FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2019

 

Commissioner Donelon Urges Preparation
For The Peak Of Hurricane Season

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is reminding home and business owners to take steps to remain vigilant and protect their property for the remainder of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the period beginning September 10, 2019 through the end of October is considered the peak of Hurricane season.

“While most of Louisiana was spared the forecasted impacts of Hurricane Barry, I am reminding residents and business owners to continue to focus on the importance of being prepared,” said Donelon. “My hope is that our citizens come to view insurance as a primary tool for protecting property along with storm shutters, plywood and sandbags.”

The LDI reminds citizens that homeowners, business and flood insurance are the most important means to safeguard your property from hurricanes and that these products should be purchased in advance. It is imperative to act now because flood policies won’t take effect until 30 days after you apply, and most property insurers stop writing policies when a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance offers the following tips:

  • Review your property insurance coverage. Check to see if you have a named storm, wind and hail or hurricane deductible as well as flood insurance. These deductibles typically run two to five percent of the insured property value. Make sure that your current level of coverage is still enough to repair your home or replace valuables should you experience losses from a storm. If you have made any significant changes or upgrades to your home, tell your agent so that any claims you make in the future will reflect the upgrades.

  • Store copies of your important documents off-site. In case of an emergency evacuation, you’ll want to have copies of your family’s essential documents and copies of your insurance policies filed away in a separate location or backed-up to cloud-based storage or a removeable drive.

  • Update your home inventory. You can use your phone to create a video, use an app or plain old pen and paper, but make sure to take an inventory of your possessions. A home inventory will make the claims process easier in the event of property damage or loss. Include identifying information such as brand names and serial numbers and take photos of your valuables and other contents.

Property owners may also want to investigate 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 as well as a reduction in your insurance premium. You can find information about storm mitigation incentives at www.ldi.la.gov/hurricaneprep.

 

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.