FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2019

Insurance Commissioner Donelon Urges Preparation for Hurricane Season

Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon is conducting his annual statewide public awareness campaign to encourage preparations for the upcoming hurricane season and remind citizens that now is the time to review their insurance policies and make plans to protect their family and property.

“We’re starting this hurricane season already at heightened risk for flooding. The Morganza Spillway is set to be opened for the third time in its history. Already this year the Bonnet Carre’ flood gates have been opened twice – the first time this has happened in the 90 years since the flood gates were built,” said Commissioner Donelon. “It’s more important than ever to take appropriate precautions before storms make landfall, including making sure that your home, business and auto insurance coverage is up to the task of protecting you this hurricane season.”

The Louisiana Department of Insurance offers the following tips on preparing for hurricane season:

• Check up on your insurance coverages. Named storm or hurricane deductibles typically run two to five percent of the insured property value. If a home has an insured value of $200,000 with a five percent hurricane deductible, the policyholder would pay $10,000 out of pocket before insurance coverage took effect.
• Get flood insurance. Flood damage resulting from heavy rain or storm surge is excluded from most policies and there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect. For information on a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy, you can contact your agent or visit at www.floodsmart.gov. You can search for an agent on the LDI website at www.ldi.la.gov/findagent.
• Update your home inventory. You can use your phone to take pictures or video of the items in your home. Having a record of your possessions will make the claims process easier in the event of property damage or loss from a covered event. Include identifying information such as brand name and serial number in the inventory.
• Have copies of your policies and your agent’s contact information ready to go. In case of a declared evacuation, you will want to have copies of your family’s essential documents and your agent’s contact information to enable you to start the claims process as soon as possible.

Property owners may also want to look into storm mitigation incentives. Things like secondary water barriers, roof bracing and window and door strength can make a difference to your home’s safety during a hurricane. They can also make a difference in your premium when you report these upgrades to your insurance provider. You can find information about storm mitigation incentives at www.ldi.la.gov/hurricaneprep. For more information on insurance issues during hurricane season, please visit the Hurricane Resource Center or call 1-800-259-5300.

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.