Every hurricane season reminds Louisiana residents that tropical storms and hurricanes can develop quickly in the Gulf, leaving only a limited window to prepare. Whether a storm ultimately makes landfall or changes course, emergency officials consistently encourage homeowners to review their emergency plans, protect their property, and understand their insurance coverage before severe weather threatens the state.
For many Louisiana families, the focus is understandably on stocking emergency supplies, securing their homes, and making evacuation plans if necessary. However, experienced Louisiana hurricane attorneys say another important step is often overlooked: preparing for a potential insurance claim before a storm ever arrives.
We spoke with attorney Jed Cain of Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain (HKGC) about the legal and practical questions homeowners should ask before a tropical storm or hurricane, along with the common insurance claim mistakes that can make recovery more difficult after severe weather.
Q: What's the biggest mistake homeowners make before a storm?
Jed Cain: Most people wait until after the storm to think about their insurance policy or how they'll document damage. By then, valuable evidence may already be gone.
Take photographs or video of your home today. Document the condition of your roof, windows, vehicles, landscaping, and valuable personal property. Keep copies of important insurance documents somewhere you can access them even if your home loses power or is damaged.
Q: If damage occurs, what should people do first?
Jed Cain: Safety always comes first. Once a storm has passed and it’s safe to venture outside, document any damage before you begin cleanup, whenever possible. Insurance companies will usually ask for proof of the damage. The more photographs, videos, receipts, and written records you have, the easier it may be to establish what happened.
Keep receipts for emergency repairs, temporary lodging, generators, and other storm-related expenses. Those records may become important later.
Q: What insurance mistakes do you see most often after Louisiana storms?
According to Cain, several issues repeatedly create problems after hurricanes and tropical storms:
- Waiting too long to notify the insurance company.
- Throwing away damaged property before documenting it.
- Accepting the first settlement offer without understanding the full extent of the damage.
- Failing to keep receipts for emergency expenses.
- Starting major repairs before the insurer can inspect the property, unless emergency measures are necessary to prevent additional damage.
"Insurance claims often become more complicated than people expect," Cain says. "The goal should be to preserve evidence from the very beginning."
Q: Does everyone have flood coverage?
Jed Cain: One of the biggest misconceptions is that a standard homeowner's policy automatically covers flood damage. Many policies distinguish between wind damage and flooding, and you may need separate insurance depending on the cause of the loss. Understanding those differences before a storm arrives can prevent unpleasant surprises afterward.
Preparing Now Can Make Recovery Easier Later
Even relatively weak tropical systems can produce significant flooding, fallen trees, roof damage, extended power outages, and insurance disputes. Because forecasts can change quickly, emergency officials encourage Louisiana residents to complete storm preparations before weather conditions worsen.
That preparation includes more than emergency supplies. It also means reviewing insurance policies, documenting property, backing up important records, and understanding the claims process before you need it.
Where to Learn More About Louisiana Storm Damage Claims
Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain has additional resources to help Louisiana homeowners prepare for storms and avoid common insurance claim mistakes afterward. Topics include hurricane preparedness, documenting property damage, understanding insurance coverage, and steps to take if a claim is delayed, undervalued, or denied.
While every storm is different, taking a few proactive steps before severe weather arrives can make recovery significantly easier once skies clear. For more information about storm damage claims, contact HKGC online, via live chat, or by calling 1-844-943-7626.
