common Challenges with Flood Insurance Claims in Louisiana
Policyholders may encounter several obstacles when navigating flood insurance claims in Louisiana. For example:
- Adjusters may undervalue the cost of fixing or replacing damaged property.
- Insurers may drag out the process with slow follow-up or poor communication.
- Claims may get denied due to technicalities buried deep in your policy.
- Adjusters might overlook some flood damage during their inspection.
- Mortgage companies may hold insurance checks, causing delays.
- Adjusters may switch mid-claim, forcing you to re-explain everything.
- Insurers may make repeated requests for documents that you already submitted.
- Claims may be denied, with no clear explanations or guidance on next steps.
What to Do If Your Flood Insurance Claim Is Denied or Underpaid
If your flood insurance claim was denied or doesn’t cover what it should, you don’t have to accept your insurer’s decision. Here’s what you can do if your claim is undervalued or denied:
- Ask your adjuster or insurance company to explain their decision in writing.
- Contact a flood damage attorney to assess your policy and determine what your coverage includes.
Your lawyer may recommend:
- Gathering more proof of damage, such as updated photos, receipts, or expert estimates
- Requesting a second inspection
- Filing a supplemental claim for any damage not included in the initial estimate
- Filing an appeal with FEMA if your NFIP claim gets denied or underpaid
- Requesting an appraisal if you and the insurer agree on coverage but disagree on value
- Submitting a formal complaint to the Louisiana Department of Insurance
- Taking legal action for breach of contract if applicable
Get Help with Your Louisiana Flood Insurance Claim Today
Dealing with a denied or undervalued insurance claim can be stressful. If you’re unsure of what to do, reach out to a Louisiana flood insurance claim lawyer at ICHQ for a free consultation. Call or contact us now to arrange a free consultation.