The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is urging homeowners, renters and drivers across California, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico to review their insurance coverage and take preparedness steps ahead of a potentially significant El Niño weather pattern this winter.
Some forecasters are drawing comparisons to the powerful 1982-83 El Niño, which caused widespread flooding and billions of dollars in damage across California, though APCIA noted the full extent of impacts this season remains uncertain.
Karen Collins, APCIA's vice president for property and environmental, said the central message is not to assume existing coverage is enough.
"Recent years have shown that severe flooding can happen almost anywhere, often with little warning. Consumers should not assume they are protected from flood losses simply because they do not live near the coast. Flooding remains one of the most costly natural disasters, yet many homeowners are uninsured for flood damage," Collins said.
A standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover flood damage. Homeowners and renters who want protection for flood-related losses need to obtain it separately, either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Collins said too many consumers discover this only after a loss has occurred.
"Too many consumers learn after a flood that their homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. Now is the time to review your coverage and understand any gaps before the winter storm season begins," Collins said.
APCIA flagged a timing concern specific to the NFIP -- most policies carry a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, meaning consumers who delay purchasing until storms arrive may find themselves without protection when they need it most.
APCIA recommends homeowners conduct an annual policy review covering dwelling coverage limits and replacement cost protection, personal property coverage, additional living expenses coverage, deductibles and key exclusions, flood insurance needs and home inventory documentation. Drivers should also consider maintaining comprehensive auto coverage, which may help protect against certain storm-related losses including flooding and falling objects.
In areas recently affected by wildfire or located on steep slopes, APCIA noted that heavy rainfall can significantly increase the risk of mudslides, debris flows and erosion, a risk pattern directly relevant to large parts of California following recent wildfire seasons.
Practical preparedness steps APCIA recommends include inspecting and repairing roof leaks, cleaning gutters and storm drains, improving drainage and installing erosion-control measures where appropriate, using sandbags or barriers to divert runoff, maintaining vegetation to stabilize soil on slopes, securing outdoor furniture and equipment, preparing an emergency kit and family communication plan, storing important documents safely and signing up for local emergency alerts.
Collins said preparation before the first storm arrives is always more effective than reacting after one hits.
"Whether you live on the coast, in the foothills or inland, it's important to understand your risks and review your insurance protection. The best time to prepare for severe weather and flood risks is before the first major storm arrives," Collins said.
For agents serving clients in the four-state region, this is a specific, time-sensitive prompt to reach out proactively about flood coverage gaps before winter storms generate claims that reveal uninsured exposure.
The 30-day NFIP waiting period creates a genuine urgency: clients who discover the gap only after being prompted by storm news may already be too late.
Brokers who can initiate those conversations now, while there is still lead time, are better positioned to help clients avoid the scenario Collins describes, finding out coverage doesn't apply only after a loss occurs.
