Louisiana Hurricane Insurance Claims
Hurricane Insurance Claims
Hurricane Ida ranks among the top 10 costliest storms in U.S. history, causing extensive damage in Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi. If your home or property was affected by a hurricane, what you don't know can hurt you. Here are eight essential things you should know about filing a hurricane damage claim in Louisiana, whether it's for Hurricane Ida or another storm.
1. Losses You Can Claim After a Hurricane
In Louisiana, you can generally claim the following losses, depending on your insurance policy:
Loss of Use: Compensation if your home or business is uninhabitable.
Structural Damage: For example, claims related to hurricane roof damage.
Interior and Exterior Damage: Coverage for damage to the physical structure.
Personal Belongings: Losses related to personal items or inventory.
2. You May Need to File Multiple Claims
Depending on the types of damage, you might need to file multiple claims under different policies. For example:
Homeowners might file claims under homeowner's, flood, and high wind policies.
If your car was damaged, you'll need to file a claim with your auto insurer.
3. How Insurance Works After a Hurricane
If you're new to filing hurricane insurance claims, here's what to expect:
Report the damage to your insurance company and request emergency services if necessary.
Document all damages with pictures, videos, and a journal.
You may receive advance payments for temporary living expenses.
An insurance adjuster will assess the damage on your property.
Gather repair estimates and schedule the necessary work.
The insurance company will reimburse you for repairs.
4. You May Have to Wait for Services
After a disaster, claims adjusters may be inundated with requests, leading to delays. You might experience wait times for:
An adjuster's assessment of your claim.
Non-emergency repairs.
Processing your claim and receiving any funds.
5. Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
You don't need to wait for a complete assessment before filing a claim. As soon as you notice damage, file your hurricane damage insurance claim. This proactive approach can reduce wait times for an adjuster and expedite repairs.
6. It's Your Job to Mitigate Damages
Take necessary measures to prevent further damage. For instance:
Board up broken windows to protect against rain or theft.
Shut off water and electricity if necessary.
Failure to mitigate damages may result in your insurance company denying subsequent claims.
7. You Have Legal Rights and Options
Insurance companies do not have the final say. As a policyholder, you have legal rights. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you navigate your hurricane damage insurance claim. Even if your insurance provider assures you that you don’t need legal help, you retain the right to seek counsel.
8. Montiel Hodge Can Help With Your Hurricane Insurance Claim
If a hurricane has impacted your home or business, the attorneys at Montiel Hodge are here to assist you. We can guide you through filing your claim or appealing if your initial claim is unfairly denied. Our expertise in Louisiana hurricane law ensures you get the help you need. Call us today to learn more about our services.
