{"id":2195,"date":"2021-02-22T13:23:39","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T13:23:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homeinsuranceking.com\/blog\/?p=2195"},"modified":"2021-02-22T13:23:41","modified_gmt":"2021-02-22T13:23:41","slug":"louisiana-urges-insurers-to-extend-deadlines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gethomeinsurancequotes.com\/blog\/louisiana-urges-insurers-to-extend-deadlines\/","title":{"rendered":"Louisiana Urges Insurers to Extend Deadlines"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon recently urged all property and casualty insurers in the state to extend the deadline for homeowners to file insurance claims from the historic 2020 storm season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Commissioner issued\u00a0Bulletin 2021-02<\/a>\u00a0 which urges insurers to give policyholders more time to demonstrate damage to their properties after last year\u2019s record hurricane season. Policyholders typically have 180 days to file proof that they suffered losses from last year\u2019s hurricanes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 180-day deadlines for Hurricane Laura, Delta and Zeta are quickly approaching with the deadline for Laura coming on February 23, 2021. It is possible that the mandatory evacuations issued for Laura will extend those deadlines a bit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Commissioner also provided guidance regarding replacement cost coverage in his Bulletin as well as reminded insurers about Louisiana\u2019s \u201cthree-year homeowners protection law\u201d which, limits cancellations and non-renewals after major storms.\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In addition to urging insurers to extend deadlines, Commissioner Donelon also encouraged policyholders to be aware of the approaching deadlines and to file claims within those deadlines because in the end, Bulletin 2021-02 is simply a request for insurers to extend their deadlines, legally, they are not required to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlthough I encourage policyholders to file their claims with their insurers as soon as possible to begin the recovery process, I know the level of damage caused by the 2020 hurricanes makes it very difficult for people to gather all of the information and documentation they need to file a detailed proof of loss to support their claim,\u201d Commissioner Donelon said in the bulletin. \u201cI am requesting that insurers take into account the negative impact that multiple hurricanes within a short period of time have had on policyholders in their efforts to repair their property and lives and to show some mercy.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The commissioner encourages policyholders to be aware of the deadlines and work with their insurance company to make sure they get their claim filed on time and inform their insurer about complications they may be experiencing such as material shortages or difficulty getting a contractor to come out to give them an estimate or complete the work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply sending an email to your insurer documenting your issues and asking for an extension can often be enough, legally, insurers have to respond to all inquiries within 14 days. The bulletin also encouraged policyholder to familiarize themselves with the Policyholder Bill of Rights (La R.S. 22:41<\/a>), which was enacted after hurricanes Rita and Katrina<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deadlines to Keep in Mind<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is a quick overview of approaching deadlines as well as an overview of laws protecting policyholders:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following are the approximate proof of loss filing deadlines for last year\u2019s hurricanes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n