By Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC | Scott, LA | Veteran-Owned | NRCIA Forensic Roof Inspector | IBHS FORTIFIED Certified Contractor

Published: July 2026

After a named storm passes through South Louisiana, the calls start. Homeowners want to know if their roof is damaged, whether they should file a claim, and why their deductible is so much higher than they expected.

The named-storm deductible is one of the most misunderstood parts of Louisiana homeowners insurance. This guide explains what it is, how it works, and what you should do before you call your insurance company.

What Is a Named-Storm Deductible?

Most Louisiana homeowners policies contain two separate deductibles: your standard deductible, which applies to most claims, and your named-storm deductible, which applies specifically when a tropical storm or hurricane that has been officially named by the National Hurricane Center causes the damage.

The critical difference is how each is calculated.

Your standard deductible is typically a flat dollar amount. $1,000 or $2,500 is common.

Your named-storm deductible is almost always a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit. Common amounts are 2%, 3%, or 5%.

On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% named-storm deductible is $6,000. A 5% deductible on the same home is $15,000.

That is the number that surprises people. They expect to pay their $1,500 standard deductible, then discover they owe $8,000 or more before insurance pays a dollar.

Does a Tropical Storm Trigger the Named-Storm Deductible?

Yes. Most Louisiana policies use language that applies the named-storm deductible to any storm that receives an official name from the National Hurricane Center, including tropical storms that never reach hurricane strength.

Tropical Storm Arthur qualifies. So does any other named tropical system, regardless of whether it made landfall as a hurricane.

Check your policy declarations page for the exact language. Look for the section labeled "Hurricane Deductible," "Named Storm Deductible," or "Wind/Hail Deductible." If you cannot find it or do not understand it, call your agent before you file a claim.

Should You File a Claim?

Not always. This is the most important thing to understand before you pick up the phone.

Filing a claim has two costs: your deductible and the potential impact on your future premiums. If your damage is $4,000 and your named-storm deductible is $6,000, filing a claim costs you money and generates a claims record that can affect your renewal rate or your insurer's willingness to keep covering you.

The right first step is a professional inspection by someone who is not financially incentivized to push you toward a claim. Get the actual scope of damage in writing first. Then compare it to your deductible. Then decide.

Acadiana Roof Restoration provides free post-storm inspections with no pressure and no obligation. Jason Lopez is an NRCIA Forensic Roof Inspector, which means the inspection is documentation-grade and usable in a claim dispute if you need it.

Watch Out for Storm Chasers

After every named storm, out-of-state roofing crews show up in South Louisiana neighborhoods knocking on doors and promising free roofs through insurance. Some are legitimate. Many are not.

Red flags to watch for: no local address, pressure to sign a contract on the spot, promises that "insurance will cover everything," and unfamiliarity with Louisiana Act 533 or FORTIFIED certification.

A legitimate Louisiana roofer will inspect your roof, give you a written assessment, explain your options, and let you decide without pressure. If someone is pushing you to sign before you see a written estimate, walk away.

ACV vs. RCV: Know Your Coverage

Louisiana has seen a shift in how insurers handle older roofs. Under Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies, the insurer pays the depreciated value of your roof, not what it costs to replace it. A 15-year-old roof may only pay 40 cents on the dollar.

Under Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies, the insurer pays the full cost of replacement with comparable materials.

Many Louisiana homeowners have been moved to ACV coverage without realizing it, often when their roof reached a certain age. If you have not reviewed your declarations page recently, now is the time.

A FORTIFIED roof upgrade can strengthen your position with insurers, qualify you for premium discounts, and make your home more attractive to underwriters. Under Louisiana Act 533, most major carriers are required to offer premium discounts for FORTIFIED-designated homes.

What to Do Right Now If Your Roof Was Damaged

First: Document everything before any repairs. Take photos and video of all visible damage from the ground. Do not go on the roof yourself.

Second: Call a licensed local inspector, not a door-to-door crew. Get a written assessment.

Third: Pull out your policy and find your named-storm deductible before calling your insurer.

Fourth: Compare your repair estimate to your deductible. If the repair is close to or below your deductible, paying out of pocket may be the better financial decision.

Fifth: If you do file a claim, make sure you have a written contractor estimate and photos of damage before the adjuster visit.

ARR serves Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and all of South Louisiana. Free inspections, no pressure, no obligation.

Lafayette: 337-999-ROOF (337-999-7663) Baton Rouge: 225-385-ROOF (225-385-7663)

Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC | Scott, LA | aroofrestore.com NRCIA Forensic Roof Inspector | IBHS FORTIFIED Certified Contractor | Louisiana's Only 5-Star Roof Maxx Dealer | BBB A+ | Veteran-Owned