Louisiana Flood Insurance

Floods pose a serious hazard in Louisiana. In one recent year, extreme, widespread flooding resulted in nearly $905 million in flood claims being paid to more than 35,000 Louisiana residents. That averages out to about $25,000 per claim. These 35,000 residents were prepared with flood insurance. Are you?

Local independent agents understand your flood risks because they live and work in your community. These agents are available to help you cover your property with an affordable flood insurance policy. Contact an insurance agent near you to get started.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood damage is not covered by conventional insurance policies like home insurance, renters insurance, and business insurance.

The damage caused by floodwaters can be very expensive. That is why, in 1968, the federal government stepped in to protect property owners by creating the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The NFIP, which is managed by FEMA, provides guaranteed, affordable flood insurance policies to property owners who are at risk.

Because this is a federally backed program, you cannot be turned down for coverage due to previous flood damage, nor will your rates go up for filing a claim. These policies can be purchased through any qualified commercial insurance carrier or independent insurance agent.

Am I Required to Carry Flood Insurance in Louisiana?

If you are still paying off your mortgage, your lender will most likely require you to carry flood insurance if your property is located in a FEMA-designated flood zone. If you live in a moderate-risk area, your lender may or may not require this coverage.

Keep in mind, however, that even if your home or business is located in a low-risk area, that does not mean you are free from the possibility of experiencing flood damage. 

According to FEMA, around 20% of all flood claims in the US are filed by property owners who live outside of designated flood zones. Considering that just one inch of rainwater in your house can cause as much as $25,000 in property damage, flood insurance coverage can prove invaluable.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Louisiana?

The average cost of flood insurance in Louisiana is $707 a year. Your rates will be based on factors such as the following.

• Where your property is located on your area’s flood map
• How much structural coverage you want to purchase
• How much contents coverage you want to purchase
• Information about your home including its age, structure, style, and elevation.

A policy for a house in a low-risk flood zone will cost considerably less to insure than a house in a high-risk zone.

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What Does Louisiana Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance through the NFIP is composed of two parts: dwelling (or structural) coverage, and contents (or personal property) coverage. The coverage limits are different for individuals and businesses.

• Dwelling coverage: This covers damage to the structure of your home or business building including its foundation and equipment like circuit breakers, water heaters, and HVAC systems.
  • Homeowners can purchase up to $250,000 in coverage.
  • Businesses can purchase up to $500,000 in coverage.
• Contents coverage: This can cover personal belongings like furniture, electronics, clothing, carpeting, and décor that are located on the main levels of your home or merchandise, machinery, and other business property kept on the main levels of your business.
  • Homeowners can purchase up to $100,000 in coverage.
  • Businesses can purchase up to $500,000 in coverage.

You will want to be sure that your coverage limits are high enough to prevent a flood from putting you into dire financial straits.

What Is Not Covered by Louisiana Flood Insurance?

As with any type of insurance policy, flood insurance has its limitations. Here are some of things your policy will not cover against.

• Personal property kept in a finished basement
• Damage caused by earth movement
• Mold, mildew, or moisture remediation
• Landscaping features and property kept outside your home
• Currency and important papers

It is important to be aware of what your policy will and will not cover so you don’t face any unpleasant surprises in the wake of a flood.

Why Work with an Independent Agent in Louisiana?

Independent agents are aware of how much damage floods can cause in Louisiana. You can turn to these agents for guidance and advice when you are shopping for flood insurance for your home or business or when you are just looking for answers to your insurance-related questions.

There are more than 400 independent agents with offices in Louisiana. It should therefore be easy to arrange an obligation-free consultation with an experienced insurance agent near you.