What Every Texan & Louisianan Should Know About Their Insurance
Two states. One Gulf Coast. Shared storms, unique rules — straight talk from an advisor who puts you first, every time.
The Gulf Coast Reality
Texas and Louisiana share the same coastline, the same hurricane seasons, and many of the same insurance blind spots. But each state has its own regulations, market conditions, and coverage nuances. This guide covers both — so you know exactly where you stand, no matter which side of the Sabine River you call home.
Homeowners Coverage Basics
A home is usually the biggest asset you will own. With home insurance, you protect your possessions from destruction or damage due to natural disasters such as fires, storms, theft, and heavy snowfall. It is possible to shield your dwelling with a comprehensive home insurance policy. It helps in repairs for your house and also provides you with a temporary shelter when your house is being rebuilt or renovated.
Home insurance has many coverages, not only to protect the structure of your house but also to safeguard your valuables such as jewelry, fur, gold coins, computers, and electronics. No matter if you own a home, live in a condo, or rent, you need to purchase homeowners insurance to protect your belongings. However there are certain factors not covered under most policies. These include earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Make sure you obtain additional coverages if your house is prone to such incidents. There are many factors which affect the rates and premiums such as age of your house, location, materials used for construction, distance from a fire station, water resources, and many more. With Kirk Gilfour you can obtain an insurance quote and see rates from top carriers to secure your dwelling.
Hail, Hurricanes & Severe Weather
Texas — Hail Capital
Wind/hail deductible is often 1–2% of dwelling value — separate from your standard deductible. Know yours before storm season.
Document before every season — photos of roof, gutters, and vehicles before a storm prevent disputed claims.
Storm-chasing contractors flood TX after hail events — never sign an AOB without calling your advisor first.
Louisiana — Hurricane Alley
Named storm deductibles trigger when a hurricane or tropical storm is named — often 2–5% of your dwelling value.
Post-Ida market reality — many carriers pulled out of Louisiana. If you're with a carrier on shaky ground, let's review your options now.
Hurricane season prep — June 1 is the deadline to act. Policies bought after a storm is named may not cover that event.
When a storm hits — whether it's hail in Houston or a hurricane in Houma — we respond the same day. You'll never wonder where you stand.
Flood Insurance: The Gap That Can't Be Ignored
This is the single most important thing clients in both states need to understand: your homeowners policy does not cover flooding. Not a drop. Harvey in Texas. Katrina, Ida, and Betsy in Louisiana. Every major flood event exposes this gap all over again.
Texas
40%+ of Harvey claims came from outside designated flood zones. Elevation is not protection.
Private flood policies often offer higher limits and broader coverage than NFIP at competitive rates.
30-day waiting period on NFIP — don't wait until a storm is forming in the Gulf to act.
Louisiana
Louisiana has the highest NFIP policy concentration in the U.S. — yet many coastal residents are still underinsured for contents.
Elevation certificates can significantly lower your flood premium — if you don't have one, we can help you get one.
ICC coverage (Increased Cost of Compliance) helps pay to elevate or rebuild to code after a flood — rarely understood, often needed.
The best tip we can give is to encourage you to compare multiple insurance quotes from top carriers to find the best rates and coverages. Click here to get a quote now and start saving money.