BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging residents to review their insurance coverage and prepare their property as a tropical disturbance in the eastern Gulf is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha and bring heavy rain and localized flooding to parts of the state later this week.
Forecasters expect the system to move northwest along the northern Gulf Coast, increasing the potential for heavy rainfall across southeastern Louisiana by Wednesday.
Temple encouraged residents to monitor weather conditions and take steps to protect their homes before the storm arrives.
“Regardless of how this storm develops, Louisianans should continue to monitor the weather and take steps to Be Insurance Ready,” Temple said. “Prepare your property by trimming your trees, clearing gutters and storm drains, securing outdoor belongings and making sure you have an emergency plan in place. You should also review your homeowners and flood insurance policies, discuss potential out-of-pocket costs with your agent and keep your insurance information close at hand in the event you need to file a claim.”
The Louisiana Department of Insurance advised homeowners to review their insurance policies, including hurricane deductibles, which are typically 2% to 5% of a home’s insured value. The department said policyholders should understand their potential out-of-pocket costs before a storm occurs.
The agency also recommended preparing emergency supplies, securing outdoor property, trimming trees and documenting personal belongings with photos and identifying information to simplify the claims process if damage occurs.
Residents were also encouraged to develop evacuation plans and keep copies of insurance policies and agent contact information readily available in case they need to leave their homes.
If property is damaged, the department advised policyholders to contact their insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process, document damage with photographs before cleanup, retain damaged items when possible and keep receipts for temporary repairs made to prevent additional damage.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance said additional storm preparedness and consumer assistance resources are available through the agency’s website, customer service hotline and its LDIConnect mobile application.