Insurance experts share how to save money, be aware ahead of 2025 hurricane season

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — With forecasters predicting a more active hurricane season in 2025, insurance experts are urging Louisiana homeowners to review their coverage now to avoid costly consequences later.

Natalie Todoroff, an insurance specialist, said homeowners should not wait until a storm is approaching to understand what their policies do—and don’t—cover. She emphasized that standard home insurance policies typically do not include flood coverage, which can leave property owners vulnerable in a hurricane-prone state.

“It can be tempting to cut coverage to lower your premium, but if a hurricane damages your home and your policy doesn’t fully cover it, you could be left in a serious financial hole,” Todoroff said.

Many policies in Louisiana also include a named storm deductible, which can increase out-of-pocket expenses if a hurricane or tropical storm causes damage. With average annual premiums in the state surpassing $4,000, some families may find themselves priced out of private coverage options.

For those considered high risk or unable to obtain affordable insurance, Todoroff recommends looking into Louisiana Citizens, the state’s insurer of last resort.

She also cautioned homeowners to be vigilant in the aftermath of a storm, as contractor fraud often spikes after disasters. “Always look up a contractor’s license,” she said. “If someone is demanding full payment upfront, that’s a major red flag.”

Experts say preparation is key, encouraging residents to check their roofs, board up windows, and stack sandbags before any storm takes aim.

“They’re bigger, they’re wetter, and they’re more destructive than they were 10 or 20 years ago,” Todoroff said. “The time to prepare is now.”

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