Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Seeks Extension of Flood Claim Deadline

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to extend its deadline for Louisiana homeowners impacted by flooding, the insurance department announced.

A federal disaster declaration issued March 13 has been expanded to cover 36 Louisiana parishes. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires homeowners to file a Proof of Loss form to claim damages within 60 days of a flood.

“A Proof of Loss form is required before any policyholder will receive payment but filing that form within 60 days can be a real challenge for homeowners and businesses who’ve been victims of catastrophic flooding,” said Commissioner Donelon. “Following the flooding of the Red River in 2015, which caused extensive damage in central and northwest Louisiana parishes, FEMA authorized an extension to its initial 60-day filing deadline, increasing policyholders’ time to file to 240 days from the time of their loss. I am asking for FEMA to grant a similar courtesy to homeowners across the state impacted by our recent flood event.”

Flood damage resulting from heavy rain or storm surge is excluded under standard homeowners policies. Flood coverage can be obtained from the NFIP but it must be obtained before a flood event and typically there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy becomes effective.

Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance

Topics Louisiana Flood Homeowners