Commissioner Lara urges Californians to review insurance coverage before “likely historic” El Niño storms hit

News: 2026 Press ReleaseFor Release: September 22, 2026Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566Email Inquiries: cdipress@insurance.ca.gov SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Following Governor Gavin Newsom’semergency declarationto strengthen statewide preparedness for a “likely historic” El Niño, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is urging Californians to review their insurance coverage now and take steps to protect their families, homes, and businesses from potential flooding, heavy rain, mudslides, and other severe weather. “We share the same goal: keeping Californians safe, prepared, and protected before severe weather arrives,” said Commissioner Lara following the Governor’s declaration. “Now is the time to understand what your insurance covers, know your rights, and take steps to protect your family and property. The Department of Insurance is here to help consumers prepare, and if communities are impacted by strong storms, flooding, or other damage, we will be there to support recovery, protect consumers, and make sure insurance companies meet their obligations to policyholders.” Californians living near areas affected by recent wildfires should also be prepared for flooding, mudslides, and debris flows from wildfire burn scars, which can be especially vulnerable to severe weather. Commissioner Lara previously sent out aNoticeto insurance companies reminding them of their legal duty to cover damage from any mudslide, debris flow, or similar disaster that is caused by statewide wildfires that may have weakened hillsides. Consumers should take the following steps before severe weather arrives: This warning comes during National Preparedness Month, an annual reminder for Californians to take steps now to prepare for emergencies and disasters. Throughout the month, the California Department of Insurance is sharing preparedness information and resources to help consumers understand their insurance coverage before disaster strikes. The Department’s Outreach team is participating in several emergency preparednesseventsthroughout the state to help inform consumers about key insurance topics and answer their questions. The California Department of Insurance is also available to help consumers understand their insurance coverage and answer questions about policies and claims. Consumers can contact the Consumer Hotline at800-927-4357or visitinsurance.ca.govfor information about flood insurance, wildfire-related coverage, and preparing for severe weather. Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us atwww.insurance.ca.govvia webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833. This Google™ translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. The Department of Insurance is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool. The Department of Insurance is also unable to guarantee the same page layout for all the languages. Depending on the languages, the page layout may look strange from the original. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on ourDisclaimerpage. Close this box or use the [X]