A Louisiana Homeowner's Insurance Checklist for Hurricane Season
By Beneficial Insurance Agency · Last reviewed September 21, 2026
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The time to understand your coverage is before a storm threatens the Gulf Coast because carrier binding restrictions may limit new coverage or policy changes. Here is what to review each spring.
Know your named-storm deductible
Many Louisiana homeowners policies carry a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible, often calculated as a percentage of dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% deductible equals $6,000. Check the declarations page and ask your agent how the deductible applies to your policy.
Remember that flood is a separate policy
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flooding, including storm surge. Flood coverage is typically purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood carrier. Waiting periods can apply, so review the effective-date rules for the specific policy before a storm threatens.
Check that your dwelling limit still matches rebuild cost
Construction costs in southeast Louisiana have risen sharply. If your dwelling limit was set years ago, it may no longer be enough to rebuild the same house. Ask your agent to re-run the replacement-cost estimate. Raising the limit usually costs far less than being underinsured after a total loss.
Document your belongings now
A claim goes faster and settles more completely when you can show what you had. Walk each room with your phone camera, open drawers and closets, and store the video somewhere off-site (cloud storage counts). Keep receipts for major purchases with it.
Know how you would report a claim
- Save your agent's number and your carrier's claims line in your phone
- Keep your policy number somewhere you can reach if you evacuate
- After a loss, photograph damage before making temporary repairs, and keep receipts for those repairs. Reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage are generally covered
Before the season, not during
When a storm threatens, carriers may impose temporary binding restrictions on new policies or coverage changes. The timing and scope vary. A spring policy review gives you time to understand the terms before restrictions apply. Request one here or call either office.
Authoritative sources
This article is general consumer information, not insurance advice for your specific situation, and doesn't modify any policy's terms. Talk to an agent about your own coverage.