Hurricane Ida hit many Louisiana residents on August 29, 2021. Although Louisiana residents are accustomed to hurricanes, the devastation and damage can leave lasting scars. Following a hurricane, many residents are displaced from their homes. Those homes could have sustained minor damage, severe damage, or could have been totally destroyed. The last thing those in this position need is an insurance company that refuses to pay what the claim is worth—or denies the claim entirely. A State Farm homeowner claim denial is, unfortunately, not that uncommon.
Most insurance companies—including State Farm—are masters at delay and deny tactics. Insurance companies are 100 percent focused on their financial bottom line. This means if they can consistently underpay or deny claims altogether, their balance sheet looks much better at the end of the year. If you find yourself in the position of dealing with State Farm delay or deny tactics, there is help out there. New Orleans Legal, LLC, has been helping people just like you for many, many years.
Download: 10 Steps To Take After Hurricane Property Damage
We want to help you get your life back on track as quickly and completely as possible. We understand you are in an untenable situation. You and your family may be living with relatives, with friends, or in a hotel that you cannot afford. You need to get back into your home as quickly as possible to begin rebuilding your lives. We will take care of you in this time of need. We will be the advocate in your corner, fighting fiercely for your rights and your future.
About State Farm
State Farm was founded in 1922 by retired farmer and insurance salesman George Jacob Mercherle. Today, State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the United States, ranking 36 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. State Farm Flood Insurance is based in Bloomington, IL, offering flood insurance in D.C. and all 50 states. Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the U.S., costing Americans more than a billion dollars a year.
Bad Faith and a State Farm Homeowner Claim Denial
Despite the memorable slogan “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there,” in reality, State Farm is just like every other insurance company—focused on their financial bottom line. In fact, according to NPR, there was some scandal involved following Hurricane Katrina, after State Farm apparently “willfully and knowingly denied valid claims.” Two former State Farm adjusters came forward as whistleblowers to aid a plaintiff’s case against the insurance company. State Farm was found guilty of defrauding the U.S. government by changing damage reports to avoid paying homeowners the needed money to rebuild.
In 2010, State Farm Mutual confirmed it would stop administering federal flood insurance policies. At the time, State Farm was the nation’s largest administrator of such policies written by the National Flood Insurance Program. Existing customers were not affected by State Farm’s decision. Both new and renewing customers could still obtain flood insurance through one of the approximately 90 insurers that sold flood insurance through the NFIP.
Although State Farm did withdraw from the federal flood program, many of its agents continued administering flood policies through another servicer. If you have purchased a flood insurance policy through your State Farm agent, you may not even be aware the policy is administered through another servicer. In any case, if there is bad faith associated with your flood insurance policy, New Orleans Legal, LLC can help you get the payout you need and deserve.
State Farm and Hurricanes in Louisiana
Floods are the most common and deadliest natural disaster in the United States. While all 50 states are at risk for flooding, Louisiana has the highest percentage of flood-insured homes in the nation. About 44 percent of Louisiana homes carry flood insurance, although most of those policies are courtesy of government flood insurance. A State Farm homeowner’s claim following a natural disaster like a hurricane can be frustrating for homeowners. State Farm still sells hurricane insurance in Louisiana, but possibly without flood damage coverage.
Following the recent Hurricane Ida, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced he was considering levying fines against insurance companies that refuse to cover temporary living expenses for policyholders evacuated during the hurricane. One of the companies at the center of these disputes is State Farm, for refusing to cover temporary living expenses.
Appealing A State Farm Homeowner Claim Denial
If State Farm sends you a formal letter explaining their reason for denying your claim—until you receive this letter, your claim has not been denied. Read the letter carefully, comparing the explanation to what you believe your policy covers. If there is a legitimate reason for denying your claim (i.e., you forgot to pay your premiums), then there is nothing more to do. If, however, you believe the property damage should be covered, speak to your claims adjuster and your agent immediately.
If State Farm is not budging and you believe your hurricane damage should be covered, it could be time to contact a New Orleans Legal attorney who can promptly help you get the amount you deserve for your claim. If your claim goes to the appeal stage, it is always a good idea to have an attorney guide you through the process, as it can be complex because insurance companies tend to have more respect for claimants that are legally represented.
Why Contacting New Orleans Legal is the Best Action to Take
If you are having difficulty with your State Farm Homeowner Claim, we want to help! We have helped hundreds of people just like you who faithfully paid their insurance premiums, and then when disaster struck, they were left dealing with a bad faith insurance company. We will aggressively fight for your rights from start to finish. When life throws you a curve, we will consistently be your advocate. We will ensure you can let go of some of your anxiety, stress, and worry; we will handle your insurance company while you get your life back on track. Contact New Orleans Legal, LLC, today.
