State insurance regulators have temporarily blocked insurers from canceling or nonrenewing policies and delayed some premium deadlines for residents and property owners affected by Tropical Storm Arthur, officials said.
What the emergency action does
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple invoked emergency authority to issue Emergency Rule 50, which suspends enforcement of statutes that would allow insurers to terminate coverage, refuse reinstatement or pursue other policy actions tied to missed payments or late claim filings. The order took effect June 18 and is scheduled to remain in place through July 22 unless ended earlier.
"I issued Emergency Rule 50 to protect Louisianans whose lives have been disrupted by Tropical Storm Arthur,"
The protections are broad. The Department of Insurance said they apply not only to property and casualty companies but also to life and annuity insurers, managed care and preferred provider organizations, third-party administrators, pharmacy benefit managers and health insurance issuers acting on their behalf.
Who is covered
The rule specifically covers policyholders who live in — or have insured property located in — the following parishes:
- Avoyelles
- Lafourche
- Pointe Coupee
- Rapides
- St. Landry
- St. Tammany
- Terrebonne
Why it matters to residents
In the aftermath of a storm, families commonly face flooded homes, damaged vehicles, evacuation costs, lost wages and cleanup expenses. Missing a premium payment or a claims deadline at that time can result in loss of insurance coverage or added financial strain. By pausing certain insurer actions, the emergency rule aims to reduce administrative pressure while communities shift from immediate rescue and sheltering to recovery and repairs.
Practical advice for policyholders
- Document damage now: take photos and keep receipts for repairs and related expenses.
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report claims even if you cannot complete paperwork immediately.
- Keep records of communications with insurers and agencies; note dates and names of representatives.
- Watch for updates from the Louisiana Department of Insurance and local officials about extensions or additional relief.
Officials said the department acted under emergency authority following the statewide emergency declared after the storm and related executive orders from the governor. The rule is intended as a temporary measure to give affected policyholders breathing room as floodwaters recede and recovery needs mount.
| Action | Effective | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Rule 50 issued | June 18 | July 22 (unless ended earlier) |
Residents in the named parishes should contact their insurance companies and the Louisiana Department of Insurance for guidance on filing claims and meeting any deadlines that remain in effect.
