This was the headline I read just a few days ago, written by the Associated Press.  There has been a lot of hype surrounding El Nino dating back to the image above from June.  I am not a weather forecaster and we have been in a drought for quite some time in California.  Everything moves in cycles.  What if this is the year we actually get rain and it snows in the mountains.  Will you be prepared?
Over the last couple weeks, I have had several clients call me about this very issue.  They wanted flood insurance.  I asked each of them the same questions, why would you like flood insurance and what are your concerns?  These are rhetorical questions, of course, but I want to hear their concerns.  Their responses are; the potential heavy rains and protecting their homes from damage.  There is clearly a distinction between a flood policy and a home owners policy.  Flood insurance will provide coverage in the event water damages your home that entered from the outside vs. your home owners insurance will provide coverage from water damage that stems from inside your home.
Those of you who already work with me know that I approach things in a very logical manner.  When I read the article, in which the government is advising Californians to buy insurance to provide better protection, I was thankful that they were providing logical advice.  They are encouraging home owners to purchase a FEMA policy, which we offer at Covenant Direct Insurance.  However, you should know there are other options for flood insurance in addition to a FEMA policy.  Lloyd's of London offers coverage through CAT Coverage (Natural Disaster Insurance Program), another carrier we work with.  Depending on your policy, CAT offers a $1000 deductible vs. the typical flood FEMA deductible of $5000.
As we get closer to winter and potentially an El Nino, if you have concerns about your coverage, call your insurance professional or me.  Find out what your options are and don't be left uneducated about your individual coverage or unprepared for the fast approaching rainy season.