Short answer: Orleans Parish's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for New Orleans tracts. Louisiana Citizens is the residual property market when private writers will not take you.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the New Orleans area (Orleans Parish). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Orleans Parish) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Orleans Parish
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Orleans Parish report. Local planning emphasizes hurricanes, storm surge, inland flooding and extreme heat—verify Index scores for your tract and treat the MSC flood zone as mandatory reading before you bind.
Federal disaster declarations in Orleans Parish
Since 1998, Orleans Parish has been part of 19 federal major disaster declarations, according to FEMA's declarations summaries; by incident type the most common were hurricane events (15), severe ice storm events (1) and tornado events (1). The most recent: Hurricane Francine, 2024, Hurricane Ida, 2021, Severe Winter Storms, 2021 and Hurricane Zeta, 2021. FEMA also lists 18 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
New Orleans flood discount
The City of New Orleans says Orleans Parish moved up to Class 7 in FEMA's Community Rating System in 2021, a 15% flood insurance discount, and reached enough credits for Class 6, a 20% discount, after the 2023 cycle visit. The Floodplain Management Division in Safety and Permits is reviewing the program to earn more credit. The last step depends on the city's building code grade under BCEGS, which insurers also use. Ask your agent which CRS class your current premium reflects.
What the hazard plan covers
The City's 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan update lists the hazards it plans for. Along with flooding, storm surge and tropical cyclones, it includes subsidence, coastal erosion, levee failure and water-system failure. Partners such as the Sewerage and Water Board and NORA helped write it. A homeowners policy here typically leaves out flood and may carry a separate named-storm deductible, so read both before hurricane season. NOLA Ready also offers emergency alerts, street flooding reports and City-Assisted Evacuation sign-up.
Residual market: Louisiana Citizens
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is the state's residual property insurer. Eligibility and take-out rules change; confirm current criteria with a licensed Louisiana agent.
Flood and ordinances
Keep lots clear under City blight and vegetation enforcement.
Elevation certificates and raised shotguns
An elevation certificate is optional under the NFIP, but it documents that height; raised shotgun and camelback houses often sit higher than slab-on-grade infill. FEMA's NFIP underwriting forms page has the current certificate form, and a local floodplain manager or prior owner may already have one for your address.
Auto: Louisiana 15/30/25
LDI consumer materials cite minimum liability of $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident and $25,000 property damage. Keep continuous coverage while the vehicle is registered. (LDI auto guide)
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Louisiana.
Frequently asked questions
What is Louisiana Citizens?
The state's residual property insurer when private markets will not write eligible risks—confirm current eligibility with a licensed agent.
What auto liability does Louisiana require?
At least 15/30/25 per LDI consumer guidance.
Does a New Orleans homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.