Troutman Insurance Agency

Hurricane season technically starts Monday, and prep starts before there’s a storm in the Gulf.

A few simple steps now can make a huge difference later:

✅ Build or refresh your emergency kit (flashlights, batteries, water, medications, important documents)
✅ Know your evacuation zone and route
✅ Review your insurance coverage & deductibles
✅ Photograph valuables and store records digitally
✅ Trim trees and secure outdoor furniture before storms threaten
✅ Charge backup batteries and generators ahead of time

The National Weather Service also recommends reviewing your family emergency plan before hurricane season ramps up.

👉 Helpful hurricane prep guide:

What to Do Before the Tropical Storm or Hurricane The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season begins on June 1. It is vital to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Here is your checklist of things to do BEFORE hurricane seasons begins.

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Their courage, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, we pause in gratitude for those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

Big changes could be coming for Louisiana gig workers and solo business owners.

State lawmakers are studying whether independent contractors, gig workers, and single-member LLCs should be required to carry workers’ compensation or occupational accident coverage. That could impact workers in industries like delivery, transportation, construction, home services, and more.

Right now, many solo operators and 1099 workers fall outside of traditional workers’ comp protections, which can leave major gaps if someone gets injured on the job.

If you’re self-employed, a contractor, or run a small business, this is something worth paying attention to as Louisiana studies possible changes for the future.

Louisiana eyes workers' comp shake-up for gig workers and solo LLCs A January 2027 report could pull thousands of solo operators into the system

Summer fun is great… summer pests? Not so much, so let's prep now.

As temperatures rise in Louisiana, mosquitoes, ants, roaches, and other pests become a lot more active. A few simple steps can help keep them from making themselves at home:

✅ Remove standing water around your yard
✅ Keep grass and landscaping trimmed
✅ Seal trash cans tightly
✅ Clean up crumbs and food quickly indoors

A little prevention now can save you a big headache later.

Check out more summer pest prevention tips here:

How To Best Prepare for Summer Pests | The Bug Man Summer in full swing in Louisiana and the temperatures are starting to heat up. Here are some tips on how to best prepare for these pesky summer pests.

To the women who keep us safe, love us deeply, lead us well, and somehow do it all and more, we want to say Happy Mother’s Day!

Looking for ways to lower your auto insurance bill?

A few small changes can make a big difference over time:
✔️ Bundle your home & auto policies
✔️ Keep a clean driving record
✔️ Consider a defensive driving course
✔️ Ask about low-mileage or safety feature discounts
✔️ Review your coverage regularly instead of auto-renewing every year

Many drivers are paying more than they need to simply because they haven’t reviewed their policy lately.

10 Ways to Pay Less for Car Insurance Rates are going up — and could continue due to tariffs. These tips can lower your premium

Your parking lot might be one of the biggest risks on your property.

Slips, trips, falls — and even crime — commonly happen in parking lots and can lead to injuries and liability for businesses.

A few simple ways to reduce risk:
✔️ Keep walkways clear of debris and uneven surfaces
✔️ Make sure lighting is strong and consistent
✔️ Fix drainage issues to avoid standing water
✔️ Use clear signage for traffic flow and pedestrian areas

Small improvements can make a big difference in keeping your business protected.

Tips to Help Keep Employees and Visitors Safe in Parking Lots | Travelers Insurance Slippery conditions, uneven surfaces and poor lighting can make parking lots and garages hazardous for employees and visitors. Explore tips to help keep your parking lots safe.

More transparency is coming to Louisiana insurance policies.

New changes mean insurers will now have to break down what’s driving your premium costs, giving policyholders a clearer look at how rates are calculated and why they change.

What this means for you:
✔️ Better understanding of your bill
✔️ Easier comparisons at renewal
✔️ More informed conversations with your agent

Insurance can feel complicated — but this is a step toward making it easier to understand what you’re paying for and why.

Just a moment...

A dripping faucet, slow drain, or low water pressure might not seem like a big deal, but left unchecked, they can lead to costly water damage and repairs.

A few things to watch for:
- Drips or leaks around pipes
- Slow or clogged drains
- Weak water pressure
- Water heater issues

Catching these early can save you money — and a potential insurance claim down the road.

Learn what to look for and how to handle it:

Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them - Nationwide Got plumbing issues? Find out how to spot the common signs and the best plumbing solutions before calling a plumber.

Most businesses don’t update their insurance as they grow.

But in Louisiana, that can be a bigger problem than you think. Between storms, rising costs, and day-to-day risks, even small gaps in coverage can turn into big losses.

If you’ve added inventory, equipment, or increased revenue in the last year… it might be time to take another look.

A quick review now can save you a major headache later.

Business insurance report: 92% are covered, only 13% feel completely prepared to face risks NEXT’s report found that 92% of small business owners have insurance, but only 13% feel prepared for risk. Read more data from 500 owners nationwide.