LDI Offers Guidance Following Storm Damage in North Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) is available to assist residents affected by the severe weather that swept through northern Louisiana on Friday. Commissioner Jim Donlon encourages policyholders who need to file a claim or have questions about the claim filing process to contact their agent or insurer as soon as possible.

"In the weeks following a loss, policyholders who feel their claim has not been properly resolved by their insurer can call us at 800-259-5300 and file a complaint," said Commissioner Donelon. "Policyholders need to know they have a right to file a supplemental claim if they find additional damage or if the increased cost of materials made the initial payment insufficient to cover the loss."

The LDI offers the following tips on filing a claim for property damage after a severe weather event:

Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. If possible, have your policy number and an initial assessment of the damage ready. Make sure your agent and insurance company have your correct contact information.

Keep receipts for any necessary inspections or repairs you make. These expenses may be reimbursable under your policy. Do not make permanent repairs until your insurer has inspected the damage.

Take pictures or video of the damage. Visually document the damage before cleaning up or making temporary repairs. Attempt to separate damaged personal property items from undamaged items, but do not throw them away. Keeping these items will help the claims adjuster assist you in completing an inventory of the items lost.

Read your policy. Even if you have full coverage, you still have an obligation to mitigate your damage by taking actions such as putting a tarp on your roof and boarding up broken windows. Keep your receipts for expenses incurred in taking these temporary measures.

When an adjuster visits your property, make sure you ask for identification. You can call the LDI or visit our website to verify his or her licensure.

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 tornado touched down in Caddo Parish during the early morning hours on June 16 along with damaging wind and hail that caused widespread power outages across multiple parishes.

Be aware that tornadoes are considered "Acts of God" or "Acts of Nature." An insurance company cannot cancel, refuse to renew or increase the amount of premium on a homeowners policy based solely on an Act of God. Damaged vehicles should be covered by your automobile insurance policy if your policy provides for comprehensive coverage.

Anyone affected by the storm is encouraged to contact the LDI with insurance questions or concerns at 1-800-259-5300. More detailed guidance is available at ldi.la.gov/storm-damage-recovery. If you believe your insurance company is not properly handling your claim, you can file a complaint with the LDI.

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.