Hurricane Ida Insurance Claims Lawyers
You have questions. We have answers. We help homeowners and business owners obtain maximum and complete recovery with their Hurricane Ida insurance Claims. As Louisianians begin to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Ida, we stand ready to aid our clients in obtaining the maximum amount recoverable under their homeowners insurance policies.
Has your insurance company denied your claim or offered you a less than adequate settlement? Our experienced team consists of seasoned litigators, general contractors, engineers, licensed home inspectors, and professional estimators and experts who will fully examine and evaluate your claim.
Below is a compilation of information and sample documentation that can be useful in the claims process.
Our Process
01
Consultation and Case Evaluation
We will review photographs and your insurance policy and provide you with a free case evaluation.02
Attorney Client Agreement
If you choose to let us represent you, we will sign an attorney client agreement. The fee will be contingent upon recovery. And you will not be responsible for any costs if we aren’t successful.03
Notice of Representation
After we have been retained, we will notify all persons including your insurance company to contact us about your claim. We will also schedule meetings with our experts to review your property and reinspect for all Hurricane Ida Damages.04
Proof of Loss
Once we fully investigate your claim for all hurricane-related damages, we will calculate damages to be presented in a proof of loss. We will also review your policy to ensure it meets all policy requirements.
CALL or TEXT us for a Free Consultation (504) 372-6175
Sample Proof Of Loss Documents
In order to properly put your insurance company on notice of the totality of your property damage, it is important to have an effective proof of loss. A satisfactory proof of loss triggers certain time periods in which insurance companies must respond or be deemed to have acted in bad faith. As we discussed above, satisfactory proof of loss has been interpreted to mean that which is “sufficient to fully apprise the insurer of the insured's claim. In other words, the insured has to provide necessary facts and proof of damages, at a minimum, to have met the legal requirements of submitting a satisfactory proof of loss in order to get paid.”
If you would like copies of sample insurance claims forms, please email
Hurricane Ida Insurance Claims Tips
In closing, we’d like to provide you with a few tips in handling your insurance claim.
1. If you haven’t already made your claim, do so immediately. Insurance companies will use every day that passes as an excuse not to cover certain portions of your damages
2. 99.9% of insurance adjusters are not contractors nor do they have any more construction experience than you do. For that reason, you have the right to disagree with their inspection and valuation of your claim.
3. When hiring contractors to perform repair work, make sure they are properly licensed with the State. Further, if possible, always pay your contractor with a credit card and not cash or check.
4. Read your insurance policy and be familiar with the terms and conditions therein.
5. Demand a detailed, written explanation of any and all coverage decisions that your adjuster makes.
1. If you haven’t already made your claim, do so immediately. Insurance companies will use every day that passes as an excuse not to cover certain portions of your damages
Frequently Asked Questions
An insurance policy is a contract between the insurance company and an individual, and in Louisiana, contracts form the law between the parties. Therefore, each insurance policy is different and the answers to the following questions may vary depending on your policy’s terms. However, below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding hurricane claims.
Q: When should I make my Hurricane Ida insurance claim?
Immediately. In fact, your insurance policy probably requires you to give prompt notice to your insurer or insurance agent of a potential claim.
Q: Should I make a claim if I only had minimal damage from Hurricane Ida
We always recommend filing a claim for damages. You won’t know the monetary amount of your damages until they have been valued by the appropriate professionals.
Q: Who do I contact to make a Hurricane Ida claim?
You can contact your agent who will make the claim with your insurer. Or you can make your claim directly with your insurance carrier. Claims information can often be found on your insurance policy’s declarations page.
Q: What types of coverages does my homeowners insurance cover for Hurricane Ida?
- Dwelling or Structure (i.e. House)
- Other Structures (i.e. garages, gazebo, etc)
- Personal Property (i.e. contents)
- Loss of Use (i.e. ALE or additional living expenses such as hotel, rent, gas, etc.)
Q: How do I calculate my Hurricane deductible?
Your policy will have a % deductible, generally between 2%-5%. Generally, you take your dwelling coverage amount and multiply it by that percentage to get your deductible for property and contents damages.
Q: Does my Hurricane deductible apply to ALE?
No. You can recover dollar for dollar reasonable expenses incurred because of evacuation and displacement.
Q: Does my homeowners insurance policy cover flood damage?
No. In Louisiana flood damages fall under your flood insurance policy which is covered by FEMA. However, most Hurricane Ida claims involve damages caused by wind, which should be covered by your homeowners insurance.
Q: What does ACV or actual cash value mean?
Payments for damages will be calculated using ACV or RC/RCV. ACV means the amount needed to repair or replace the damaged or destroyed property less depreciation (i.e. age)
Q: What does RC or RCV or replacement cost mean
It means the actual cost to replace the item. Your insurance carrier will pay you the ACV. Once you replace the item, they will reimburse you the difference.
Q: Is mold covered by my insurance policy?
If mold is caused by Hurricane Ida storm damage, then yes.
Q: How long after I make my claim does my insurance company have to send an adjuster to assess my damage?
For hurricanes, your insurance company has 30 days from when you notify your insurance company to initiate loss adjustment.
Q: How quickly will my insurance company pay my claim?
Insurance companies are required to issue payment within 30 days after receipt of satisfactory proof of loss.
Q: What is satisfactory proof of loss?.
Satisfactory proof of loss has been interpreted to mean that which is “sufficient to fully apprise the insurer of the insured's claim.” In other words, the insured has to provide necessary facts and proof of damages, at a minimum, to have met the legal requirements of submitting a satisfactory proof of loss in order to get paid.
Q: Will my insurance company pay if I hire my own experts to show damages?
Potentially. Many insurance companies provide coverage for loss assessment.
Q: What are my options if I disagree with the insurance companies valuation of my claim?
One of your options is demanding appraisal. You can request appraisal wherein your own damage expert meets with the insurance company adjuster and a third-party (sometimes a mediator) to make a determination of the value of your claim.
Q: Do I have a claim for Loss of Use (i.e. ALE) even though there was no mandatory evacuation order?
Depending on which parish you reside, the Louisiana insurance commissioner has issued an order that all insurance carriers must treat the evacuation of certain areas as a mandatory evacuation.
Q: Will insurance pay for debris removal caused by Hurricane Ida?
Generally, yes. The specifics and limits can be found in your insurance policy.
Q: What is a bad faith claim?
Bad faith claims arise when an insurance carrier violates Louisiana laws. For example, if your insurance carrier does not issue payment for your claims within 30 days after you submit your proof of loss, it will be deemed in bad faith. If it misrepresents any portion of your insurance policy, it may also be found in bad faith.
Q: What are my recoverable damages for a bad faith claim?
Damages includes recovery of penalties, attorney fees and costs of prosecuting your claim.
If the information you need is not outlined above, please do not hesitate to call or text us for a free consultation, 504-372-6175.
Our Clients Reviews
My neighbor's giant tree fell & landed in my yard during Hurricane Zeta. After more than six months of arguing, I couldn't get any traction with my homeowners insurance to cover its removal. Austin was incredibly professional and helpful and gave me two tactics to try. It worked and within a few weeks the tree is finally gone. Without his guidance, I would still be staring at the giant tree.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
March 11, 2021 via Google
Good Service. Helped me get paid from my homeowner's insurance company. Fast good communication always available to answer questions.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 29, 2020 via Google
Such a pleasure doing business with Paul and staff!! Very professional and constantly on top of their game!! If I ever needed someone to represent me again he would be the first that I call!!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
January 3, 2020 via Google