Insurance Challenges for Louisianans

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon

This week’s breakfast meeting, was held at the Rooftop on Basin and catered by Messina’s (George Messina, member) with guest speaker Jim Donelon, Insurance Commissioner.

Donelon’s office regulates the insurance industry in Louisiana (licensing of producers, insurance adjusters, public adjusters and serves as an advocate for the consumer.

Donelon shared lessons learned after Hurricane Ida and why some insurance companies have left Louisiana. He explained the fortified homes program; a two step process to avoid damages to the interior of the home. The process, for a standard roof is to have a second barrier under the roofing tiles. Before tiles are installed, plywood gaps are sealed with tape. Homeowners also receive a National Flood Insurance Protection brochure when filing a claim that explains how to submit a claim with several bullet points to help the policyholder.

Donelon also explained the three year rule that states: if a homeowner is insured with the same company for more than three years, the insurance company can’t non-renew or change the deductible without doing it to all policyholders. Several Louisiana insured experienced policies that were canceled after Hurricane Ida. Some are being picked up by other insurance companies that have agreed to take on the un-insured, such as Safepoint Insurance Co. based in Florida. Donelon said consumers who are not satisfied with their insurer, should contact his office if a file a complaint against the insurance company. Click here.

More about our speaker J. Donelon Bio

Membership

Welcome new members Brad Schaus, Exeter Architectural Products and David Raymond, Clean Fleet Auto Body.

Julie Couret was recognized for her service as director for the 2021-2022 term.

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com

Thank You & Announcements

Board nominations announced for the July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023 term: Nominees are Duaine Duffy, Health Care Benefits, and Paul Cosma, Auto Repair and Jesse Hoppes, Leaaf Environmental. No other nominations were received from the membership.

Guest introductions: Glenn Landrum, Magellan, commercial property owner, commercial/residential contractor and disaster recovery contractor. (3 meetings)

Stosh Kozlowski, partner Benton Tree Service (3 meetings) Guest of Kevin Laborde

Doug Pylme, Attorney (1 meeting)

Richard Juge, Re/Max thanked Jesse Hoppes, Leaf Environmental for his assistance with an environmental issue at his home.

Jacquie Bonano, JB Communications, thanked Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialities, for repairs to her car.

Robert Ramsey, Ramsey Jewelers, thanked Kenny Knobloch, HELP! AC for work done at his home.

Julie Couret, Leadership Development, thanked Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialties, for prepping her car for a road trip.

Angela Verdin, Complete Logistical Services, thanked Jacquie Bonano, JB Communications, and her team for managing their digital marketing on their new building. She also thanked Universal Data Inc (Chad Perrier) for seamless migration from a MAC to Windows platform.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • July 19th – Ochsner Employee Solutions – Sam Voelkel, Regional Acct. Mgr.
  • July 26th – Representative Aimee Freeman
  • August 2nd – No meeting
  • August 9th – TBA & board meeting
  • August 16th – Caroline Roemer, Charter Schools
  • August 23rd – TBA

Check website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar.