Filing an insurance claim doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's the process, step by step, with tips to protect your interests from the start.
Step 1: Document the Damage
Before you touch anything, photograph and video every area of damage. Inside and outside. Close-ups and wide shots. This is your evidence — the more you have, the harder it is for a carrier to dispute your claim.
- Take photos of all damaged areas before any cleanup
- Include wide shots showing context and close-ups showing detail
- Video walkthroughs are excellent supplemental evidence
- Document the date and time — weather apps can confirm storm events
Step 2: Prevent Further Damage
Your policy requires you to mitigate further damage. That means tarping a damaged roof, boarding broken windows, or extracting standing water. Keep every receipt — these emergency costs are part of your claim.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the claim promptly. Most Louisiana policies require "timely notice" — don't wait weeks. When you call:
- Get a claim number
- Ask for the adjuster's name and direct contact
- Confirm your deductible amount (hurricane deductibles are usually a percentage, not a flat amount)
- Ask about your policy's Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage if you can't stay in the home
Step 4: Don't Accept the First Offer at Face Value
The carrier's estimate is their number, not necessarily the right number. You have the right to get your own estimate and dispute the carrier's valuation. That's what public adjusters do — we work for you, not the insurance company.
Know Your Rights
Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 22:1892 and 22:1973), your carrier must acknowledge your claim within 14 days, make a decision within 30 days of receiving proof of loss, and pay within 30 days of reaching a settlement. Carriers that violate these timelines face penalties. Know your deadlines and hold them to it.