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.
After more than forty years in the insurance business, one truth has become very clear… hurricane season never sneaks up on Louisiana and Mississippi. It is announced loudly, repeatedly, and usually with a five-day forecast that somehow still manages to surprise people. Every year, the storms come, the questions follow, and the same patterns repeat themselves. That is exactly why building an insurance preparedness plan before hurricane season starts matters.
Insurance preparedness is not about panic or worst-case thinking. It is about clarity. When coverage details are understood ahead of time, decisions after a storm tend to be calmer, faster, and far less frustrating. When policies are reviewed only after damage occurs, stress levels rise quickly and options shrink just as fast.
The first step in preparedness is understanding what coverage actually exists. Wind, flood, named storm deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements all play very different roles. Many policyholders assume coverage is broader than it really is, which usually becomes apparent at the least convenient time imaginable. Reviewing declarations pages before hurricane season allows time to address gaps without running into carrier restrictions or binding limitations.
Documentation is the next major piece, and it is often underestimated. Insurance claims rely heavily on proof. Photos, videos, receipts, serial numbers, and property details provide a baseline that helps claims move forward efficiently. Creating a simple home or business inventory before the season starts saves enormous time later. Digital storage and offsite backups are not glamorous, but they are extremely effective when paper copies disappear.
Coverage limits deserve regular attention as well. Construction costs, labor availability, and material pricing change constantly. A policy that made sense five years ago may no longer reflect current rebuilding realities. Annual reviews help keep limits aligned with actual replacement needs rather than outdated estimates.
Deductibles also deserve a close look. Hurricane and wind deductibles are often percentage-based, which means out-of-pocket responsibility can be higher than expected. Understanding how deductibles apply allows for realistic financial planning instead of unpleasant surprises after a storm.
Flood insurance requires special consideration every year. Standard homeowners and commercial property policies do not include flood coverage. Flood policies frequently involve waiting periods, which means coverage decisions must happen well before storm threats appear on weather maps. Evaluating flood risk early avoids rushed decisions later.
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.
Communication planning is another important but overlooked part of preparedness. After a major storm, normal routines are disrupted. Office access may be limited. Cell service may be inconsistent. Having policy numbers, carrier information, and claim reporting instructions easily accessible speeds up the recovery process once conditions allow safe action.
Business owners face additional planning considerations. Business interruption coverage, extra expense provisions, and income documentation requirements vary significantly by policy. Understanding how income loss is calculated and what records are required allows businesses to prepare financial documentation in advance. Payroll records, tax filings, and revenue reports often become essential after a storm.
Policy responsibilities following a loss also matter. Most policies require reasonable steps to prevent additional damage once it is safe to do so. Knowing these obligations ahead of time allows for quicker action and helps preserve coverage eligibility.
Geography plays a role in every preparedness plan. Risk profiles differ between coastal and inland areas, urban and rural communities, and regions with varying flood and wind exposure. Coverage should reflect actual risk rather than assumptions. Communities across southeast and central Louisiana and southern Mississippi experience storms differently, and insurance planning should account for those differences.
After four decades in operation, Dan Burghardt Insurance has grown to be licensed in both Louisiana and Mississippi, with a strong focus on cities including New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, St. Bernard, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, Thibodaux, LaPlace, Lake Charles, Bossier City, Central, Lafayette, Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria. Serving diverse regions reinforces the importance of early planning and regional awareness year after year.
Preparedness does not eliminate storms, but it does reduce uncertainty. Insurance works best when it is understood before it is needed. Clear coverage, solid documentation, realistic limits, and accessible information all contribute to smoother recovery when conditions become unpredictable.
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.
Hurricane season will always test patience, plans, and property. An insurance preparedness plan built ahead of time provides stability when everything else feels uncertain. And while storms may be unavoidable, confusion does not have to be part of the experience.
