FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2017

Department of Insurance Offers Guidance Following Tornado and Hail Damage

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) staff is available to help residents who have been affected by this week’s severe storms. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is encouraging policyholders to become familiar with their insurance coverage before filing a claim. 

“It’s important to understand how a claim will be paid if you have a loss,” said Commissioner Donelon. “Check your homeowners and business insurance policies for coverage limits and  deductibles and remember we are here to help if you have questions about your policy or filing a claim.”

Most homeowners policies cover tornado and hail damage so check your policy to see what coverage you have in place. Renters should remember a landlord’s insurance policy will cover the actual building not a tenant’s personal belongings. A renters insurance policy protects your personal possessions if they’re damaged or destroyed.

The LDI has the following tips for those recovering from storms: 

• Contact your agent or insurance company promptly if you determine you need to file a claim.
• If you have lost your agent or insurance company’s contact information, the Louisiana Department of Insurance may be able to help you locate it. Contact the department at Call 1-800-259-5300 or visit www.ldi.la.gov.
• Take pictures of any damage and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. For example, a hole in the roof should be covered by a tarp or other materials. Further damage will likely not be covered by your insurance policy. Keep the receipts for materials you buy, so you can be reimbursed.
• Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage.
• Storms are considered “Acts of God” or “ Acts of Nature.” An insurance company cannot cancel, refuse to renew or increase the amount of a premium on a homeowners policy based solely on an Act of God. 

If you believe your insurance company is not properly handling your claim, you can file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance. 

About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state’s insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by calling 1-800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.