From the Desk of Commissioner Tim Temple
My name is Tim Temple, and I am your new Louisiana insurance commissioner. I’m excited about the opportunity to positively impact Louisiana families and businesses by addressing one of the biggest concerns facing our state — the availability and affordability of property insurance. I see the challenges we are all facing, and I am already working with the governor and our leaders in the state legislature to bring an “Insurance Renaissance” to Louisiana. The 2024 Legislative Session is underway, my team and I are heading to the State Capitol with bold legislation that has already been proven to successfully attract insurance companies and create competition in our state's homeowners, commercial property, personal auto and commercial auto markets. As we move forward, the department will work to keep you updated about our progress. I am honored to work with the dedicated professionals at the Louisiana Department of Insurance and to serve all Louisianans.
Preparing for Severe Weather
The Louisiana Department of Insurance is here to help you understand your insurance policies and rights as a policyholder. Severe weather can pop up at any time and there are steps you can take now to ensure your home and property are ready this spring.
Ask questions and make changes now. Contact your insurance agent to confirm you have the right coverage in place, keeping in mind new construction or remodeling can add value to your home.
Update your home inventory. Use your phone to take pictures or video of your possessions. Remember to include brand names. It is best to keep an electronic and hard copy of your list.
Make a plan of action. Designate a location in your home in case of flash flooding or other immediate disasters and a location outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
Our Office of Consumer Advocacy and Diversity is available to answer your insurance questions and ensure your rights are being upheld by the Policyholder Bill of Rights:
Policyholders Shall Have the Right to...
- Competitive pricing practices and marketing methods that enable them to determine the best value among comparable coverage in accordance with the law.
- Insurance advertising that is not false and other selling approaches that provide accurate and balanced information on the benefits and limitations of a policy in accordance with the law.
- An insurance company that is financially stable.
- Be treated fairly and be free from unfair or deceptive acts or practices in accordance with the law.
- Receive service from competent, honest insurance agents who will answer their questions promptly.
- Receive the appropriate disclosure form as an insert in the front of the insurance policy that complies with the law.
- Balanced and positive regulation by the Department of Insurance.
- Check the license status of an insurance company, producer or adjuster.
- Receive written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the cancellation or nonrenewal, unless the cancellation or nonrenewal is for nonpayment of premium; and shall have the right to protection from improper cancellation or nonrenewal in accordance with the law.
- Receive the reason for any cancellation or nonrenewal of coverage in writing.
- Cancel their policy and receive a refund of any unearned premium. If a policy was funded by a premium finance company, the unearned premium will be returned to the premium finance company to pay toward the policyholder’s financing loan.
- Written notification detailing any change in policy provisions at renewal.
- Receive payment of the amount of any property damage claim, or a portion of the claim due, or a written offer to settle any property damage claim within 30 days after receipt of satisfactory proof of loss in accordance with the law. If a claim is denied, policyholders shall have the right to receive a written explanation as to the reason for denial, in whole or in part, of any claim made under their policy of insurance.
- Relative to first-party property damage claims, policyholders shall have the right to request and receive from the insurance company any portion of the claim file, including but not limited to any written reports, estimates, bids, plans, measurements, drawings, engineer reports, contractor reports, statements, photographs, video recordings, or any other documents or communications unless the record that the insurance company prepared or used during its adjustment of the policyholder’s claim is legally privileged. An insurance company may keep confidential adjuster notes, logs, and any other documents or communications prepared in conjunction with a fraud investigation.
- File a complaint against any insurance company, producer or adjuster with the Department of Insurance, and have that complaint investigated by the department.
- Receive a readable and complete property insurance policy, and request a duplicate or replacement policy as needed.
Understanding Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Our SHIIP counselors can help you get the most out of your Medicare benefits and clear the confusion surrounding prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D). Beneficiaries typically have this coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan or a stand - alone Part D plan. There are four phases of Part D coverage:
- Deductible Period
- Initial Coverage Period
- Coverage Gap
- Catastrophic Coverage
The cost of your prescription drugs will depend on your coverage phase and your Part D plan can help you keep track of it. You can expect to pay the full price for your prescriptions until you meet your deductible. If you have questions about your coverage, contact your Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan. SHIIP counselors can provide more information about costs assistance programs.
Upcoming Events
State of the Market
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and Greater Pontchartrain Garden Civil Organization
Date: April 2
Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: St. Ann School Gym
4921 Meadowdale St., Metairie
State of the Market
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Real Estate Association
Date: April 9
Time: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: City Club of Baton Rouge
355 North Blvd., Baton Rouge
Ethics Presentation
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and Acadiana Association of Health Underwriters
Date: April 10
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
4801 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette
Homeowners 101
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Housing Corporation
Date: April 11
Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Register
Opelousas Elderly Awareness Seminar
Date: April 17
Time: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Yambilee Festival Building
1939 W. Landry St., Opelousas
Homeowners 101
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Housing Authority of New Orleans
Date: April 18
Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Homebuyer's Club Meeting, HANO Board Room
2051 Senate St., New Orleans
Homeowners 101
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Housing Corporation
Date: April 18
Time: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register
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