Volume 13, Issue 6
  June 2022

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Our monthly newsletter addresses consumer insurance topics as well as timely information on issues affecting senior citizens in Louisiana.

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To find out if Consumer Advocacy will be in your area or to request a speaker for your organization, call 225- 219-0619 or send an email to: consumeradvocacy@ldi.la.gov.




storm clouds building 

 

Quick Facts: Hurricane Season Insurance Prep

The Louisiana Department of Insurance urges residents across the state to make insurance an important part of your plan to prepare for this hurricane season. There are things you can do now to protect your home and property.

Policy check-up. Review your homeowners and flood insurance coverage. Contact your agent to find out exactly what your policies cover and ask questions about your hurricane deductible. Strongly consider purchasing a flood insurance policy from the NFIP or private market. Some companies may restrict the sale of insurance once a hurricane or tropical storm enters the Gulf of Mexico. If you need to make changes to your policy, do it now.

Home inventory. Create, an itemized list, of all the items in your home. Take photos and video of your belongings. This list will be helpful if you need to file a claim after a storm.

Assess your health needs. Review your health insurance policy to become familiar with what you should do in the event of an emergency. Identify your network hospital and pharmacy. Keep your prescriptions in original containers and pack a general first aid kit.

Gather important documents. Keep hard copies of your vital documents in a waterproof safe or box. For insurance policies and other important records. Keep electronic versions as well.

Click here to view our hurricane season preparedness videos.

 

FAQs

What is a hurricane deductible?

A hurricane deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage will pay for a claim. Hurricane deductibles are typically 3% to 5% of a home’s value rather than a dollar amount deductible.

What are additional living expenses/loss of use coverage?

This coverage provides for living expenses that would exceed the insured’s normal expenses to maintain a comparable cost of living after a claim has been made. For instance, if a hurricane rendered your home unlivable while repairs were being made, additional living expenses (ALE) coverage may cover a hotel bill for a period of time. There are limits to ALE coverage and there may be time limits as well. Receipts and records are needed to receive reimbursement from ALE coverage.

What are the two types of reimbursement for contents coverage?

Replacement value and actual cash value. Replacement value is what it would cost to replace the item with one of comparable material and quality to be used for the same purpose. Actual cash value is the market value of an item and is replacement cost minus depreciation. Check to see if your policy would cover replacement cost or actual cash value for your contents and use your home inventory to decide what coverage is appropriate for your needs.

I plan to review my auto insurance policy ahead of hurricane season. What should I look for?

Comprehensive coverage on your vehicles pays for damage to your vehicle caused by an event other than a collision. If your vehicle is affected by a storm, flood or hurricane, comprehensive coverage will apply.

 

Managing Your Medicare

Our senior health staff encourages Medicare beneficiaries to review their health plan and prescription drug coverage while making hurricane preparedness plans. Here are a few tips:

  • Make copies of your insurance card and Medicare card.
  • Make a list of your medications.
  • Keep prescriptions in original containers.
  • Write down the name of your doctors and pharmacy.
  • Document your current health conditions.

If you receive Medicare, the Louisiana Department of Insurance can help you locate your policy. Call our SHIIP office at 800-259-5300.

 


Upcoming Events

Disaster Recovery - Small Business Association
Date: June 1
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: RWC Business Resource & Innovation Hub
7600 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge

How to Become a Licensed Claims Adjuster Workshop
Date: June 2
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Southern University New Orleans, College of Business
6801 Press Drive, New Orleans
Register here: http://ow.ly/a8tK50JfZGH  

Know Your Policy - Mid City Neighborhood Association
Date: June 13
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Warren Easton High School
3019 Canal Street, New Orleans  

View Louisiana's Open Meetings Law on the legislative website by clicking here.


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Office of Consumer Advocacy
(225) 219-0619 or (800) 259-5300

P.O Box 94214
www.ldi.la.gov

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9214
consumeradvocacy@ldi.la.gov