HURRICANE KATRINA: INSURANCE CLAIMS

These resources have been compiled for individuals and families displaced by the hurricane who now reside in Michigan.

  • Policyholders with questions regarding their coverage for damage caused by Hurricane Katrina should contact their insurance agent or company representative.
  • The Louisiana Department of Insurance has provided a list of insurance companies with their contact numbers.

  • Another directory list of insurance companies who have set up special toll-free numbers (commercial, residential, vehicle and boat claims) is also available online at the Web site of the Insurance Information Institute:

  • If you can't reach your company and agent or have problems with your insurance claims, please contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance at 1-800 259-5300 or 225 342-5900 (in Baton Rouge).
    E-mail at: public@ldi.state.la.us

  • The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by Congress in response to the rising cost of taxpayer funded disaster relief for flood victims and the increasing amount of damage caused by floods. The Mitigation Division, a component of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), manages the NFIP.

  • Information on filing your Flood Insurance Claim is available.

  • This list represents some of the private insurance companies that, through an agreement with the Federal Insurance Administration, sell and service Federal flood insurance policies.

To begin the disaster application process, register online at:
http://www.fema.gov/
Or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available 24 hours seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA is encouraging the online registration due to the possibility of high call volume. If registering by phone, owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. Storm victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.

  • For Louisiana homeowners who have been evacuated to Texas, information is provided online here.

To locate free or low cost legal assistance:

  • Visit the Michiganlegalaid.org home page and search for local assistance by entering your zip code in the box marked “Find a lawyer, organization or related service to help you with your problem.” or

  • Look under "attorneys" in the yellow pages to find your local legal aid office, or

  • Contact the Michigan State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 968- 0738. 

  • Persons age 60 or older, regardless of their income, may be able to receive free advice from the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors by calling (800) 347-5297.