The insurance crisis in Louisiana just got a serious check-up—and some prescriptions might actually work.
This past session, lawmakers passed several important bills aimed at bringing insurance costs down and protecting homeowners who make their homes stronger.
Fortified Roofs Get the Spotlight
The biggest win? A continuation of the $10,000 state tax credit for homeowners who install a fortified roof. Fortified roofs are designed to survive hurricane winds, rain, and hail. In return, many insurance companies offer 20-30% premium discounts.
Louisiana’s fortified roof program isn’t new—but what happened this legislative session changes everything. Lawmakers didn’t just renew interest in storm-resistant roofing—they passed a series of bills that make the program permanent, expand who qualifies, and add financial tools like tax credits and a statewide registry. The result? A once-limited lottery program is evolving into a foundational strategy for reducing insurance costs and protecting homes across the state.
The state also created a roof registry to track certified upgrades, and set up long-term funding for the program. That’s a big deal. Before, funding ran out in days. Now it will be more stable.
Other Insurance Reforms
Lawmakers also:
- Banned insurance companies from counting their marketing costs when raising rates.
- Required more transparency around rate hikes and slow claim processing.
- Clarified how damages are assigned in car accidents (a win for drivers).
- Blocked bad actors from delaying rental reimbursements after wrecks.
But not everything made it. A major tort reform bill—backed by big insurers—was vetoed by the governor. That move has frustrated conservatives who wanted more changes to lawsuits.
Related: In Louisiana Insurance is Too Damn High
Real Relief—or Political Theater?
The big question is whether these reforms actually lower your premium. That will take time. But fortified roofs are already saving some homeowners $800 or more a year. That’s real money.
And while Landry’s team couldn’t fully deliver the tort reform they promised, these smaller reforms—and the roof incentive—show real movement.
What to Watch Next
Homeowners in New Orleans need to act fast. If you’re planning a roof upgrade, apply for that tax credit. Grants move fast, and demand is sky-high.
At the same time, watch how insurance companies respond. Will they pass savings to customers—or pocket the difference?
In a state where one hurricane can collapse the market, this may be the best chance we’ve had in years to fix what’s broken.