BATON ROUGE – Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said he is asking FEMA to extend the filing deadline for Louisiana policyholders impacted by the historic flooding.

According to a statement Thursday, Donelon said FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program requires homeowners to file a “Proof of Loss” form within 60 days of a flood.

“Filing the Proof of Loss form can be an additional challenge in an already stressful time. It is especially difficult for those previously affected by the March storms that are now suffering a second loss,” Donelon said. “FEMA granted us an extension after the flooding in March and I am asking for a similar courtesy after the flooding in August.”

Donelon said it is important to file a Proof of Loss form even after filing a claim for flood damage. The Proof of Loss is a sworn statement of the amount a policyholder is claiming.

The Proof of Loss form substantiates an insurance claim and is required before NFIP can make a payment.

Residents who need to file a claim are urged to contact their agent or call the NFIP Claims Department at 1-800-621-3362.