What’s the most effective way to lower my flood insurance premium in Louisiana?

Nov 13

4 Actionable Ways to Lower Your Flood Insurance Premium

***Flood Insurance***

Opening your flood insurance renewal notice can be daunting for Louisiana residents. Trust me, you're not alone. With rising costs and FEMA's new rating system, many of the homeowners I speak with feel frustrated and helpless, facing a massive bill they feel they have no control over.
But accepting that high premium as "fixed" is a mistake. Your flood premium is not set in stone; it's a direct reflection of your home's specific risk. If you can prove your risk is lower than the computers think, you can often lower your premium.
Below, we compare the four most effective decisions you can make—from immediate financial changes to long-term home improvements—to take control of your flood insurance costs.

  
The Reason Your Flood Insurance Rate Is So High (And Why It Creates Opportunity)
  

Before October 1, 2021, your rate was based almost entirely on a map (your "flood zone"). If you were in a high-risk “AE” zone, you paid a high price.

Now, in 2025, FEMA's “Risk Rating 2.0” prices your policy like a private insurer. It uses sophisticated modeling to look at your individual property—your specific distance to water, the cost to rebuild your home, and, most importantly, its elevation.

This new specific rating system creates new opportunities. If you can prove your home is safer than FEMA’s computer thinks it is, you can get a better rate. This is where your action plan begins.

Action #1: The Financial Decision (Raising Your Flood Insurance Deductible)

This is the fastest, most direct way to lower your premium, as it requires no physical changes to your home.

The Decision: Am I willing to take on more out-of-pocket risk during a flood in exchange for an immediate, lower annual premium?

NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) policies have two deductibles: one for Building damage and one for Contents damage. You can often choose different levels for each, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Example Deductible Trade-Off:

  
      Deductible (Building / Contents)
      Example Annual Premium
      Your Max Out-of-Pocket Risk
    
      $2,000 / $2,000
      $3,100
      $4,000
    
      $5,000 / $5,000
      $2,450
      $10,000
    
      $10,000 / $10,000
      $1,900
      $20,000

Expert Advice:
A higher deductible is only “cheaper” if you don’t have a claim. Choose the highest deductible you could comfortably pay from your emergency fund tomorrow.

Action #2: The "Prove It" Decision (Getting an Elevation Certificate)

This is the most powerful tool for many Louisiana homeowners, especially those with raised homes.

The Decision: Is it worth paying a surveyor for a one-time Elevation Certificate (EC) to prove my home's true height to FEMA?

Under Risk Rating 2.0, FEMA estimates your home’s “First Floor Height” (FFH). If their estimate is wrong (e.g., they think your home is slab-on-grade, but it's actually elevated), you are likely overpaying.

An EC is an official document from a licensed surveyor that provides the exact elevation of your first floor, surrounding ground, and utilities.

Expert Advice:
An EC is a smart bet if you live in a high-risk area and your home is elevated on piers, pilings, or a raised slab. If the EC helps your rate, we submit it. If it hurts your rate (rare), we don’t. A one-time cost could lock in thousands in long-term savings.

Action #3: The Mitigation Decision (Making Your Home Safer)

These are one-time physical investments that earn long-term premium discounts.

The Decision: Am I willing to invest in my home's structure to earn a permanent discount and make it safer?

Option A: Elevating Utilities (Machinery & Equipment)
• Moving A/C units, water heaters, electrical panels, etc. above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
• This reduces the cost-to-rebuild risk in FEMA’s model—leading to lower premiums.

Option B: Installing FEMA-Compliant Flood Vents
• Applies to homes with crawlspaces or enclosures.
• Allows water to flow through and equalize pressure to avoid structural collapse.
• One of the most impactful mitigation discounts available.

Expert Advice:
These improvements both lower premiums and make your home genuinely safer. We can help estimate potential savings before you invest.

Action #4: The "Shopping" Decision (NFIP vs. Private Flood)

You are no longer limited to FEMA’s NFIP.

The Decision: Is the NFIP my only option, or could a private insurer provide a better rate?

NFIP (Government Option):
• Standard program with fixed rules.
• Works well with Elevation Certificates, mitigation, and deductible changes.

Private Flood Insurance (Market Option):
• Uses proprietary risk models.
• Often much cheaper for homes FEMA overestimates as high-risk.
• Can offer higher coverage limits.

Expert Advice:
A captive agent can only quote one carrier. As independent agents, we compare NFIP and private insurers side-by-side to find your best rate—often the biggest savings opportunity.

Start Saving on Your Flood Insurance

Your renewal notice isn’t a bill you must accept—it’s a starting point. By adjusting your deductible, verifying your elevation, and investing in mitigation, you can take control of your flood insurance premium.

Get a free quote online:
https://www.landecheinsurance.com/about
https://www.landecheinsurance.com/flood-insurance-louisiana#quote

Hi, I’m Ronnie — founder of Landeche Insurance. I’m a lifelong Louisiana resident who believes insurance should be honest, local & easy to understand.

Protecting Louisiana families & property for 20+ years. Experts in homeowners, flood, auto, landlord, life & classic car insurance (& more) — with clear advice & coverage that fits you. Based in Louisiana. Real help from real people. 👉 Call 504-228-7184.