What to do if freezing weather damages your home or car in Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—The National Weather Service is predicting another round of cold weather this week, bringing freezing temperatures to parts of Louisiana. The frigid temperatures will follow heavy rain for much of the area on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) is urging policyholders to Be Insurance Ready for wintery weather by reviewing their policies, discussing potential out-of-pocket costs with their agents, and keeping their policy information readily accessible in the event they need to file a claim.

The LDI offers these tips to help policyholders Be Insurance Ready before the wintery weather arrives:

Homeowners

If your home is damaged due to extreme winter weather, such as water damage from a burst pipe or fire damage from a faulty heater:

• Contact your insurer or agent first to discuss your coverage. If possible, have your policy number and an initial damage assessment ready, and make sure your insurance company knows how to contact you.
• Take photos of the damage before cleaning up, and don’t throw away damaged items. You must mitigate further damage by making temporary repairs. Keep your receipts for these expenses.

Auto

If your vehicle is damaged due to extreme winter weather:

• Contact your insurer or agent first to discuss your coverage. If possible, have your policy number and an initial damage assessment ready, and make sure your insurance company knows how to contact you.
• A comprehensive auto policy should cover damage to your vehicle caused by fallen icicles and frozen tree limbs.

If you have questions about an insurance policy or issues with an insurance claim, contact the LDI by downloading our LDIConnect mobile app, calling us at 800-259-5300, or visit www.ldi.la.gov.