While home insurance in the region appears to be getting better, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for the best deal.
I pulled advice from insurance brokers and mitigation specialists I trust. Here are the moves that actually work.
Wind Mitigation Inspection
This is the single biggest money-saver in Louisiana. A wind mitigation report proves your home can handle storms, impact windows, hurricane straps, storm shutters. If you don’t have one, you’re leaving money on the table. Bill Hatchett at Wind Mitigation Surveyors handles these. (504-439-2860)
I have a post below on details on Wind Mitigation Surveys and how that works.
When it comes to these surveys, some offices offer better deals. USAA offers the biggest discounts.
Roof Age
While a roof has a typical life of 25yrs, some insurers won’t touch roofs past 12-15 years with new policies. If yours is near that mark, rates jump. A new roof or one rated for high winds gets a discount. Some carriers offer discounts for Fortified Roof certification. Ask what your home qualifies for.
Security System & Smart Tech
Monitored systems, cameras, smart smoke alarms, water leak detectors. Some carriers discount all of these. Worth asking about.
Raise Your Deductible
Higher deductible, lower premium. Hurricane deductibles in New Orleans are already steep. Check what part of your policy you’re actually moving before you do this.
Shop Every Year
Loyalty doesn’t pay. Carriers slowly hike rates on the same customer, betting you won’t leave. Get three quotes annually or work with an independent broker.
Ask for Discounts
Insurance companies won’t volunteer these.
Claims-free discounts (3+ years)
Gated community or home security
Home plus auto bundling
Occupational discounts (teachers, veterans, first responders)
Full-year prepayment
Upgrade Old Systems
Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC that’s aging drives your rate up. Tell your insurer what you’ve replaced.
Impact Windows & Storm Shutters
No storm-rated protection means higher wind coverage costs. Upgrading weak spots like glass doors can lower your risk and unlock a discount.
Review Your Coverage
Some policies auto-include expensive add-ons for jewelry or art you don’t need. Cut them.
Know Your Roof Age Cutoff
Confirm your insurer’s roof age limit before renewal. Many stop covering roofs past 10-15 years.
The move: You have leverage. Insurance companies count on you not using it. Most of these take one phone call or one inspection. A few can save you hundreds a year.
Are you currently sitting on a policy you haven’t shopped in 2+ years, or have you already found a better rate?
Philip Ewbank is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams New Orleans. He covers the New Orleans and Northshore real estate markets.
8601 Leake Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 C: 504.335.7481 | O: 504.862.0100 Each office independently owned & operated. Licensed in the state of Louisiana. License #0995700196