Filing Property Damage Claims After a Louisiana Hurricane

Louisiana’s position along the Gulf Coast exposes it to hurricanes each year. Even relatively moderate storms can bring powerful winds, storm surge, and flooding, leading to significant property damage. 

As homeowners and business owners, you don’t only face the physical toll of hurricane damage to a property, but also the complex process of securing compensation through Louisiana hurricane damage claims. 

As your policy advocates, The Morgan Law Group’s trusted Louisiana property damage claims attorneys, are ready to guide homeowners and businesses through Louisiana hurricane claim requirements and ensure deadlines are met so that every proof of loss for hurricane damage claims is properly documented.

Understanding Hurricane Coverage in Insurance Policies

Most homeowners insurance policies include wind damage coverage, but Louisiana’s hurricane deductible and exclusions can catch many policyholders off guard. Understanding how your coverage applies when a named storm strikes is vital to securing full compensation.

Contrary to popular belief, hurricane insurance is not a separate policy but is generally part of your insurance. Typical hurricane deductible options include flat amounts or a percentage of Coverage A limits (1%–10%). Also, it’s important to note that standard insurance does not cover flood damage; a separate flood insurance endorsement or policy is required.

By knowing your policy’s hurricane deductible options and the limits of standard coverage, especially regarding flood exclusions, you can avoid unpleasant surprises when filing hurricane property insurance claims.

What to Do After a Hurricane in Louisiana

Before addressing property damage, confirm that all occupants are safe and evacuated if necessary.

• Document the Damage: Take photographs and videos of every area where property damaged by a hurricane is visible, both interior and exterior, before making any repairs. This documentation will serve as critical proof of loss for hurricane damage claims.

• Temporary Repairs: Perform necessary temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep all receipts; these expenses may be covered in your property insurance settlement for hurricane damage in Louisiana. 

• Notify Your Insurer Promptly: Contact your insurer as soon as you discover harm to your property. Many policies and regulations in Louisiana require notification within a reasonable time. For instance, policyholders have 180 days to file an initial hurricane insurance claim and submit proof of loss.

Completing each step, from photographing damage to making temporary repairs, creates a robust record that supports your proof of loss and accelerates the path to a fair settlement.

Filing a Louisiana Hurricane Damage Claim 

Filing a successful claim involves more than submitting paperwork: it requires careful coordination with your insurer and attention to deadlines. 

Submitting Proof of Loss

Your insurer will request proof of loss for hurricane damage claims, a detailed inventory of damaged or destroyed items, supported by receipts or appraisals. Utilize your pre-storm documentation to ensure accuracy.

Inspection by an Adjuster

The insurance company assigns a hurricane insurance adjuster in Louisiana to inspect your property and review your proof of loss. Be present during the inspection to verify that all damage is recorded.

Reviewing the Settlement Offer

After the adjuster’s report, you will receive a settlement offer. Louisiana law generally requires insurers to make payment within 60 days of receiving satisfactory proof of loss, although certain circumstances may extend this period. 

Negotiation or Appraisal

If you believe the offer is insufficient, you can negotiate directly, request an independent appraisal, or involve a hurricane damage attorney in Louisiana to advocate on your behalf.

Keeping track of adjuster inspections, settlement deadlines, and negotiation options empowers you to steer your claim toward a prompt and adequate resolution.

Common Challenges with Hurricane Property Damage Claims

Policyholders often face delays, low estimates, or outright denials when seeking payment for hurricane damage to a property. Anticipating these hurdles helps you prepare a stronger case.

• Delays in Payment: Insurers sometimes delay payments beyond the deadline, even after proof of loss is filed.
• Disputes Over Damage Assessment: Differences between your estimate of hurricane damage to a property and the insurer’s valuation can lead to lower offers.
• Denied Hurricane Claims: Claims may be denied if the insurer disputes coverage, suspects pre-existing damage, or identifies policy exclusions.

In cases of denials or underpayments, a homeowner can appeal internally, file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance, or move toward legal action.

Legal Recourse and Bad Faith Claims

If your insurer unreasonably delays payment, denies a valid claim, or makes a low settlement offer, Louisiana law provides remedies, including:

• Filing a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
• Filing a bad faith lawsuit seeking statutory penalties and attorney fees, since insurers must act in good faith when handling claims.

Whether you file a complaint with the Department of Insurance or bring a bad-faith suit, pursuing legal remedies can help recover additional damages and deter improper claim handling.

Louisiana’s Deadline for Property Damage Claims

Missing legal deadlines can permanently bar recovery, so it’s essential to know how long you have to file a hurricane-related claim or pursue a lawsuit.

• Insurance Claim Filing: You generally have 180 days to file your hurricane-related property damage claim and submit proof of loss.
• Lawsuit for Disputed Claims: If you must sue your insurer for bad faith or to recover additional compensation, you have 2 years from the date of loss to initiate a lawsuit.

Failing to meet these deadlines can forfeit your rights to recover any compensation for property damaged by a hurricane.

Hiring an Attorney for Hurricane Damage Claims in Louisiana

Filing timely insurance claims in Louisiana is essential for recovering from hurricane damage to a property. Acting quickly to document damage, meet the proof of loss deadline, and understand the Louisiana hurricane damage claims process can make all the difference. 

If you encounter delays, disputes, or a denied insurance claim for hurricane-related damage, The Morgan Law Group is here to help. Our team of hurricane insurance attorneys in Louisiana will pursue the settlement or legal remedy you deserve. 

To protect your legal rights as policyholders, call us today at (866) 305-1690 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.