Storm damaged your home? What to do first, and the Louisiana claim deadlines to know

When hail or strong wind damages your house, what you do in the first few days can make your claim go more smoothly. Insurance rules are set by each state, so check with your state’s insurance department. This guide uses Louisiana as the example. It follows advice from the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) and Louisiana law. It’s general information, not legal advice. Your policy’s wording controls your coverage.

Right after the storm: checklist

• Stay safe. Keep away from downed power lines, and stay off a wet or damaged roof.
• Call your insurance company or agent to start a claim. Have your policy number ready. Make sure they have your current phone number and email address.
• Take photos and video before you clean up or make repairs. Get wide shots and close-ups: the roof, siding, windows, gutters, fences and anything inside.
• Prevent more damage. The LDI says policyholders are obligated to protect the property from more damage, for example by putting a tarp over roof damage or boarding up broken windows.
• Keep every receipt for tarps, boards and other temporary fixes.
• Don’t throw damaged items away yet. Separate them from undamaged things so the adjuster can see the full loss.

Getting ready for the adjuster

The LDI’s guide to working with an adjuster suggests that you:

• List damaged or destroyed belongings, and damage to the house and other structures such as a garage, shed, pool or fence.
• Gather “before” photos or videos of your home and any purchase receipts.
• Be home for the inspection. Show the adjuster the damage and give them your lists and photos.
• Take notes. Get the adjuster’s name and contact information, and ask what happens next and when you’ll hear back.

When an adjuster or contractor visits, ask for their license and ID. The LDI says you can call it at 1-800-259-5300 to verify a license. For a contractor’s state license, you can also use the LSLBC Contractor Search.

Claim deadlines: the Louisiana example

Many states set deadlines for insurers by law. Louisiana’s claims law, R.S. 22:1892, sets these timelines for property claims:

• Starting the claim: The insurer must begin adjusting a property damage claim within 14 days after you report the loss. After a catastrophic loss (damage from a storm or disaster that the president or governor has declared an emergency or disaster), the limit is 30 days, and the insurance commissioner can extend it.
• Paying the claim: The insurer must pay the amount due within 30 days after it receives satisfactory proof of loss. It must also make a written offer to settle within the deadline the law sets. After a declared disaster, a related section of law (R.S. 22:1892.2) also applies to home and land claims.
• Adjuster’s report: If you ask, the insurer must give you a copy of its field adjuster’s report within 15 days.
• Depreciation: If depreciation is taken off your payment, the insurer must explain in writing how it was calculated.
• Your choice of contractor: The insurer can’t require you to use a particular contractor. If it recommends one, it must tell you that you don’t have to use them.

Contractors and your claim: the Louisiana example

• No “we’ll cover your deductible” ads. Under R.S. 51:451, a seller can’t advertise to you that it will waive, pay or not charge your deductible without your insurer’s consent, according to LDI Advisory Letter 2024-01.
• Deductible notice. Under R.S. 51:452, a residential contract of $1,000 or more that’s expected to be paid by insurance must include a notice that you’re responsible for your deductible. A contractor can’t knowingly help you avoid paying it.
• Contractors aren’t your adjuster. Under R.S. 37:2159.1, a contractor can’t interpret your policy or act as a public adjuster for you. It can’t advertise itself as an “insurance claims specialist.” It must give you a good-faith, itemized estimate.
• Inflated estimates can be fraud. The LDI says false or misleading estimates or invoices that misrepresent the damage or repair costs on a property claim count as a fraudulent insurance act. To report suspected fraud, call the LDI’s Division of Insurance Fraud at (225) 342-4956 or use the online form on its Report Insurance Fraud page.

Watch for storm scams

After storms, the LDI warns about unlicensed people posing as contractors or inspectors, fake requests for disaster donations and false offers of state or federal aid. These can come by phone, text, email, mail or a knock on the door. Our contractor hiring guide shows how to look up a contractor’s license.

Need help with a claim?

Contact your state’s insurance department. In Louisiana, call the LDI at 1-800-259-5300, use its LDIConnect app, or visit ldi.la.gov.