Louisiana Ice Storm Claims: What to Do if Your Insurance Claim is Denied or Underpaid
The 2026 ice storm left a trail of destruction across Louisiana, from collapsed carports in Monroe to burst pipes in Shreveport. While you’ve paid your premiums faithfully, many homeowners are now facing a second disaster: an underpaid property damage claim or an outright denial.
According to the National Weather Service, Winter Storm Fern brought up to one inch of ice accumulation to the Northeast corridor of the state. If you are struggling with a denied ice storm insurance claim following this historic event, you aren’t alone. At Montiel Hodge, we help Louisiana residents hold insurance companies accountable when they prioritize profits over policyholders.
Why Was My Ice Storm Claim Denied?
Insurance companies often use specific "loopholes" to avoid paying out, especially after a catastrophic event triggers a Federal Emergency Declaration. Common reasons for appealing insurance claim denial include:
· Pre-existing Damage: Claiming the roof or pipe issue existed before the freeze.
· Exclusions: Arguing that certain types of ice or water damage aren't covered under your specific policy.
· Lack of Documentation: Stating you didn't provide enough evidence of the loss.
Disputing a Low Home Insurance Estimate
Is your insurer offering a settlement that won't even cover the cost of materials? Disputing a home insurance estimate is a critical step in your recovery.
1. Get Independent Quotes: Don't rely solely on the insurance adjuster's math. Get 2–3 detailed estimates from licensed Louisiana contractors.
2. Request an Itemized List: Demand a breakdown of how they calculated your payout to find where they "missed" damage.
3. Reference State Standards: After Governor Landry issued Executive Order JML 26-006 declaring a State of Emergency, specific consumer protections were activated. Your settlement should reflect the reality of the disaster area.
Understanding Bad Faith: When "Delayed" Becomes Illegal
Louisiana law is very strict about how fast insurers must act. If you are stuck in a delayed insurance payment lawsuit, you may be entitled to more than just your original claim amount.
An insurance bad faith lawyer in Louisiana can help you pursue penalties if your insurer:
· Fails to pay undisputed amounts within 30 days of "satisfactory proof of loss" (La. R.S. 22:1892).
· Fails to investigate the claim within a reasonable timeframe.
· Misrepresents policy facts to avoid paying a valid claim.
Under Louisiana Revised Statute 22:1973, you could be awarded penalties of up to two times the amount of your damages if your insurer acts in bad faith. You can learn more about your rights on the Louisiana Department of Insurance website.
How to Start Appealing Your Denial Today
1. Demand a Written Explanation: Insurers must tell you exactly why they denied the claim in writing.
2. Gather Evidence: With over 90 consecutive hours of sub-freezing temperatures recorded in some areas, the evidence of "sudden and accidental" pipe failure is often clear—if you have the photos to prove it.
3. Contact Montiel Hodge: Don't fight a multi-billion-dollar corporation alone.
Protect Your Rights—Call Montiel Hodge
If you’re facing an underpaid property damage claim or a bad faith delay, our team is ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We know Louisiana insurance law inside and out.