How Long Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim for Hurricane Damage in Louisiana?
With the recent hurricanes, like Hurricanes Francine and Ida, hitting Louisiana, you may wonder, how long do you have to file an insurance claim for hurricane damage in Louisiana? The typical resident in the state will have 180 days from the date the hurricane hit to complete the filing process to attempt to receive payment for a hurricane damage claim.
New legislation passed in mid-2024 also speeds up the time for getting paid for a hurricane insurance claim. Insurance companies now have 60 days to pay a claim after proof of property loss. This means you can start moving forward after your accident after a hurricane much sooner once your claim is proven.
There are some exceptions to the 180-day rule to file a claim, especially in the face of widespread damage from a hurricane. However, property owners should not rely on receiving an extension to the deadline. Instead, they should always try to do the work within the deadline. An experienced hurricane damage lawyer in Louisiana will help you meet the deadline and recover maximum compensation.
What Is the 180-Day Filing Deadline for Hurricane Damage Claims in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) recommends that those with property damage from a hurricane file the proof of loss with their insurers as early as possible. However, everyone involved understands that sometimes property owners have to delay filing while they try to recover some semblance of everyday life.
A 180-day filing deadline may seem like a long time, but it may need to be longer when faced with the hardships of hurricane damage. Those with extensive hurricane damage may not have access to their important paperwork, electrical power, or even communications for weeks after the storm.
Extensions to the 180-Day Hurricane Damage Rule
Sometimes, people living in areas where hurricanes cause extensive wind damage and flooding must evacuate. These mandatory evacuations can last several weeks or longer, leaving the property owner unable to inspect the damage and make a proper claim in time.
However, in extreme cases, Louisiana can change the law for how long you have to file an insurance claim for hurricane damage. Louisiana’s state government may issue a sweeping extension to the deadline for all people living in the affected areas.
If Louisiana does not extend the deadline, property owners can appeal individually to their insurance companies for an extension to the deadline. Working with a hurricane damage lawyer can help with your appeal.
Setting the Official Deadline to File for Proof of Loss
The LDI will set the official filing deadline after the hurricane. The media reports on the deadline, giving everyone affected the information they need. Should the state decide to extend the 180-day deadline, it will also make this announcement through the LDI.
Understand that you do not have to complete repairs to the property within 180 days. Instead, you simply have to file the claim within the deadline.
What Should I Do After a Hurricane Causes Damage to My Property?
Once it is safe to visit your Louisiana property after a hurricane, FEMA has a series of steps you should try to follow, including:
- Take photos of any damage to the property, including vehicles
- Create a list of damaged and destroyed items, along with value estimates
- Submit the claim for these items to your insurance company
Understandably, you may need more time to complete these steps than quickly after a hurricane, especially after flood damage. As a result, you may be unable to determine the full extent of your loss for many weeks. The 180-day filing deadline can help you to have the time you need to assess your situation and fill out your claim, but not always.
Making Temporary Repairs
If you can still occupy your home after hurricane damage, you may need to make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage. Your insurance company should pay for these repairs if you are still in the home.
Keep records of any costs for these temporary repairs. You then can submit those costs when you file your insurance claim for your hurricane property damage. Take photos before and after the repairs to ensure you have documentation of the temporary repairs, just in case the insurer needs more proof than your receipts provide.
How Quickly Does the Insurer Have to Pay Me for the Hurricane Damage?
According to the LDI, once the insurance adjusters have your claim and have determined that proof of your property loss exists, the insurer has 60 days to pay you. Some insurance companies will make the payment much sooner than this.
In the past, some insurance companies dragged out the hurricane settlement process. They might have said your claim didn’t follow the rules in your insurance policy because you didn’t submit the proper form or wrote something wrong.
However, thanks to new legislation, insurance agents have much less room to deny claims after they have received proof of property loss. If you have submitted evidence of property loss to your insurance provider and they are dragging their feet, contact Laborde Earles immediately for legal advice.
Seeking Help with Disputes
If you believe your insurance carrier is purposely delaying paying your claim, you can file a complaint with the LDI. You also have the right to retain our hurricane damage lawyer to begin representing you in communications with the insurer.
Some insurance companies may suddenly make the payment once you have an attorney. In other cases, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf if we have evidence that the insurer is violating state law in treating your claim.
Learn More About Your Rights with Insurance Claims for Hurricane Damage By Contacting Our Office Today
Now that you know how long you have to file an insurance claim for hurricane damage in Louisiana, it’s time to take action. Call us if you believe your insurance company is operating in bad faith regarding your property damage claim after a Louisiana hurricane.
The team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is ready to help. Contact our office by calling or using our online contact form to receive a free consultation with our insurance claim attorneys.