Louisiana homeowners insurance covers wind and rain damage from hurricanes, but it does NOT cover flood damage — which is the primary cause of hurricane-related losses in Louisiana. Specifically, your standard homeowners policy will pay for roof damage from high winds, broken windows, wind-driven rain intrusion, and structural damage from wind pressure. However, any damage caused by rising water, storm surge, or overflow from levees or waterways requires a separate flood insurance policy.
What Hurricane Damage Is Covered by Louisiana Homeowners Insurance?
Standard homeowners insurance in Louisiana covers wind-related damage including roof shingle loss, siding damage, fallen trees striking your home, and wind-driven rain that enters through a wind-created opening. Additionally, your policy covers damage to personal property inside the home if wind creates an opening that allows rain entry, and it typically provides additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to covered wind damage.
Important Coverage Details
However, there is a critical distinction Louisiana homeowners must understand: if floodwater enters your home — even during a hurricane — your homeowners policy will not pay for that damage. In fact, during Hurricane Ida in 2021, many Louisiana homeowners discovered their losses were primarily flood-related and were denied homeowners claims. Consequently, carrying both homeowners and flood insurance is essential in Louisiana's hurricane-prone environment.
Understanding Louisiana's Named Storm Deductible
Importantly, most Louisiana homeowners policies include a separate "named storm" or "hurricane" deductible that is significantly higher than the standard deductible. Specifically, this deductible is typically 2-5% of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. For example, on a $300,000 home with a 2% hurricane deductible, you would pay the first $6,000 of any hurricane wind claim out of pocket.
In practice, this means Louisiana homeowners face substantial out-of-pocket costs even with active insurance coverage during hurricane events. Furthermore, some carriers in coastal parishes require even higher hurricane deductibles of 5-10%, particularly for properties south of I-10.
Steps to Take Before Hurricane Season
To ensure you have adequate protection before Louisiana's hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), review your policy with your agent to understand exactly what is and isn't covered. Additionally, consider purchasing flood insurance if you haven't already, and document your home's condition and contents with photos and video for potential claims.
For a comprehensive coverage review, get a free quote from Bridgeway Insurance or call 877-418-2484. We'll identify any gaps between your current coverage and Louisiana's specific hurricane risks.
Protecting a Louisiana Home Before the Next Storm
Louisiana homeowners have several tools to strengthen their coverage and their homes:
- Know your deductibles. Look at your declarations page for both your all-other-perils deductible and your named storm or hurricane deductible, and calculate the dollar amount you would owe.
- Buy flood coverage early. New NFIP policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, so do not wait until a storm is in the Gulf. Flood coverage for contents must be purchased separately from building coverage.
- Consider a FORTIFIED roof. The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program has offered grants of up to $10,000 to help eligible homeowners upgrade to an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof, and Louisiana insurers must offer premium discounts for qualifying fortified roofs.
- Check rebuilding costs. Construction and labor costs often rise after major storms. Make sure your dwelling limit reflects what it would cost to rebuild today, and ask about extended replacement cost.
- Plan for living expenses. Additional living expense coverage helps pay for temporary housing if wind damage makes your home uninhabitable. Review the limit and time period in your policy.
Filing a Hurricane Claim in Louisiana
After a storm, document damage with photos and video before making temporary repairs, keep receipts for tarps and other emergency work, and report the claim promptly. Louisiana law sets deadlines for insurers to begin adjusting claims and to pay undisputed amounts, so keep a record of every contact with your carrier. If both wind and flood damage are present, report the claim to both your homeowners and flood insurers.
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation serves as the insurer of last resort for homeowners who cannot find coverage in the private market. An independent agent can help you compare private carriers, Louisiana Citizens, and private flood options to find the right combination for your home.
Why Are Insurance Rates So High in Louisiana?
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Louisiana?
