Last Severe El Niño Event with Excessive
Rainfall Doubled Homeowners Claims
LOS
ANGELES, Sept. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced that a
significant El Niño event is expected to occur this year.
Forecasters have issued an advisory stating that El Niño conditions
are already developing and are expected to strengthen gradually as
winter approaches.
El Niño is characterized by abnormally warm ocean temperatures
around the equator in the Pacific Ocean. This seemingly small
change dramatically influences weather patterns around the world.
Typically, El Niño weather trends translate to an increase in
rainfall for the southern United
States and drier, warmer weather for the northern states. It
also often leads to a weaker hurricane season for Gulf and East
Coast states, but for West Coast residents the increased rainfall
can increase the potential for water damage and flooding.
"Water damage is a huge concern when dealing with these storms,
because it can impact the structural integrity of houses and wreak
havoc on personal property. It's also one of the most common claims
filed by homeowners," said Bonnie
Lee, Mercury Insurance's Vice President of Property
Claims.
Extra Threat for Wildfire and Drought-Stricken Areas:
Excessive Rains That Trigger Mudslides and Flooding
The heavy storms from early 2023 may have replenished water
supply in many areas in the West, but it doesn't mean that the
threat of drought or wildfire is over. Droughts and fires this
summer could lead to dangerous consequences when the rains begin to
fall if hillsides are stripped of the vegetation that hold them in
place. With these anchors gone, it's very possible heavy rains
could weaken hillsides and create severe mudslides. Flash flooding
is a very real possibility since hard, dried out soil doesn't
absorb as much water. This can lead to sudden, fast-moving water –
a combination with the capacity to do a lot of damage.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a mudslide
is defined as earth and rock that travels downhill whereas a
mudflow is a liquid stream of mud. Flood insurance covers both
flood and mudflow damage, but only covers mudslide damage if
defined exactly as the Standard Flood Insurance Policy defines
mudflow.
Homeowners insurance does not generally cover flood and mudslide
damage, so homeowners should do some research to find out if their
home is located in a flood plain. If so, you may want to look into
purchasing national flood insurance if you feel your home is in a
high-risk area.
"Homeowners should regularly review their policies to ensure
that their home care needs are met and familiarize themselves with
what types of damages will be covered," Lee said. "It's important
to do your research on flood zones and potential mudslide areas.
Remember to talk to your insurance agent about your protection
options.
Knowing that there is a high probability for persistent
rainfall, homeowners should take preventative measures to protect
themselves against damages that can occur during an El Niño season.
Lee suggests the following tips to help minimize water and wind
damage to your home and property.
Before a strong storm or weather event:
- Register your mobile phone for severe weather
notifications.
- Hire an inspector to evaluate your home. Homeowners insurance
will not cover damages that are a result of pre-existing conditions
and negligence, so cover your bases and address these issues before
they lead to bigger problems.
- Check for cracks or chips in windows and inspect their seals
too. Door seals should also be inspected. Strong winds can easily
shatter glass, inviting debris and water into your home. Weak seals
and small leaks can create bigger issues if the water gets into the
walls.
- Evaluate your roof. The roof of your home is an important
barrier that protects your property from wind and rain. Walk
through your home and check your ceilings and walls for any leaks,
water rings or mold spots that might indicate possible roof damage
and address any issues immediately. Have the exterior of your roof
inspected for missing shingles, holes or weak spots by a licensed
contractor.
- Clear gutters, downspouts and culverts.
- Have the foundation inspected for cracks and leaks.
- Remove trees and branches that are dead or dying from your yard
to minimize the chances of damage to your home from fallen trees or
snapped limbs. Remove branches and limbs in close proximity to your
home. It may be smart to trim or relocate trees that are too close
to your home.
- Keep an up-to-date inventory of your personal property in the
event you need to make a claim.
- Speak with your insurance agent to review and understand the
ins and outs of your homeowners insurance policy to ensure there
are no surprises down the road.
- Determine whether or not your home is located in a flood plain,
and consider purchasing federal flood insurance if it is.
- Prepare a family disaster plan and assemble emergency supply
kits for your family and pets.
After the storm:
- If your home sustains damage, contact your insurance carrier or
agent immediately and file a homeowners claim.
- If your property has sustained damage from a flood or mudflow
and you have flood insurance, file a separate claim under your
federal flood insurance.
- Remember to evaluate and document all damages in the event that
rain or wind causes destruction on your property to help the claim
process move forward smoothly.
- If your home is unsafe, take your family and pets out of the
house. Your homeowners insurance may provide for alternative
housing costs if you need to evacuate your home.
Save yourself the headache and hassle and make any necessary
maintenance and repairs before inclement weather hits. These simple
steps can reduce repair costs and may pay off big time in the long
run.
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance
carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners and
renters insurance through a network of independent agents in
Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New
Jersey, New York,
Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in
Florida. Mercury writes other
lines of insurance in various states, including commercial,
business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing,
ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value
for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with
excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from
A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company"
designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit
www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or
Facebook.
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SOURCE Mercury Insurance