By Dan Burghardt, Owner – Dan Burghardt Insurance
For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.
If home insurance premiums have started creeping up like the kudzu on your backyard fence, you’re not imagining things. Rising home repair costs are hitting every homeowner where it hurts—right in the wallet. And if you’ve opened a renewal notice lately and said a few words that shouldn’t be printed here, well, you’re in good company.
After 40 years in the insurance business, I’ve seen hurricanes, hailstorms, lawsuits, and even sinkholes change the game. But lately? The culprit behind your ballooning premium might be lumber prices, labor shortages, and building materials that cost more than a steak dinner in the French Quarter.
So, what’s really going on—and more importantly, what can be done about it? Let’s break it down in plain English, the way we do it every day for clients in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, St. Bernard, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, Thibodeaux, LaPlace, Lake Charles, Bossier City, Central, Lafayette, Monroe, and Shreveport.
It’s Not Just the Roof That Costs More
When a home is insured, it’s not just about the market value—it’s about what it would cost to rebuild. That’s called replacement cost, and lately, it’s been climbing like a cat up a screen door.
Between supply chain issues, inflation, and increased demand for skilled contractors, the cost to rebuild a damaged home is significantly higher than it was even two years ago. Lumber prices? Up. Roofing materials? Up. Labor? Definitely up. Even the price of nails seems to have caught a case of inflation.
And because insurance companies base premiums on how much it would cost to replace the structure, those rising rebuild costs are translating directly into higher premiums.
(Need help making sense of it? Call the quote department at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or visit the Online Quote Request page—we’ll walk through it without the jargon.)
Roofs and Risk: The Dynamic Duo
One of the biggest factors impacting home insurance right now is the age and condition of the roof. Insurers are getting pickier than a cat at mealtime. If a roof is 15+ years old, even if it hasn’t leaked a drop, it might trigger a premium increase or even non-renewal.
That’s because roofing costs have soared, and claims involving roofs are among the most expensive. Some insurance companies are even requiring full replacements for homes with aging shingles. It’s like being told your car’s too old for coverage—only instead of a car, it’s the thing keeping your living room from becoming a swimming pool.
What’s a Homeowner to Do?
Now that the bad news is out of the way, let’s talk strategy. Because while insurance rates may rise, they don’t have to spiral out of control.
1. Get a Replacement Cost Review
Many homeowners are over-insured or under-insured and don’t even realize it. A review can help align coverage with the actual rebuild value—not just whatever number someone guessed at five years ago. That can lead to smarter coverage at a better price.
2. Improve What Can Be Improved
Updating that old roof, installing hurricane shutters, improving drainage, or adding wind mitigation features can earn discounts or open up more carrier options.
3. Bundle and Save (Yes, Really)
Bundling home and auto insurance often unlocks discounts—even if it sounds like a TV commercial. It also gives the insurer more reason to keep the policy in force during tough underwriting cycles.
4. Work With a Broker That Has Options
Captive agents work for one company. Independent brokers (like us) work for the client. More options means more chances to find competitive rates even in a shifting market.
Still scratching your head? Call (504) 441-RATE (7283) or use the Online Quote Request form for fast, clear advice tailored to Louisiana and Mississippi homes.
The DBI Difference: 40 Years and Still Growing
Dan Burghardt Insurance has spent four decades helping families protect their homes across Louisiana and Mississippi. From the Gulf Coast to the capital and every crawfish boil in between, DBI has served homeowners in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. Whether the need is basic coverage for a starter home in Slidell or robust protection for a custom build in Mandeville, our team finds solutions that match the need and budget.
And because our agency is licensed in both states, we’re familiar with the nuances in each region’s insurance climate. Coastal properties, flood zones, elevation certificates—we’ve seen it all, and we’re still standing.
In Summary: Be Proactive, Not Panicked
Rising home repair costs aren’t going away overnight, and premiums may continue to trend upward. But a smart homeowner—armed with the right information and the right insurance partner—can take steps to stay ahead of the curve.
That starts with a fresh look at coverage, a review of rebuild values, and a conversation with someone who knows the market inside and out.
So, once more for good measure: For a quick quote, call (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and someone will get in touch ASAP.
Because even if lumber’s through the roof, your premium doesn’t have to be.
