Volume 9, Issue 2 February 2018


SHIIPLogo

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

newsletter_07

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

Business Building Blocks Workshop

Date: February 15, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Location: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lite Center Theatre
537 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA

LDI On the Road: 18th Annual Wellness Day for Women

Date: February 24, 2018
Time: 7:30 a.m.- 7:15 p.m.
Location: LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center
6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA

 

 

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

Millions Collected for Policyholders

The Louisiana Department of Insurance has helped policyholders recover $9.1 million dollars, as a result of complaints filed. The payouts are in addition to the original amounts offered by insurance companies. The department received 3,479 complaints in 2017. Funds recovered are from formal complaints regarding property and casualty, health, and life and annuities products.

The Office of Consumer Services staff reviews consumer complaints and works with company representatives to resolve issues. Insurance consumers can file a formal complaint online by going to www.ldi.la.gov/fileacomplaint or by completing and submitting a paper form. The LDI also has an online feature where consumers can view the number of complaints filed against companies who write insurance in Louisiana.
_________________________________________________________________________

Health insurance claim form

 

Insurance 101: Filing a Property Insurance Claim

Navigating the insurance claims process is critical to getting the money you’re owed after a loss. It’s important to have an accurate account of all damage for your insurance company when you file a claim. Before moving any debris or belongings, document all losses. Take photos or video and make a list of the damages and lost items.  After documenting the damage, take reasonable steps to avoid further destruction to your home or belongings. Make temporary repairs, such as covering a hole in your roof or boarding up broken windows.

Most insurance companies have a time requirement for reporting a claim, so contact your agent or company as soon as possible. When reporting losses, you’ll need insurance information, current contact information and a home inventory list of damaged or lost property. After you report damage to your insurer, they will send a claims adjuster to assess the damage. Once the adjuster has completed their assessment, they will provide documentation of the loss to your insurer to determine your claims settlement.
_________________________________________________________________________

metal pen signature

Disability Insurance: What You Need To Know

By Rachael Lundy-Davis

As we all know, it’s important to protect yourself against insurable risks, and disability insurance is no exception. This is especially true if you work in a more accident-prone industry than most. It’s imperative to remember that accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. The question you should pose is, ‘Am I prepared?’

In the event you become disabled, you should have six months’ worth of salary saved to meet your short-term lifestyle needs. If you are unable to put aside this financial bundle in the near future, then consider purchasing a short-term disability insurance policy to guard against this risk.

What is Short-Term Disability Insurance and How Does It Work?

Short-term disability (STD) insurance is a financial benefit that may pay all or part of your salary - for a specified period of time - if you are unable to work because of injury, illness, or childbirth.

STD coverage usually starts within one to 14 days following the non-work related disabling incident, and can vary anywhere from two to six months of benefits, depending on your coverage purchased. Additionally, it’s important to note that STD policies generally pay 40 to 60 percent of your salary, so you need to ensure proper short and long term financial planning, if you are unable to work for an extended period of time.

What is Long-Term Disability Insurance and How Does It Work?

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is similar to short-term disability insurance. However, LTD coverage usually stays in effect until you reach the age of 65 or recover, whichever takes place first. LTD differs from STD policies because of the nature of the illnesses being covered. Long-term illnesses such as: cancer, mental disorder, and musculoskeletal disorders can have a greater impact on your life and may need additional insurance coverage.

If purchasing both coverages is a financially viable option for you, it’s worth assessing your risks and considering your individual financial needs.

Why is This Relevant?

It’s important for Louisianans to be aware of and plan for the chance of developing a sickness that they should insure against.  Worker’s compensation insures you if you are hurt on the job. Life insurance helps your loved ones if you pass away. But what’s going to help you pay your bills if you become sick somewhere in between? This is where disability insurance takes effect.

Who Needs It?

Everyone. But it’s especially important to stress the importance of this type of insurance coverage to our Gen Y workers, ages 20 to 35. This generation has a tendency to under-insure themselves against risks.

The Social Security Administration predicts that the average 20-year-old faces a 25 percent chance of becoming disabled by the time they are eligible to retire. These are staggering numbers!

How do I get it?

Check with your employer or insurance producer to see what plans are offered and best suited for your needs.
_________________________________________________________________________

classroom

 

Careers in Insurance

The Division of Diversity and Opportunity implements the InVEST program in high schools and colleges to help students learn about the insurance industry. The program is designed to expose students to a variety of careers in the industry. Students learn about risk management, auto, homeowners, life, and health insurance in an interactive environment. The Division of Diversity and Opportunity is committed to providing educational and informational services. Remember to mark your calendar. The next free Business Building Blocks Workshop will take place February 15, 2018 at the Lite Center Theatre in Lafayette. Producers have an opportunity to learn about license renewal changes and earn continuing education credits.  Click here to register.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________

Stay Connected with the LDI

Keep up with tips and news from the LDI, including newsletters, press releases and videos, by connecting with us through social media.


facebook  Like linkedin  Connect


twitter  Follow

youtube Subscribe

 

You can discontinue this communication by clicking {|MergeContextItems.UnsubscribeLink|}.

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