LDI advises Louisiana citizens to be Insurance Ready as winter weather arrives this week

The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) encourages policyholders to review your policy, discuss potential out-of-pocket costs with your agent and keep their information handy in case you need to file a claim. LDI recommends Louisiana policyholders take these additional steps to Be Insurance Ready before the cold weather arrives.

Homeowners Winter Weather Concerns

• Protect yourself and your home during extreme weather:
  
  • Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove or space heater.
  • Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets instead of using an extension cord.
  • Never use an oven or stove-top burner to heat your home.
  • Take measures to protect your pipes by removing garden hoses, wrapping outside pipes and faucets, dripping inside faucets, and leaving cabinet doors open to expose the pipes to heated air.
  • Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees if your home is unoccupied during the winter months.
  • Use a safe and secure ladder or contact a professional to help clear leaves and debris from gutters to prevent clogs that could damage your home.
  • Trim branches around your property that are damaged or dying.

• If your home suffers damage due to extreme winter weather, such as water damage from a busted pipe or fire damage from a faulty heater:
  
  • Contact your insurer first to file a claim. If possible, have your policy number and an initial assessment of the damage ready, and make sure your insurance company knows how to contact you.
  • Take photos of the damage before cleaning up, and don’t throw away damaged items. You have an obligation to mitigate further damage by making temporary repairs. Keep your receipts for these expenses.

  Auto Winter Weather Concerns
  

• Preparing your vehicle and driving in extreme winter weather conditions:
  
  • Perform maintenance checks on the battery, antifreeze and wiper fluid levels, heater, brakes, defroster, tire treads and air pressure, and keep a windshield scraper on-hand to remove ice.
  • Maintain at least a half tank of gas and prepare a winter supply kit for your vehicle with flashlight, first-aid supplies, blankets, lighters, extra cold weather clothing, non-perishable snacks and bottled water.
  • Damage caused to your vehicle from fallen icicles and frozen tree limbs should be covered by a comprehensive auto policy.