Loading...
// FLOOD INSURANCE
Flood Insurance in Louisiana
25% of flood claims happen outside high-risk zones. Don't assume you're safe just because you're not required to carry flood insurance. We compare NFIP and private options so you know you're covered.
200+ Five-Star Reviews·40+ Carriers·Best of Baton Rouge 2025
Louisiana Flood Insurance from a Local Agent Who Gets It
The August 2016 floods damaged over 110,000 Louisiana homes, many of them in neighborhoods that had never flooded before. If there's one thing we've learned, it's that no property in South Louisiana is truly safe from flooding. Your homeowners policy won't cover a single dollar of flood damage. You need a separate flood insurance policy.
As an independent agency, we offer both NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) policies and private flood insurance options. Private flood policies often provide broader coverage and lower premiums than NFIP, especially for homes in moderate- and low-risk zones. We'll compare your options and find the right fit.
NFIP &
Private Options
Flood Zone
Experts
Building coverage up to $250K through NFIP, or higher through private flood.
Contents coverage for furniture, electronics, and personal belongings.
Available for homeowners, renters, and commercial property owners.
No waiting period when purchased at closing (NFIP requires 30-day wait otherwise).
// WHAT'S COVERED
What Flood Insurance Covers in Louisiana
Building/Structure
Covers your home's foundation, walls, flooring, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC, water heaters, and built-in appliances damaged by floodwater.
Contents/Personal Property
Protects furniture, clothing, electronics, and portable appliances. NFIP offers up to $100K in contents coverage. Private policies often offer more.
Basement & Below-Grade
Limited coverage under NFIP for basement improvements, but private flood policies may cover finished basements, drywall, and flooring below grade.
Debris Removal
Pays to remove flood-damaged materials and debris from your property after a covered flood event. This is a major expense most homeowners don't expect.
Additional Living Expenses
If floodwater makes your home uninhabitable, this pays for temporary housing, hotel stays, and increased living costs during repairs.
Pool & Deck Repair
Private flood policies may cover damage to in-ground pools, decks, patios, and detached structures. This coverage is not available through standard NFIP.
Why Louisiana Homeowners Trust Chabert for Flood Insurance
NFIP & Private Options
Most agents only sell NFIP policies. We also offer private flood insurance, which can save Louisiana homeowners 20-40% with broader coverage and higher limits.
Flood Zone Expertise
We know Louisiana flood maps inside and out, from EBR, Ascension, and Livingston parishes to communities across South Louisiana. Whether you're in Zone AE, Zone X, or anywhere in between, we'll recommend the right level of coverage.
Claims Support After Storms
When storms hit, we're here to help you file your claim, document damage, and understand the process. Your carrier handles the claim directly, but you'll always have a local team to call with questions.
Get Your Flood Quote
Or call (225) 395-4000 to talk to a local agent.
Louisiana Flood Insurance FAQ
Flood insurance premiums in Louisiana vary widely based on your flood zone, home elevation, and policy type. NFIP policies typically range from $500-$3,000+ per year, while private flood insurance can sometimes offer lower rates, especially for homes in moderate-risk Zone X areas. Under FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 pricing, many Louisiana homeowners are seeing rate changes. We compare both NFIP and private options to find you the best rate.
If you have a federally backed mortgage and your home is in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone (Zone A or AE), flood insurance is required by your lender. But even if it's not required, we strongly recommend it for every Louisiana homeowner. The 2016 floods proved that devastating flooding happens well outside high-risk zones. Many homes that flooded were in Zone X, where flood insurance isn't mandatory.
NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) is the federal program administered through FEMA. It caps building coverage at $250,000 and contents at $100,000. Private flood insurance is offered by private carriers and often provides higher limits, broader coverage (including basement finishing and additional living expenses), and sometimes lower premiums. As an independent agency, we can offer both and help you compare them side by side.
No. This is the most common and most costly misunderstanding in Louisiana. Standard homeowners policies specifically exclude flood damage. If a rainstorm, river overflow, or storm surge sends water into your home, your homeowners policy won't pay a cent. You need a separate flood policy, either through NFIP or a private carrier.
NFIP policies have a standard 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so you can't buy a policy when a storm is approaching and expect it to cover that event. The exception is when you purchase flood insurance at your mortgage closing, in which case coverage begins immediately. Private flood policies may have shorter waiting periods, sometimes as few as 10-15 days. The best time to buy is before you need it.
Call us at (225) 395-4000 as soon as floodwaters recede and it's safe to assess damage. Document everything with photos and video before cleanup begins. We'll help you file the claim with your carrier and answer any questions along the way. Your insurance company handles the claim directly, but we're here to make sure you understand the process and know your options.
Still have questions? Call (225) 395-4000 or get your free quote.
Flood Insurance Guides & Resources
Explore our latest articles to learn more about flood insurance in Louisiana.
Flood Insurance
NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance in Louisiana: An Honest Comparison
Should you stick with the National Flood Insurance Program or go with a private carrier? Here's an honest look at both options and when each one makes sense.
Flood Insurance
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Louisiana?
Louisiana flood insurance averages $826 to $1,470 per year depending on your flood zone and carrier. Here's what drives the price and how to pay less.
Flood Insurance
Do You Need Flood Insurance in Louisiana?
Find out why flood insurance is essential for Louisiana residents, what it covers, and how to get the right policy even if you are not in a high-risk zone.
