Taylor Hale | March 19, 2025 | Lake Charles Personal Injury Blog
Does Renters Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage in Lake Charles, LA?
Renters in Lake Charles, LA, often question if their renters insurance covers hurricane damage. The area experiences many hurricanes and strong storms. Knowing what your policy covers is important to protect your finances after a storm.
Does renters insurance cover hurricane damage in Lake Charles, LA? The answer depends on the specifics of your policy. Most renters insurance covers damage caused by wind but may not include flooding, which is common during hurricanes. To ensure full protection, you may need more coverage, such as a separate flood insurance policy.
Reviewing your policy details can help you understand what is and isn’t covered before a storm hits.
What Does Renters Insurance Cover?
Renters insurance helps protect people who rent their homes from losing money due to certain events. These events can include theft, fire, and some types of water damage. A basic renters insurance policy usually covers the following:
- Personal property damage: Damage to belongings such as furniture, electronics, and clothing caused by covered perils.
- Liability coverage: Protection if someone is injured in your rental unit and you are found legally responsible.
- Additional living expenses: Reimbursement for temporary housing if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.
However, when it comes to hurricanes, coverage may be limited depending on the policy’s terms.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?
Hurricane damage can be complex because it often involves multiple types of destruction, including wind, rain, and flooding. The extent to which renters insurance covers these damages depends on the cause:
- Wind damage: Most renters’ insurance policies cover damage caused by hurricane winds. If strong winds break windows and damage your personal belongings, your policy will likely cover the loss.
- Water damage: If rain enters your unit due to roof or window damage caused by the storm, your renters insurance may cover the resulting water damage. Water damage describes issues caused by rain and leaks. It does not cover flood damage.
- Flood damage: Standard renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage, even if it results from a hurricane.
To guard against flood damage, you must buy a flood insurance policy. This can be done through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
What If You Need Temporary Housing?
If a hurricane makes your rental unlivable, renters insurance usually covers extra living costs. This includes:
- Hotel stays
- Food expenses beyond your normal costs
- Temporary rentals until repairs are completed
However, this coverage only applies if a covered cause causes the damage and does not apply to flooding unless you have separate flood insurance.
Steps to Take After Hurricane Damage
If your rental unit is damaged by a hurricane, follow these steps to protect your claim:
- Document the damage: Take photos and videos of all affected belongings and structural damage.
- Notify your insurance company: File a claim as soon as possible, providing all necessary documentation.
- Prevent further damage: If possible, take steps to mitigate additional loss, such as covering broken windows.
Keep receipts for other costs like temporary housing and necessary purchases due to the displacement.
Understanding Louisiana’s Insurance Laws
Louisiana law requires insurance companies to handle claims fairly and promptly. If your insurer denies your claim unfairly, you may have legal options under Louisiana law. Additionally, Louisiana follows a two-year statute of limitations for filing property damage claims. If you believe your claim was wrongfully denied, seeking legal assistance may be beneficial.
Contact an Attorney if You Face Difficulties with Your Renters Insurance After Hurricane Damage in Lake Charles, LA
Renters insurance can help protect your finances during hurricane season, but it has limits. Flood damage is usually not covered. If you rent in Lake Charles, review your policy and consider extra coverage if needed. If you have trouble with an insurance claim after a hurricane, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the payment you deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation with a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer from Hale Injury Lawyers to discuss how we can help you.
Hale Injury Lawyers
1735 Ryan St Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 426-1071
