Commissioner Temple Urges Residents to Be Insurance Ready for Heavy Rainfall and Possible Flooding This Week

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging residents to prepare for potential heavy rain and flash flooding as weather system Invest 93-L continues developing. There is a significant chance 93-L will develop into a tropical depression and impact Louisiana.

"Residents should stay informed and take necessary precautions including protecting your property by clearing gutters and storm drains, securing valuables and having an emergency plan in place," Commissioner Temple said. "Be Insurance Ready by reviewing your homeowners and flood polices now, discussing potential out-of-pocket costs with your agent and keeping your insurance information handy in case you need to file a claim."

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) offers the following tips to prepare for the heavy rain:

* Be Insurance Ready. Homeowners insurance named storm (or hurricane) deductibles are typically 2% to 5% of your insured value. For example, if your home has an insured value of $200,000 with a 5% hurricane deductible, you will pay $10,000 out of pocket before insurance coverage takes effect. Details about these deductibles are listed on your policy declarations page.

* Prepare Your Property.Build an emergency kit and consider purchasing materials to board up your windows and make temporary repairs to your home in the event you take on damage. Trim trees around your home and secure loose outdoor items like patio furniture to prevent damage from broken branches and flying debris. Use your phone to take pictures of your property and belongings, including information like brand name and serial number. Having a record of your possessions will make the claims process easier in the event of property damage or loss. The NAIC Home Inventory App makes this easy and is available in the App Store and Google Play.

* Make an Evacuation Plan. Have copies of your insurance policies and your agent's contact information ready to go in case of an emergency evacuation. This will enable you to start the claims process as soon as possible if your home is damaged in the storm. Learn how to prepare an evacuation route and more at getagameplan.org.

* Filing a Claim. If your insured property is damaged during the storm, contact your insurer first to file a claim. If possible, have your policy number and an initial assessment of the damage ready, and make sure your insurance company knows how to contact you. Take photos of the damage before cleaning up, and don't throw away damaged items. You have an obligation to mitigate further damage by making temporary repairs like putting a tarp over a damaged roof or boarding up a broken window. Keep your receipts for these expenses.

For more information, visit our website or call 1-800-259-5300. You can also download the new LDIConnect app, which provides easy access to resources like our Storm Claim Center and Consumer Services contact information, in the App Store and Google Play.