Yes, flood insurance does generally cover hurricanes. The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) explains that flood insurance is mandatory for certain residents in high-risk areas. This policy reflects the high instances of hurricanes in Louisiana and that flooding commonly occurs alongside them.
Flood Insurance Is Not Often Part of Homeowners Insurance Policies
Flood insurance is not generally part of homeowners policies in Louisiana. You would generally need to purchase a separate insurance policy to cover flooding.
What Exactly does Flood Insurance Cover?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) explains that flood insurance generally covers a building and its contents. So long as your losses results specifically from flooding, your flood insurance may cover:
- The cost of removing and replacing foundation, flooring, walls, and other features of your home or business
- Damaged appliances, electronics, furniture, and other valuable items
- Other losses your specific flood insurance policy provides for
Flooding can have a catastrophic financial effect. FEMA notes that the average flood claim payout in 2019 was $52,000. You must take full advantage of any flood insurance you have.
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What Other Types of Insurance Covers Hurricane Losses?
Flooding is just one hazard that hurricanes pose to Louisianans. Wind and rain are also significant hazards. Your homeowners or business insurance would cover losses resulting from wind and rain, albeit with a significant deductible.
Covered losses from wind and rain may include:
- Repair or replacement of your roof
- Wind-related damage to the walls, windows, doors, and other features of your home
- Damage caused by downed power lines, trees, and flying debris
- Water damage caused by rain (rather than flooding)
- Any other property damage that results from wind or rain
It can be difficult to distinguish between wind-, rain-, and flood-related covered losses. Doing so may be important, though, as different policies provide different coverages with different variables. Your law firm will handle the complex task of accounting for all your covered losses.
Your Lawyer Could Help You With Flood-Related Covered Losses
Hurricane-related insurance claims can be among the most complicated you will experience. Your attorney will spend the necessary time and resources to complete your claim properly. They can do the following:
Familiarize Themself With Your Policies
Insurance policies are central to any insurance claim. While this may seem obvious, there is a chance that your insurance policies are confusing and hard to understand. Your lawyer’s team will digest each of your applicable insurance policies, determining:
- Which policies should provide coverage for your covered losses
- Which of your policies correspond to each covered loss
- What your deductible is for each applicable policy
- How much each insurance company owes you for hurricane-related covered losses
There are many moving parts when it comes to hurricane claims. You likely have separate policies to cover different losses. Your lawyer can analyze all your policies to get a comprehensive picture of your coverages.
Handle Communications With Insurance Companies
Communication is key when dealing with a property losses claim. You may have total or near-total destruction of your home, and you deserve to know the status of your claim. Your lawyer can:
- Initiate your claim with the insurance companies
- Monitor the progress of your claim
- Submit necessary paperwork as the insurance company requests it
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Serve as your representative for all claims-related communications
Your representative will oversee the ins and outs of your claim. It only makes sense that the insurance companies go through your lawyer. They will update you about your claim, but you should not be bothered by the insurance companies.
Your legal team will also prevent the insurance companies from taking advantage of you by handling claim-related communications.
Combat Bad Faith By Insurance Companies
Insurance companies could be liable for significant covered losses after a hurricane. They may attempt to pay you less than you need. You may face delays, intimidation, and low settlement offers. Your lawyer will not stand for such bad-faith tactics. They will be steady and firm in their negotiations.
Hurricane Insurance Is a Lifeline That You Deserve
No amount of hurricane preparedness can protect you completely from property losses. When the winds die down, and the floodwaters recede, the insurance companies must honor their contracts with you. Your lawyer team will fight for the hurricane-related flood insurance coverage you’ve paid for.
You Have Options After Flooding Caused By a Louisiana Hurricane
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733. You shouldn’t wait. Insurance companies may be processing many claims right now, and it’s important to file yours as soon as possible.
We want to lend our legal resources and connections to you at this time. Our staff can align your interests with a lawyer licensed to practice in Louisiana. Our team members Glen Levine and Nicholas Basco studied in Louisiana. We aim to give back to the community there at this stressful time.
