Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners Insurance Quote Form

Complete the form below to receive a FREE comprehensive Homeowners Insurance quote. If you have any questions or you would prefer to fill this form out over the phone, you can reach one of our sale team members at (504) 835-1602.

What is Homeowners insurance?

Homeowners Insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it.

Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. This includes damage caused by household pets.

  • There is quite a bit of data needed for a home insurance quote, however, for an initial quote an agent would need:

    • Address of the property

    • Age of the property

    • Age of the roof

    • Whether the home be owner-occupied or tenant-occupied

    • To better hone the quote with certain insurance companies the agent may need to run a soft credit check on you and any other owner of the property

  • No state law requires you to have homeowners insurance in Louisiana, Mississippi or Texas. However, if you're financing your property through a mortgage lender, they'll probably require you to maintain homeowners insurance as part of your loan terms.

  • Landlord insurance (DWG/DP-1,2,3) is a specialized homeowners policy that protects property owners from financial losses associated with renting out a residential home. It typically covers structural damage, liability protection in case someone is injured on the premises, and loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable.

    Coverage includes:

    • Structure / Dwelling (Coverage A)

    • Other Structures (Coverage B)

    • Personal Property (Coverage C)

      • optional and usually not as much as for a homeowners policy

    • Personal Liability (Coverage E)

    • Loss of rental income (for the better DWG3/DP3 policy) tied to covered perils

    Not Covered:

    • Tenants' personal property

    • Maintenance issues and wear and tear

    • Intentional tenant damage

    • Evictions

    • Loss of rent due to tenant's job loss

  • Condominium insurance (HO-6) is a form of homeowners insurance. This form of insurance may also apply to townhomes. Generally the amount of structural / dwelling Coverage A is less because the condo or townhome shares walls with at least one adjacent unit and the policy usually covers the unit from the sheetrock, inward. These properties usually do not need “other structures” Coverage B, as those constructions are often owned by the property association and coverage is provided by the association’s policy.

    Coverage includes:

    • Dwelling / Sheetrock Inward (drywall, floors, cabinets) (Coverage A)

    • Personal Property (Coverage C)

    • Loss of Use (Coverage D)

    • Personal Liability (Coverage E)

    • Medical Payments to others (Coverage F)

    • Optional Loss Assessment Endorcement

    As condominiums and townhomes are more often tenant-occupied or used for short-term rentals, be sure to advise your insurance company/agency of your status, so that they can adequately cover your needs.

    What is the difference between a Condominium Policy and a Condominium Association Policy?

    While a condominium policy covers the individual unit of the unit owner. An association policy is a commercial insurance policy that covers the common areas of the complex, generally to include the exterior of the buildings through the studs of the building. There are occasions where the condominium association policy covers the whole structure and that information should be found in that policy and possibly in the association by-laws.

  • When a homeowner owns a second home in which he/she is the occupant (not leased to others), then the homeowner will need to inform his/her insurance company that the home is a secondary home (The secondary home is the home occupied least.). Often, that policy, if both are with the same insurance company, can be a little less expensive, as some coverages can be reduced or eliminated.

  • Mobile Home (HO-7) is a policy that is specifically designed for mobile homes and manufactured homes. The same fundamentals of insurance policies apply to mobile home insurance policies. 

    Coverage includes:

    • Structure / Dwelling (Coverage A)

    • Other Structures (Coverage B)

    • Personal Property (Coverage C)

    • Loss of Use (Coverage D)

    • Personal Liability (Coverage E)

    • Medical Payments to others (Coverage F)

    It should be understood that the most notable aspect of mobile home insurance is its relative high cost.

  • Generally, we will have access to insurance companies providing coverage for these needs.

American Bulldog on Dog Bed in Home

What does homeowners insurance cover?

  • Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)

  • Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B)

  • Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C)

  • Loss of Use Coverage (Coverage D)

  • Personal Liability Coverage (Coverage E)

  • Medical Payments to others (Coverage F)

  • Coverage A

    • The main structure of the building

    • Attached garage

    • Attached deck

    • Verandas, screened-in porches, etc.

    • Roof

    • Chimney(s)

    • Gutters

    • Foundation (cracks or settling typically aren't covered)

    • Building materials permanently installed (flooring, ceilings, countertops, cabinets, vanities, etc.)

    • Built in appliances, such as a furnace or hot water heater

  • Coverage B, also known as other structures insurance coverage, is the part of your homeowners policy that protects structures on your property not physically connected to your home, such as a detached garage, storage shed, or gazebo. Your other structures coverage limit is typically set at 10% of your policy's dwelling coverage, but this can vary by insurer.

    • Detached garages

    • Guest houses

    • Sheds

    • Gazebos

    • Swimming pools

    • Fences

  • Your homeowners insurance may cover roof damage under your policy's Dwelling Coverage A (minus your deductible), if it was caused by a covered peril, such as a windstorm or fire.

    • Windstorm & hail

    • Snow, sleet, or ice damage

    • Lightning strikes

    • Tornadoes

    • Fire

    • Falling objects

    When does homeowners insurance not cover roof damage?

    • Wear and tear

    • Neglect

    • Animals

    • Flooding

    • Earthquakes

  • Generally, your homeowners insurance in Louisiana will cover wildfire and smoke damage under your policy's Dwelling Coverage A (minus your deductible). However, if you live in an area where wildfires are common, you may be required to carry a separate deductible for wildfire claims.

  • Coverage C

    • Furniture

    • Electronics

    • Tools

    • Clothing

    • Jewelry

    • Decorations

    • Art and collectibles

    • Musical instruments

    • Bicycles

  • Named Perils: The policy specifically lists the exact events it covers. If your property is damaged by an event not explicitly named on the list, the claim will be denied. The burden of proof falls on the policyholder to show that the cause of damage was a listed peril.

    Open Perils: Also known as "all risk" or "special form" coverage, this policy covers all causes of loss unless they are specifically excluded in the contract. If the event is not on the policy's exclusion list, it is generally covered. The

    • Windstorm & hail

    • Lightning strikes

    • Tornadoes

    • Snow, sleet, or ice damage

    • Fire

    • Explosions

    • Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam

    • Power surges

    • Falling objects

    • Theft and vandalism

    • Motor vehicle

    • Power surges

  • These deductibles are a separate deductible you would pay out-of-pocket toward a specific wind/hail-related loss before receiving a claim payout from your insurance company.

    • Hurricane

      • Applies to damages caused by a hurricane recognized by the National Weather Service

      • Common in coastal states that are frequently affected by hurricanes

    • "Named Storm"

      • Applies to damaged caused by tropical or winter storms recognized and named by the National Weather Service

      • Common in coastal states or states frequently affected by winter storms

    • Wind / Hail

      • Applies to damage caused by wind, hail, and/or tornadic activity

      • Common in plains states frequently affected by tornadoes

  • Coverage E

    • Injuries on your property

    • Damage to others property

    • Lawsuits and lawyer/court fees

    • Dog incidents (varies by insurer)

  • Coverage F

    • Ambulance and EMT fees

    • Doctor visits

    • Hospital visits or stays

    • Surgery, X-rays, and dental procedures

    • Nursing services and care

    • Health insurance deductibles and co-pays

    • Funeral expenses

  • Flood Insurance

  • Earthquake Insurance

  • Water Back-Up / Sump Pump Coverage

  • Service Lateral Lines Coverage

  • Ordinance or Law Coverage

  • Loss Assessment Coverage

  • Scheduled Personal Property

What are Available Add-ons, Endorcements or Riders for Homeowners Insurance?

  • Personal Umbrella

  • Business

  • Home Daycare

  • Home Sharing

  • Personal Injury

  • Identity Theft

  • No, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood damage is categorized as rising water from outside, including heavy rain accumulation, storm surges, overflown rivers, and tidal waves. You can receive a quote by  completing our Flood Insurance Quote Form. Water or sewage backup from municipal drains or lines may be covered by purchasing a Water Back-up and Sump Pump Overflow endorcement.

    However, internal water damage from a burst pipe, a leaking installed appliance or wind-driven rain is covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.

  • All of these coverage needs, which sometimes cross over (short-term rental that you sometimes use yourself) are insurance. The key is to advise your insurance company or agent of your specific circumstances.

  • Generally, no. This need is best covered by a landlords/dwelling policy.  We offer many options for those types of policies.

  • Water back-up and sump pump overflow coverage is an optional insurance add-on (endorsement) that protects your home against water damage caused by backed-up sewers, drains, or failed sump pumps. It covers structural repairs, ruined flooring, and damaged personal belongings, which are explicitly excluded from standard homeowners insurance.

  • Service lateral lines coverage is an optional insurance endorsement for homeowners insurance policies that covers the cost of repairing or replacing utility lines servicing your property. These lines may include power lines, internet cable lines, gas or fuel lines, water service lines or sewage lines. It may also cover excavation costs, the repair of driveways or sidewalks and/or the restoration of landscaping.

  • Ordinance or law coverage is an insurance add-on (endorsement) for homeowners or commercial properties that pays for the extra costs of repairing or rebuilding to meet current local building codes. Standard policies only restore your property to its previous state; this coverage prevents you from paying out-of-pocket for mandatory code-compliant upgrades.

  • Loss assessment coverage is an optional insurance endorsement for condo or homeowners policies (Home Owners Associations) that pays your share of a community-wide fee. This fee is charged when damage to shared spaces (like lobbies or pools) exceeds the community’s master insurance limits, or to cover a massive master policy deductible.

  • A rider is an add-on to a homeowners, renters, or condo insurance policy, adding increased coverage for a specific item or collection to your policy, typically at an additional cost.

    Examples of common specialty items & personal collections:

    • Artwork

    • Antiques

    • Jewelry

    • Musical Instruments

    • Cameras and Projection Equipment

    • Bicycles

    • Firearms

  • That’s what Builder’s Risk coverage is for; Builders Risk insurance covers buildings under construction or renovation, protecting against damage from events like fire, wind, or theft while the project is in progress.

How are home insurance premiums determined?

  • Location

  • Type of Home and Roof

  • Coverage Selection (Coverage A, B, C, D, E & F)

  • Insurance Score (which may include a soft credit hit) 

  • Possibly, Property Insurance Claims History

    • Bundle homeowners with auto insurance

    • Take advantage of discounts

    • Consider key home renovations and especially installing a new roof

      • upgrade to current building codes or receive a Fortified Roof certificate

    • Upgrade property security

    • Avoid attractive nuisances

    • Adjust your coverages and limits

    • Increase your deductible

      • Understand that a percentage-based deductible might result in a large out-of-pocket amount if you have a claim.

    • Maintain a good credit score

    • Minimize claims

    • Paperless Discount: Agree to receive statements and notifications electronically instead of by mail.

    • Paid-in-full Discount: Pay your premium for the year in full, instead of opting for monthly payments.

    • Multi-policy Discount: Also referred to as Bundling Discount. Use the same insurance agency or insurance company to insurance multiple types of property, like auto insurance. You can receive a quote by  completing our Auto Insurance Quote Form.

    • New Home Discount: Also referred to as a New Construction Discount. Insurance companies may offer a discount for purchasing a newly constructed home.

    • Fortified Home Discount: Replace your current roof with a certified Fortified Roof. Consult your insurance agent before installing a new roof on your home.

    • Roof-type Discount: You may receive a discount for replacing your current roof with a roof of certain styles or materials. Consult your insurance agent before installing a new roof on your home.

    • Window Protection Discount: Install impact-resistant windows

    • Protective Device Discount: Install devices like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, sprinklers, and a security system in your home.

    • Secured Community / Building Discount: Insurance companies may offer a discount if your neighborhood or building is gated and/or has a security service.

    • Claim-free Discount: Also referred to as a Loss-free Discount. May be applied when you hit a certain milestone without filing a claim.

  • The material and shape of your property’s roof may impact the insurance premium on your property.

    A new roof usually changes the cost of homeowners insurance. If you replace your roof, contact your agent or insurer to update your homeowners policy.  If you are considering changing a roof, consider upgrading to more current building codes or even the Fortified Roof to gain even more savings. Price the savings with your insurance company / agent before doing so.

    Roof Materials

    • Asphalt Shingles

      • The most common roof material

      • Do not last as long as metal or slate/tile roofs

      • Impact-resistant shingles (Class 4 asphalt shingles) are designed to withstand hail and high winds and may qualify for insurance discounts

    • Metal

      • Can last between 40 to 70 years

      • Fire-resistant qualities

      • May decrease the cost of property insurance

    • Slate / Tile

      • Resistant to fire and rot

      • May increase replacement cost

    • Wood Shingles / Shakes

      • May require a fire-retardant protectant to receive insurance coverage

    Roof Designs

    • Gable Roof

      • Less-effective in high winds

    • Hip Roof

      • Resistant to high winds

      • Higher construction cost

      • May decrease the cost of property insurance

    • Flat Roof

      • Short lifespans

      • Increased risk of leaks and water damage

      • May increase the cost of property insurance

  • An attractive nuisance is a hazardous man-made structure, object or condition that is appealing to specifically, children. In Louisiana property owners generally do not owe a legal duty to trespassers, however, if a child is injured due to an attractive nuisance on the property, the owners can be held liable.

    Examples of Attractive Nuisances:

    • Swimming Pools / Hot Tubs

    • Trampolines

    • Treehouses / Rope Swings

    • Fountains / Man-made Ponds / Wells

    • Construction Sites, Building Materials  & Power Tools

    • Scaffolding & Ladders

    • Tunnels

    • Abandoned Vehicles

    Security Measures:

    • Install a surrounding fence that is at least 4ft high with a self-closing and locking gate mechanism

    • Remove or store any unused objects or materials

  • Your insurance company may require an exterior and/or interior property insurance inspection if you are switching insurance companies, if you haven’t had an insurance inspection in the last decade or if you have an older home. A property insurance inspection is how your insurance company verifies your application details, checks the condition of your property, searches for potential safety risk and determines the replacement cost of your property. A 4-point inspection will check the age and condition of your roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

    How to prepare for an insurance inspection:

    • Remove debris and replace missing shingles on your roof

    • Clean and secure your gutters

    • Remove debris from your attic

    • Remove debris from around your foundation and yard

    • Inspect and repair locks and/or security systems at all your entryways (doors and windows)

    • Test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

    • Install GFCI outlets near sinks, showers and bathtubs

    • Replace broken electrical outlets or missing electrical outlet panels

    • Repair leaky faucets

    • Change your HVAC system air filter

Homeowners Force-Placed Insurance, Non-Renewals and Cancelations

  • Here are some common scenarios for nonrenewal of home insurance:

    • A liability hazard or an attractive nuisance was discovered during an insurance inspection

    • An aging roof or HVAC system was discovered during an insurance inspection

    • Neglected property maintenance

    • Renovations compromised the integrity of the structure

    • A new pet does not meet the insurance company’s restrictions

    • Your insurance credit score dropped

    • Property insurance claims history

    • The insurance company no longer operates in your area

  • Your property may become force-placed if your policy insurance lapses with no replacement or if your policy does not meet your lender's requirements.

    A force-place policy covers only the lender’s interest.  For example your home costs $400,000 to rebuild, but your loan balance is $100,000, the lender will purchase only $100,000 coverage.  So if your home burns down, the lender will receive $100,000, but you will receive nothing for the $300,000 you basically own.

    A force-place policy also does not provide any of the other coverages normally found in a property policy.

    When you purchase a new policy, or if force-placed insurance was purchased by mistake, send proof of coverage such as a home insurance binder or declaration page to your lender. Once they have proof of insurance, your lender is legally required to cancel your force-placed insurance within 15 days and refund any unused premiums.

  • The most susceptible carriers (smaller companies rated by Demotech) are normally backed by the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association (LIGA), which is a state-created safety net that steps in to pay certain covered claims if an insurance company licensed in Louisiana becomes insolvent and can’t fulfill its obligations. Ask an EIS agent for a list of small companies not backed by LIGA.

  • At closing, once the buyer officially owns the home, you can cancel your coverage. Your insurance company typically is not informed of the sale, so you should contact the company or your agency. Be prepared to provide a copy of your bill of sale as proof.