Collection:LPB

Genre: News, Public Affairs

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2005-09-23

Duration: 00:08:50

Subjects: Flood damage | Insurance Industry | Homeowners insurance | Flood insurance | Hurricane Katrina, 2005 | Hurricanes | Natural Disasters | Hurricane damage

Contributors:

• Ekings, Robyn Host
• Whinham, Charlie Host
• Whinham, Charlie Producer
• Woods, Virnado Photographer
• Hess, Robert Interviewee
• Albright, Jeff Interviewee
• Bruneau, Peppi Interviewee
• Wooley, Robert Interviewee

This segment from the September 23, 2005, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Charlie Whinham’s report on insurance companies deciding whether the damage to homes from Hurricane Katrina was caused by wind damage, which is covered by homeowners insurance, or flood damage, which is covered by flood insurance. He reports that flood insurance claims pay out less money than homeowners insurance claims. While touring his debris-filled yard, Whinham talks to Slidell homeowner Robert Hess about the debris coming from other homes, his insurance company’s determination that the damage was caused by flooding, his belief that the damage was caused by wind, and his plans for the future. Whinham also interviews Jeff Albright, the CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana, about how insurance companies determine whether damage was caused by flooding or wind and the desire of insurance companies to pay out legitimate claims. He also talks to State Representative Peppi Bruneau about his disappointment with the reaction of the insurance industry to Hurricane Katrina. Lastly, Whinham speaks to Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley about insurance companies not being able to claim that wind damage was caused by flooding because it’s a cheaper pay out, the possibility that some smaller insurance companies could go bankrupt, and the class action lawsuit filed by New Orleans residents affected by the flooding from the breach at the 17th Street Canal. Hosts: Robyn Ekings and Charlie Whinham