Louisiana Flood Insurance Guide

Your Homeowners Policy Does Not Cover Floods

This is the part that surprises a lot of folks. Your standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. It doesn't matter if the water came from a storm surge, a rising bayou, or days of heavy rain that overwhelmed the drainage system — your policy won't pay for the repairs.

Flood insurance is a separate policy, and it's the only reliable way to protect your home and belongings from flood-related losses.

What Flood Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Building coverage typically covers your home's structure, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC equipment, built-in appliances, and carpet and cabinets.

Contents coverage typically covers furniture, clothing, electronics, portable appliances, and other personal belongings.

But it's just as important to know what's not covered:

• Damage caused by mold that could have been prevented

• Cash, precious metals, and valuable papers

• Living expenses or temporary housing while your home is being repaired

• Things outside the home, like decks and fences

Flood Zones Explained

FEMA sorts properties into flood zones based on estimated risk. Here are the ones you'll see most often in Louisiana:

• Zone A and AE: High-risk areas with a 1% or greater annual chance of flooding. If you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required.

• Zone V and VE: High-risk coastal areas where storm surge and wave action are a concern. Flood insurance is also required for federally backed mortgages.

• Zone X: Moderate to low risk areas. Coverage isn't required, but it's strongly recommended.

One thing to keep in mind: flood maps don't always tell the full story. New development, changes to drainage, and shifting weather patterns can increase your risk even if the map says you're in a lower-risk area.

Why "Low Risk" Doesn't Mean "No Risk"

It's tempting to skip flood insurance if your property is in a Zone X area. But here's the thing — you can't control how many neighborhoods get built up higher than yours, and you can't control whether the city or parish keeps the drainage canals clear. Mother Nature is undefeated. A single inch of floodwater in your home can cause more than $25,000 in damage.

And federal disaster assistance isn't a reliable backup plan. FEMA disaster grants average around $5,000 to $10,000 — which rarely comes close to covering actual repair costs. SBA disaster loans can help, but they still need to be paid back.

NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance

You have two main options when shopping for flood coverage.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The NFIP is a federal program run by FEMA. It offers standardized policies with set coverage limits:

• Building coverage up to $250,000 for residential properties

• Contents coverage up to $100,000 for personal belongings

• Available to any property in a participating NFIP community

The NFIP is widely available, but the coverage caps may not be enough if you have a higher-value home.

Private Flood Insurance

Private carriers often offer higher coverage limits, more flexible policies, competitive pricing for lower-risk properties, and shorter waiting periods. An independent agent can help you compare both options.

What Affects the Cost?

Several factors go into what you'll pay for flood insurance:

• Flood zone designation: Properties in high-risk zones pay more

• Your home's elevation: Homes built above the base flood elevation often qualify for lower rates

• Age and construction of your home: Older homes may cost more to insure

• Coverage amounts and deductible: Higher limits and lower deductibles mean a higher premium

• FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0: This updated pricing model looks at how close you are to water sources, how often flooding happens in your area, and your home's replacement cost

The good news? Many Louisiana homeowners in moderate- to low-risk zones find flood insurance affordable, with some policies starting at a few hundred dollars per year. We break down flood insurance costs across Louisiana by city, parish, and flood zone in a separate article.

The 30-Day Waiting Period

Here's something a lot of people don't realize: NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before your coverage kicks in. You can't wait until a storm is in the forecast and then rush to buy a policy. If you're purchasing or refinancing a home, the policy can take effect immediately. Some private insurers offer shorter waiting periods — sometimes as few as 10 to 14 days — and we even have carriers with no waiting period at all.

The bottom line is simple: the best time to get flood insurance is well before you need it.

Flooding can happen anywhere in Louisiana, and standard homeowners insurance won't cover it. Whether you're in a high-risk flood zone or a moderate- to low-risk area, having a separate flood insurance policy is the only way to protect your home and belongings. You can choose between the NFIP and private carriers, and coverage can be surprisingly affordable — especially for properties outside high-risk zones. And with waiting periods that can stretch 30 days, the time to act is now, not when a storm is on the way.

If you're unsure about your flood zone, curious about your options, or ready to get a quote, our team is here to help. Get a free flood insurance quote, and we'll walk you through everything you need to know to protect your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding in Louisiana?

No. Standard homeowners insurance policies in Louisiana do not cover flood damage. Whether water enters your home from a rising bayou, storm surge, or heavy rain, your homeowners policy won't pay for repairs. Flood insurance is a separate policy available through the NFIP or private carriers.

What if my home is in a low-risk flood zone?

Low risk doesn't mean no risk. According to FEMA, more than 40% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk zones. The 2016 Louisiana flood damaged thousands of homes in areas not labeled as high risk. And flood insurance in low-risk zones is often surprisingly affordable.

How much does a flood insurance claim typically pay out?

Payouts depend on the damage and your coverage limits. Just one inch of water inside a home can cause around $25,000 in damage. NFIP building coverage caps at $250,000 and contents at $100,000. Private policies can offer higher limits.

Hurricane Deductibles Explained: What Homeowners in High-Risk States Need to Know

If you own a home in a coastal state, especially Louisiana, you might have noticed your insurance policy has a deductible based on a percentage instead of a set amount. This is your hurricane deductible, which differs from your regular deductible for burglary or kitchen fire. Here is everything you need to know about how these deductibles work, as they can save you thousands after a storm.

What Is a Hurricane Deductible?

A hurricane deductible is a specific out-of-pocket cost based on a percentage of your home's insured value, rather than a set amount. These percentages often range between 1% and 5% and can be even higher in high-risk areas. 

For example, let's say your home is insured for $350,000 and the hurricane deductible is 3%; you are now responsible for the first $10,500 of the damage before your insurance can cover a single cent. 

How It's Triggered

The hurricane deductible is not active for every windstorm. It only activates when the National Hurricane Center or the National Weather Service labels a storm or issues a hurricane watch or warning for your area.

How It Replaces Your Standard Deductible

Many homeowners miss that when a hurricane occurs, the percentage-based hurricane deductible replaces your flat All-Other-Perils (AOP) deductible instead of adding to it. For example, if your standard AOP deductible is $1,000 and your hurricane deductible is 3%, you only pay the 3%, not both.

Key Rules You Need to Know

Calendar-Year Cap

In most high-risk states, even if multiple storms hit your area, you only pay the deductible once per year. For example, if a hurricane damages your roof in early August and another hits in late September, you have already met your deductible for the year.

What's Not Covered

One costly mistake homeowners make is expecting hurricane deductibles to cover rising water or storm surges. Wind-driven rain entering through a damaged roof is covered. However, water pushed up from the ground or storm surge requires a separate policy for flood damage. This is usually covered by the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or a private flood insurer.

Deep Dive: Louisiana's Hurricane Deductible Laws

Louisiana has some of the strongest consumer protections around hurricane deductibles — and some important traps to watch for.

The Annual Deductible Law

Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 22:1337, policyholders are legally protected by the Annual Deductible Law. This means you only have to satisfy your percentage-based storm deductible once per calendar year, no matter how many storms hit.

The Remaining Balance Rule

Here's how it plays out in a multiple-storm season:

First storm — you hit your full deductible

Full percentage-based deductible

Second storm — same year

Only your standard AOP flat deductible (e.g., $1,000)

First storm — minor damage, only paid part of deductible

You carry the remaining balance into the next storm

Example: Say your hurricane deductible is $10,000. The first storm causes only $3,000 in damage. You pay $3,000. If a second storm hits that same year, you still owe up to $7,000 before insurance kicks in — not the full $10,000 again.

Three Louisiana Blind Spots That Could Cost You

1. Switching Insurers Mid-Season Resets Your Deductible

If you switch homeowners insurance companies after a storm hits, your annual cap resets. The new insurer can legally charge you a new hurricane deductible for any later storms that year, even if you already paid one with your previous carrier.

2. "Named Storm" vs. "Hurricane" — They're Not the Same

Check your policy's declaration page carefully:

• Named Storm deductible — triggers the moment the National Hurricane Center names a system, including tropical storms

• Hurricane deductible — only activates if the system reaches sustained hurricane-strength winds.

A tropical storm can still cause serious damage. If you have a "hurricane" deductible and a named tropical storm hits, you might have to pay your standard (usually lower) AOP deductible or find your coverage works differently than expected.

3. Water Is Rarely Covered

This bears repeating: no standard homeowners policy in Louisiana covers storm surge or rising groundwater. Wind-driven rain entering through a damaged roof is covered. But if water comes up from the ground or pushes in from the coast, you need a separate flood policy.

How to Protect Yourself

• Read your declaration page — know whether you have a named-storm or hurricane trigger, and what your exact percentage is

• Don't switch carriers mid-season after a storm unless you understand the deductible reset.

• Buy flood insurance separately — even if you're not in a high-risk flood zone, storm surge could reach surprising areas.

• Look into mitigation programs — the Louisiana Department of Insurance offers consumer alerts and information on structural improvements that may reduce your premium.

Don't wait for the next storm to find out what your insurance actually covers. Most homeowners renew without ever checking — and a 2% hurricane deductible vs. a 5% one can mean thousands of dollars out of pocket. Our independent agents will review your home, flood, auto, life, and health policies, explain what's covered and what isn't, and help you find the best coverage at the best price.

At Apron Agencies, you can take three easy steps: contact us, send over your DEC sheets, and we'll walk through your options by phone or in person. Schedule your free household insurance checkup today — know where you stand before storm season arrives.

After all, just like mama in the kitchen, we got yah covered! 

Louisiana Auto Insurance

Louisiana auto insurance requirements start with one basic rule: if you drive here, you need liability coverage. That part is simple enough. But understanding exactly what coverage you need, what the state minimums actually protect, and where gaps might leave you financially exposed takes a closer look. Here's what every Louisiana driver should know.

Louisiana's Minimum Liability Requirements

Louisiana law requires every registered vehicle to carry liability insurance. The state minimums are commonly written as 15/30/25, which breaks down like this:

• $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person

• $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident

• $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident

These are the absolute minimums. If you're caught driving without at least this level of coverage, you could face fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment. Louisiana takes uninsured driving seriously, and penalties get steeper with repeat offenses.

What Those Numbers Actually Mean

Let's say you cause an accident that injures two people. Under the 15/30/25 minimums, your insurance would pay up to $15,000 for each injured person, but no more than $30,000 total for all injuries combined. It would also cover up to $25,000 in damage to the other driver's vehicle or property.

Anything beyond those limits comes out of your pocket. And in a state where the average emergency room visit can easily exceed $15,000, those minimums can run out fast.

Why Minimums May Not Be Enough

Louisiana consistently ranks among the most expensive states for auto insurance, partly because accident rates and repair costs continue to climb. A single serious accident can result in medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage that far exceed the 15/30/25 limits.

If a court determines you owe more than your policy covers, your personal assets, including savings, property, and future wages, could be at risk. We break down the specific scenarios and dollar amounts in our article on why state minimum auto insurance isn't enough. Most insurance professionals recommend carrying at least 50/100/50 or even 100/300/100 if your budget allows. You should also consider an umbrella policy for an extra layer of protection above your auto and home limits. The price difference between minimum coverage and a more protective policy is often smaller than people expect.

Optional Coverages Worth Considering

Beyond liability, several types of coverage can make a real difference when something goes wrong. Keep in mind that even with these coverages, your policy has exclusions worth knowing about.

Collision Coverage

This pays to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. If you're financing or leasing your car, your lender will almost certainly require it.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive covers damage from events outside of a collision, like theft, hail, flooding, falling trees, and animal strikes. Given Louisiana's weather patterns, including hurricane season and heavy storms, this coverage is particularly worth considering.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

Louisiana has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country. Some estimates put it above 10%. UM/UIM coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages. It's one of the most important coverages you can carry on your auto policy.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage, sometimes called MedPay, helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. It can cover hospital bills, surgery, and even funeral costs. It works alongside your health insurance and can help fill gaps in coverage.

Louisiana's Fault System

Louisiana operates under a fault-based system for auto accidents. That means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the other party's damages. You can file a claim through the at-fault driver's insurer, through your own insurer, or through the court system.

Louisiana also uses a comparative fault rule. If you're found partially at fault for an accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault and your damages total $10,000, you would receive $8,000. This makes having solid coverage on your own policy even more important, because your payout from the other driver's insurer could be reduced.

Factors That Affect Your Rates

Insurance companies look at a range of factors when setting your premium. Some of the most common include:

• Driving record, including accidents, tickets, and DUI history

• Age and experience, with younger drivers typically paying more

• Location within Louisiana, since urban areas tend to have higher rates

• Credit score, which Louisiana insurers are allowed to use in pricing

• Vehicle type, including its age, value, safety ratings, and repair costs

• Coverage levels and deductibles you choose

• Annual mileage, since more time on the road means more risk

Tips for Saving on Auto Insurance

Finding affordable auto insurance in Louisiana doesn't mean you have to settle for bare minimum coverage. There are several practical ways to bring your premium down. We go deeper on this in our article on saving money on car insurance in Louisiana.

• Bundle your policies. Carrying your home and auto insurance with the same company often unlocks a multi-policydiscount.

• Raise your deductible. Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can lower your premium noticeably. Just make sure you can afford the higher out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.

• Ask about discounts. Many carriers offer discounts for safe driving records, defensive driving courses, good grades for student drivers, and anti-theft devices.

• Review your policy annually. Your needs change over time. A vehicle that once needed comprehensive and collision coverage may only need liability as it ages and depreciates.

• Compare quotes from multiple carriers. Rates can vary significantly between companies for the same level of coverage. Working with an independent agent gives you access to multiple options without having to shop around on your own.

Find the Right Coverage for Your Situation

Auto insurance isn't one-size-fits-all, and the cheapest policy isn't always the smartest choice. The right coverage depends on what you drive, how much you drive, and what you can afford to lose in a worst-case scenario.

MEDICARE PREMIUMS AND DEDUCTIBLES RAISE SLIGHTLY IN 2021

Premiums and deductibles for 2021 Medicare Parts A and B will marginally increase, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

New rates for 2021 include:

• The Medicare Part B standard premium will be $148.50, an increase of $3.90.

• The Part B annual deductible will be $203, an increase of $5.

• The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible will be $1,484, an increase of $76.

• Medicare Part A coinsurance will be $371 per day for days 61-90, an increase of $19.

The Part B premiums and deductible reflect the provisions of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 8337).

According to CMS, the average 2021 premiums for Medicare Advantage plans are expected to decline 34.2 percent from 2017 while plan choices, benefits, and enrollment continue to increase. The Medicare Advantage average monthly premium will be the lowest in fourteen years (since 2007). Premiums and deductibles for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans are already finalized and are unaffected by this announcement.

The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries will pay when admitted to the hospital will be $1,484 in 2021, an increase of $76 from $1,408 in 2020. The Part A inpatient hospital deductible covers beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. In 2021, beneficiaries must pay a coinsurance amount of $371 per day for the 61stthrough 90th day of a hospitalization ($352 in 2020) in a benefit period and $742 per day for lifetime reserve days ($704 in 2020). For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefit period will be $185.50 in 2021 ($176.00 in 2020).

Our agents at Apron Agencies can help you review all of your Medicare choices in plan and supplements. We will take the time to make sure you understand what insurance you have and how well you will be covered in the event of a claim.

ARE YOU READY TO SAVE MONEY AND GET THE BEST INSURANCE COVERAGE AVAILABLE? TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FREE HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE CHECKUP TODAY!