Why Flood Insurance Matters for Veterinary Clinics in Louisiana

Flooding Isn’t Just a Coastal Problem

In Louisiana, flood risk is everywhere. Whether your clinic is in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans, or a smaller town in Acadiana, flash flooding can hit hard and fast. You don’t have to be next to a river or bayou to be at risk.

Parking lots that don’t drain, overwhelmed storm systems, or even heavy rain over short periods can leave your clinic dealing with water damage—and without the right policy, you’ll be on the hook.

What Your Commercial Property Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Many veterinarians assume their standard commercial property insurance includes flood coverage.

It doesn’t.

Commercial property policies may cover water damage from a burst pipe or roof leak, but not from rising groundwater or flash floods. That means:

• Water-logged flooring and drywall? Not covered.

• Destroyed medical equipment? Not covered.

• Ruined inventory, meds, or kennels? Not covered.

Unless you’ve added separate flood insurance, none of that damage qualifies for reimbursement.

What Flood Insurance for Vet Clinics Actually Covers

Flood insurance can be written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through private carriers. It typically includes:

Building Coverage

• Walls, floors, ceilings, and built-in equipment

• Electrical and plumbing systems

• Central HVAC and water heaters

Contents Coverage

• Exam tables, kennels, cages

• Computers, X-ray machines, and surgical tools

• Inventory, medications, and office furniture

Note: NFIP has coverage caps (e.g., $500,000 for commercial property), so a private flood policy might be better for clinics with high-value equipment.

What It Doesn’t Cover

• Business interruption (unless you add a separate endorsement or private policy)

• Outdoor structures or enclosures

• Losses from sewer backup not directly caused by flooding

If you want protection for lost income after a flood forces your clinic to shut down, ask about Business Interruption coverage that works alongside flood insurance.

Why Veterinarians Should Think About Flood Risk Differently

Veterinary clinics have unique vulnerabilities:

• Clients often drop off or board pets—making relocations tricky

• Specialized equipment (like imaging or surgical tools) can be damaged beyond repair

• Contaminated water can introduce biohazard risks

• Mold and moisture damage can spread fast in animal care facilities

That means even a "minor" flood can lead to major downtime, lost revenue, and animal safety concerns.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Louisiana?

Costs vary by location, building type, and value—but premiums for flood coverage can often be under $2,000 per year for clinics outside high-risk zones. A few thousand dollars annually can save you hundreds of thousands in uninsured losses.

And remember: you can’t buy flood insurance the day before the storm hits. NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period. You have to prepare ahead.

Vet Clinics Need More Than a Standard Policy

At Kastner Insurance, we work with veterinarians across Louisiana to protect their clinics from every angle—from liability and property to floods and cyber threats. We’re local, independent, and we understand how one storm can turn into a long-term setback if the right insurance isn’t in place.

Whether you’re in Lafayette, Youngsville, Baton Rouge, or anywhere in the Acadiana region—don’t wait for water on the floor to find out your policy falls short.

Contact us today for a quick review of your flood exposure and coverage options. We'll help you stay protected, no matter what the weather does next.

About Kastner Insurance Group