Volume 8, Issue 8 August 2017


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Our monthly newsletter addresses consumer insurance topics as well as timely information on issues affecting senior citizens in Louisiana.

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To find out if Consumer Advocacy will be in your area or to request a speaker for your organization or group, call (225) 219-0619 or send an email to: consumeradvocacy@ldi.la.gov

Upcoming Events

LDI On the Road: SWLA Health and Wellness Fair

Date: August 12, 2017
Time: 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Location: SWLA Center for Health Services
2000 Opelousas Street, Lake Charles, LA

Business Building Blocks Agent Workshop

Date: August 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Location: Louisiana Department of Insurance, Plaza Hearing Room
1702 N. Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA

LDI On the Road: Planning for the Future Health Fair

Date: August 17, 2017
Time: 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Location: St. Margaret's Episcopal Church
12663 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA

LDI On the Road: Christ Church Cathedral Health Fair

Date: August 24, 2017
Time: 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Location: Christ Church Cathedral
2919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA

LDI On the Road: 16th Annual Men's Health Conference

Date: August 26, 2017
Time: 7:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Location: Pennington Biomedical Research Center
6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA

 

View Louisiana's Open Meetings Law on the legislative website by clicking here.

After the Storm: Filing a Claim

We are entering the peak of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Recent flooding in the New Orleans area is a reminder that bad weather can happen anytime. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon offers the following tips on filing a claim:

  • Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Have your policy readily available and find out whether the damage is covered under the terms of your policy and how long you have to file a claim. If you have trouble with that process, you can reach the Department of Insurance at 800-259-5300 for assistance.
  • Your automobile insurance policies cover flooding if you have purchased comprehensive coverage. If you only have liability coverage, your vehicle is not covered for flooding.
  • Minimize your losses and document the damage. Take photos of any damage and then make whatever reasonable temporary repairs are needed. 
  • Remember that flooding is generally not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Flood insurance is a separate policy through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and some private insurers.
  • Ask for identification from any agents, adjusters or contractors. Do not sign any contracts for repairs until you have been instructed to do so by your adjuster and you have called the Better Business Bureau in your area.
  • Don’t be afraid to file a claim. Storms are considered "Acts of God" or "Acts of Nature" and an insurance company cannot cancel, refuse to renew or increase the amount of a premium on a homeowners policy based solely on this type of incident.

If you have questions about filing a claim or you believe your insurance policy is not being properly honored, call us at 1-800-259-5300.
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cash

Policyholders Recover Millions with LDI’s Help

Louisiana Department of Insurance helped policyholders collect an additional $4 million in the first half of the year. The funds are a result of staff from the LDI Consumer Services working with company representatives to resolve consumer complaints.

Funds recovered are from formal complaints regarding life and annuities, property and casualty, and health products. These recovered funds are in addition to the original amounts offered to consumers by their insurance companies.

Consumer Insurance Dispute Settlements ( January 1- June 30, 2017)

Insurance Product  Complaints Filed Funds Recovered 
 Life & Annuities  316  $796,737.47
 Health  526  $935,638.28
 Property & Casualty  1764  $2,301,143.05
 Total  2605  $4,033,518.80

Policyholders can file complaints through the LDI website and can access complaint data by company and insurance product line. Consumers may also file a complaint by visiting the LDI and meeting with an insurance specialist. Appointments are not required and the LDI keeps staff members available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information call, 1-800-259-5300.

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Join the Team

You can help seniors in your area by joining our Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer team. Our senior health staff helps Medicare beneficiaries better understand their Medicare coverage options and benefits. They help seniors make informed decisions by providing free unbiased guidance. Click here to learn more about becoming a SHIIP volunteer and to fill out an application.
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INTERNS

Behind the Scenes at LDI

The Division of Diversity and Opportunity welcomes two interns to the department this summer. Spencer Bynum and Derek Gauthier are working with LDI staff to learn more about the insurance industry. Bynum is a student at Zachary High School and Gauthier is a student at the University Of Notre Dame. Learn more about the Division of Diversity and Opportunity’s educational initiatives here.
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building blocks 2017

Earn Continuing Education Credits

Our staff is gearing up for the next agent workshop in Baton Rouge. The Business Building Blocks Workshop will be held August 17 at the Louisiana Department of Insurance. The event is free but space is limited. The agenda includes a licensing update and details on the benefits of joining an association. Agents can earn three continuing education credits. For more information visit, www.ldi.la.gov/buildingblocks .

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Office of Consumer Advocacy
(225) 219-0619 or (800) 259-5300

P.O Box 94214
www.ldi.la.gov

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9214
consumeradvocacy@ldi.la.gov