It looks like California is going to be in store for another El Nino weather effect winter. El Niño weather is typically associated with above-average rainfall and snowfall in California. El Niño can steer more storms towards the West Coast. In winter of 2023 California experienced week after week of ‘atmospheric river’ rain events. They are coming now.
El Niño can lead to the following effects in California:
- Increased rainfall and snowfall, especially in the southern half of the state.
- More frequent and intense storms.
- Higher sea levels and increased coastal erosion.
- Increased risk of landslides and mudflows.
Even though you may not think you or your property can be affected by flooding, we have seen that a few inches of water create quite a bit of damage to buildings, roads, foundations and property. That's why flood insurance is so important. Flood insurance is a type of insurance that protects your home and belongings from flood damage. It is purchased separately from your homeowners insurance policy. Homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage to your home from rising waters or mudflows.
California Flood insurance is a type of property insurance that covers damages caused by flooding. It is important to note that most standard California homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so it is important to purchase a separate flood insurance policy if you live in an area that is at risk of flooding or not.
Floods can happen anywhere, but they are most common in areas near rivers, lakes, and oceans. They can also be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, or dam failures. Floods can cause significant damage to property, including homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Clients don’t understand that most NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) flood insurance policies have a specific definition of a flood event. The definition of flood in a flood insurance policy is generally as follows:
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (one of which is your property) from:
- The overflow of inland or tidal waters;
- The unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source;
- Mudflows; or
- Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.
It is important to note that flood insurance policies typically do not cover all types of water damage. For example, flood insurance policies typically do not cover damage caused by sewer backups or by water that enters your home through cracks in the foundation or burst pipes.
Most California residents aren’t near a river or on the coast so it may not seem that the NFIP policy would pay or be triggered in the event of a loss. However, there are new private flood insurance polices that have a much broader definition for a ‘flood event.’
One last important note is that when written many flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period but some of the private flood insurance companies do not. Don’t wait to get flood insurance coverage until you’ve seen the weather forecast and decide it would be a good idea to get flood insurance. Be prepared in advance.
That’s why your Independent Insurance Agent is valuable to you. They can shop for companies to fit your need. If you are concerned about the possibility of flood damage to your property, it is important to talk to your insurance agent about your options.