From the Desk of Commissioner Tim Temple
A quick note as we begin this hurricane season. Louisiana residents know how to prepare for a storm and stock up on supplies. I would like to turn your attention to post disaster recovery and the steps you should take immediately after a storm. Insurance is a crucial part of the recovery process for policyholders who suffer a loss. The Department of Insurance is committed to educating consumers about the claims process. Our insurance specialists are available and ready to help answer your policy questions and provide guidance during the claims process.
Post-Disaster Insurance Guidance
Contact your insurance company or agent first to file a claim. Be ready to provide your policy number and an initial damage assessment if possible. Make sure your agent and insurance company have your correct contact information.
Take pictures or video of the damage. Visually document the damage before cleaning up and making temporary repairs. Separate damaged items but do not throw them away. Keeping damaged items will give the claims adjuster a more complete inventory of property loss.
Make temporary repairs to protect your property from additional damage. You have an obligation to mitigate further damage by taking protective measures such as putting a tarp over your roof or boarding up broken windows. Keep your receipts for these expenses.
Remain alert for potential fraud and other scams. Scammers and other criminals may attempt to take advantage of storm victims as they recover and rebuild. Some of these fraudulent practices include scammers posing as contractors or inspectors, fake solicitations for disaster donations, and false offers of state or federal aid.
FAQs: Filing a Claim
What details must I provide when I file a claim?
You will need to provide your insurance company or agent with your policy number. You’ll need to briefly explain what happened and describe the type and extent of the property damage. Let your insurance company and agent know if you’ve taken photos or videos of the damage or have cost estimates.
What questions should I ask when I file a claim?
It’s important to ask your agent or insurance company the following:
- Claim or reference number
- How long you have to file a claim
- What your policy will cover
- If your policy will cover hotel costs
- Details about your deductible
- If additional information is needed to file a claim
When should I expect to be contacted by an adjuster?
An insurance adjuster should be sent out within 30 days to inspect damage after you file your claim in a catastrophe.
Medicare Assistance Following a Disaster
During a declared disaster, your Medicare health and prescription drug guidelines may change temporarily. A beneficiary with Original Medicare can see any doctor that accepts the coverage.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan for additional information. Your plan should be able to help you with the following after a disaster:
- Locate out-of-network providers without a referral.
- Locate an in-network pharmacy or get prescriptions from an out-of-network pharmacy when needed.
- Move prescriptions between in-network pharmacies.
- Replace a damaged or lost Medicare card.
Our SHIIP counselors are available to answer your Medicare and prescription drug coverage questions.
Mark Your Calendar
Registration is underway for our Division of Diversity and Opportunity’s Business Building Blocks workshop. It will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Licensed producers and adjusters will receive two hours of continuing education credit.
The LDI Annual Conference will be held August 6-7 in Baton Rouge. Leaders and experts will offer insight on the insurance crisis, reinsurance and more. Elected officials will be on hand to discuss insurance reform and the outcome of the Legislative Session. Registration is open.
Upcoming Events
TRIAD Workshop
Date: June 12
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: St. Joseph Hall
417 Saizan Ave., Port Barre
State of the Market
Date: June 13
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Location: Piccadilly Restaurant
3332 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge
Homeowners 101
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Housing Corporation
Date: June 15
Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Louisiana Housing Corporation
2415 Quail Dr., Baton Rouge
Register
Opelousas Elderly Awareness Seminar
Date: June 19
Time: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Yambilee Building
1939 W. Landry St., Opelousas
State of the Market/Housing Resource Fair
Date: June 22
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: American Legion Hall
63349 Hwy. 10, Bogalusa
LORI's World Refugee & Immigrant Day
Date: June 22
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Raising Cane's River Center
275 S. River Road, Baton Rouge
State of the Market
Date: June 27
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Latter & Blum
2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette
Homeowners 101
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Housing Corporation
Date: June 27
Time: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register
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