SLIDELL, La. — 71-year-old Dorothy Johnson has lived in her Slidell home for more than 30 years.
“Now, I don’t know where I’m going to be," Johnson said.
Johnson said she used to pay $1,800 a year for home insurance, but ever since Hurricane Ida, her renewal skyrocketed.
“It went up to $5,600 dollars," Johnson said.
Johnson was a registered nurse for 32 years. She's now retired and living on a fixed income.
“I can’t afford to live here, and I want to be here in Louisiana," Johnson said.
Johnson said she's considered selling her home and relocating, but it's complicated.
“With the interest rates, people can’t afford to buy houses, and I can’t afford to give away my house. I have to have money to buy another one wherever I relocate," Johnson said.
Not to mention, Johnson's health is a factor. She was diagnosed with diabetes.
“I’m on the kidney transplant list, and all of that is difficult. I’m trying to set it up here in Louisiana. What am I supposed to do, try and set it up somewhere else? I don’t know what to do," Johnson said.
Johnson said she's reached out to her insurance agent for help.
“They keep saying that they don’t have, that that’s the cheapest that they can find," Johnson said.
Johnson is on Citizens Insurance, the state's insurer of last resort.
After the hurricane seasons of 2020 and 2021, more than 20 insurance companies went under or stopped writing policies in Louisiana, causing rates to skyrocket.
Louisiana Citizens is supposed to be more expensive than private insurance companies.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance said that as of Nov. 26, 124,842 residential citizens policies are with Citizens.
New Orleans insurance agent Jason Lewis, admits there's not a lot homeowners can do besides shop around for the best rate.
Lewis offered two tips. First, he said homeowners should look into the state's fortified roof program.
"Going out and buying a new $12,000 roof to save a few percentage points off your policy may not be financially worth it," Lewis said.
But if you need to replace your roof, Lewis said it could reduce your minimum.
Another thing Lewis suggested is to look at your coverage limits. Your policy might include more 'contents coverage' than you need, Lewis said.
“That’s all the stuff in your house. Well, you might not have that much stuff in the house," Lewis said, “Reducing that number will help reduce your premium.”
But Johnson wants to see more done on a state level to help homeowners.
“I’m begging our elected officials to please please help us," Johnson said.
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