During hurricane season here in Louisiana, it’s important to think about more than just boarding up windows or securing doors. While those steps help protect your home from physical damage, there's one simple thing you can do that might save you a lot of headaches after the storm: take photos and videos of your property. This small step could make all the difference when dealing with insurance companies later on.
Why You Need to Document Your Property Before a Hurricane
Insurance claims after a hurricane can be a complicated and stressful process, and unfortunately, many policyholders find themselves at odds with their insurers. One common issue is insurers claiming that damages were pre-existing, which allows them to deny or reduce your payout. This is where photographs and videos become your most powerful tools.
Photograph and video your entire property: Start by taking wide-angle shots of the exterior, covering all sides of your home, the roof, and any outdoor structures like sheds or fences. Make sure to include landscaping as well.
Go room by room inside your house: Capture each room’s condition and focus on high-value items like electronics, furniture, and appliances. This will help establish the pre-storm condition of your belongings and prevent any disputes over whether the damage is storm-related.
Capture serial numbers and receipts when possible: For expensive items like electronics or appliances, photograph receipts, and serial numbers, if you have them, as added proof of ownership.
Use timestamp features: Many modern phones and cameras automatically timestamp videos and photos. If possible, enable this feature to create an indisputable record of when the documentation was created. This can be critical when proving the condition of your home and personal property before the storm hits.
How This Simple Tip Helps You with Insurance Claims
Louisiana law requires that insurers act in good faith when evaluating claims, but disputes often arise over pre-existing damage. By taking photos and videos, you're providing tangible evidence that shows the condition of your property before the storm.
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 22:1892, insurance companies are obligated to adjust claims fairly and promptly. Having thorough documentation can help hold them accountable to these standards.
Additionally, under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 22:1973, insurers who fail to properly pay claims or act in bad faith can be subject to penalties. Having photographic evidence strengthens your case if you need to argue that your insurance company isn’t acting in good faith.
When filing your claim, having a solid record of your property’s condition prior to the storm can help ensure that you're compensated fairly and swiftly for damages. Without this evidence, you may find yourself in prolonged disputes with your insurer over whether the damage was caused by the hurricane or if it predated the storm.
Louisiana's "Bad Faith" Insurance Laws and How They Protect You
Louisiana's insurance laws are designed to prevent unfair practices by insurers. La. R.S. 22:1892 and La. R.S. 22:1973 both provide remedies for policyholders when insurance companies unreasonably delay or underpay claims.
If an insurer denies or underpays your claim based on alleged pre-existing conditions, they may be violating these statutes, especially if you have documentation showing the pre-storm condition of your property.
In the event of a bad faith insurance claim, policyholders may be entitled to penalties and attorney's fees if they can prove that their insurer acted unreasonably. This is why having a comprehensive record of your home and personal belongings is so important. It can be the key piece of evidence that ensures you're treated fairly.
What You Should Do if Your Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Even with thorough documentation, some insurance companies may still push back on claims. If that happens, you have legal options. As a personal injury and property damage lawyer in Louisiana, I’ve helped many clients fight unfair insurance practices and receive the compensation they deserve.
If your insurance company denies your claim or offers an unreasonably low payout, you may need to take legal action. In some cases, this can involve filing a bad faith claim under Louisiana law. Remember, insurers are legally obligated to act in good faith when handling your claim, and they must pay within 30 days of receiving satisfactory proof of loss, as per La. R.S. 22:1892.
If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options. You could be entitled to penalties, interest, and additional damages under Louisiana law.
Stay Safe During Hurricane Season
While documenting your property is essential, your safety always comes first. Be sure to follow all evacuation orders from local authorities and make a plan to stay safe. Preparation isn’t just about protecting your property; it’s also about ensuring your loved ones are safe and out of harm’s way.
Get More Tips and Legal Advice
This tip is just one small way you can protect yourself this hurricane season. For more advice, including legal tips on dealing with insurance companies, subscribe to my YouTube channel or check out the resources on my website. I regularly share insights to help Louisiana residents navigate the legal challenges that can arise after severe weather events.
As a personal injury lawyer in Louisiana, my goal is to help you stay informed and prepared. Don’t wait until after the storm hits—take action now to ensure you’re in the best possible position if you need to file a claim later.
Stay prepared, stay safe, and remember—documenting your property is your first line of defense against unfair insurance practices.
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