Lower your risk,
lower your rate

Learn how to protect your home, and save money along the way.

Don’t wait for a disaster, take these steps now
to help protect your property …

Water damage Wildfire Wind and hail Hurricane El Niño
Water damage

Locate your water shut-off valve

This valve is typically located in the basement or the garage. Practice turning the valve off clockwise by hand, which you will need to do in an emergency if your pipes burst. If your water valve is located outside the home, you may need to use a hex key at the meter box. Get more tips with our winter survival guide.

Install a leak-detection device with automatic shutoff

If your water flow monitor detects a major leak, the system can automatically shut off the water in minutes, preventing more damage. You can also track your water usage, which could help you conserve and save on your water bill. Get more details on leak-detection devices.

Check your plumbing regularly

While you may think flooding or hurricanes cause most water damage to homes, it’s actually the opposite – 95% of water damage is due to problems inside your home. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plumber do an annual maintenance check. A few hundred dollars for maintenance could save you thousands in repairs. Learn more about early signs of water damage.

Build your buffer zone

Remove dry and dead vegetation, switch to noncombustible landscaping materials, relocate wood piles and more to help protect your house. Learn more about the buffer zones.

Improve your materials

Check the materials used for your roof, sidings and windows and make improvements where you can.

 

Check your score before you move

If you’re considering a new home, look into its fire rating before you buy. If the home is in a high-risk area, you may have trouble getting home insurance, or the price may be more than you want to pay. Learn more about FireLine scores and other factors that can affect your rate.

Check your roof

Look for signs of damage and be aware of the lifespan of your roof, so you know when to replace it. When it is time to replace, you may save on your insurance if you opt for impact-resistant shingles or a more stable roof design.

Trim tree branches

Have a professional trim branches near power lines. To avoid weakening, keep tree limbs trimmed to 5 feet or less. Select native or indigenous trees when landscaping — they’re more likely to withstand local weather, including high-wind conditions. (Check  Native Plant Finder for native plants and trees for your area.) Get more tips for tornadoes and strong winds.

Make space for your car

If hail is in the forecast, you’ll want to move your car into the garage if possible. Consider clearing a space now, so you’re not scrambling before a storm. Get more tips for hailstorms.

Beware of scams post-storm

Unfortunately, fraudulent businesses can follow storms and prey on people hoping to quickly repair damage. Before you decide to work with someone, do your due diligence – get multiple estimates, ask for referrals from friends and neighbors, and keep an eye on their work as it progresses.

Know your flood risk

Prior to buying a new home, check its hurricane and flood risk. In certain high-risk areas, property insurance availability may be limited, or the price may be more than you want to pay. Talk to your agent about coverage options, including Flood insurance. 

Reinforce your property

An 8d ring shank nail could help keep your roof intact when high winds hit. Learn about this crucial tool and more tactics to protect your roof, house, and yard against high winds. You may even be eligible for discounts if you use certain roofing materials or participate in the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety FORTIFIED Home certification program.

Prep essentials in advance

Before hurricane season, collect important documents, inventory items in your home, prepare your vehicle, and plan for your pets. Also, practice shutting down utilities. This 9-step guide can help.

Unplug, elevate, and secure

When a hurricane is imminent, consider unplugging and moving electronics, furniture, appliances, and valuables to the highest level of your home. Also, secure your home before evacuating. Here are more ways to prep, including steps to help prevent water and debris from flooding your home.

El Niño: What it could mean for your home


El Niño can change weather patterns across the U.S., bringing heavier rain, stronger storms or drier conditions depending on where you live. That can increase the risk of damage to your home, from leaks and flooding to wind, hail or wildfire-related losses.

This year, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says El Niño could affect weather conditions for several months, making it a good time to review your home risks and insurance coverage.

How El Niño-related weather can affect your home


El Niño can increase the risk of weather-related damage in different ways.

  • Heavy rain: Can lead to roof wear, leaks or water intrusion
  • Saturated ground: Can put pressure on your foundation
    or let water seep in
  • Strong storms: May bring damaging wind or hail
  • Fast plant growth followed by dry weather: Can increase
    wildfire risk in some areas


Does home insurance cover damage from El Niño events?


It depends on what caused the damage and what your policy covers. Here’s a general guide to how common El Niño-related risks are typically covered.

Risk What can happen Usually covered? What else to consider
Fire, including wildfire Increased vegetation growth during wet periods. May later dry out, creating fuel for wildfires.    In some cases, but not all. Damage is typically covered if the cause is sudden and accidental, unless specifically excluded due to location. Check your policy documents for confirmation. Higher dwelling limits or extended replacement cost coverage may be worth reviewing in high-risk areas. When wildfire is excluded from your home policy, a separate policy purchase may be necessary.
Hurricanes & tropical storms Rapidly fluctuating and more intense storm patterns, including higher winds and heavy rain. Wind damage: Covered in many cases, but not all. Check your policy documents. Storm surge/flooding: Not covered. Flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may help with storm surge or rising water. Supplemental coverage for wind or wind deductibles may be available depending on location.
Flooding Prolonged or intense rainfall may lead to flash flooding or water entering from the ground up. No. Flooding is not covered under standard homeowners policies. Flood coverage through FEMA’s NFIP.
Wind & hailstorms Strong storm systems may bring damaging winds or hail. Yes. Damage caused by wind and hail is covered in most homeowners policies. Separate deductibles or endorsements may apply for wind/hail. Supplemental coverage for wind/hail or wind/hail deductibles may be available depending on location.
Water damage
(rain entering home)		 Wind-driven rain or repeated storms may lead to leaks and interior damage. Sometimes. It may be covered if it’s caused by a sudden, covered event (e.g., storm damage to roof). Water backup coverage may help with sump pump or sewer backup issues.

Review your coverage with your Farmers® agent
so you know what’s covered — and what may not be.

El Niño may affect different parts of the US.


El Niño doesn’t affect every part of the United States the same way. This is how conditions may vary, based on NOAA Climate Prediction Center outlooks.

West Coast and Southwest

What’s more likely: Wetter conditions in some areas
What that could mean for your home:

    • Heavy rain or localized flooding
    • Mudslides or drainage issues
    • Saturated soil around foundations
    • Increased wildfire risk later in the season in some areas

 Southern U.S. (including Gulf Coast)

What’s more likely: Cooler, wetter conditions
What that could mean for your home:

    • Storm systems bringing heavy rain
    • Increased potential for localized flooding or water damage



 Southeast

What’s more likely: Above average rainfall
What that could mean for your home:

    • Storms may bring wind-driven rain that can affect roof and siding
    • Moisture can lead to issues like mold and rot if not addressed
Midwest and Plains


What’s more likely: Storm systems bringing wind, hail and heavy rain

What that could mean for your home:
    • Wind-driven rain and hail can damage roof and siding
    • Rapid freeze-thaw cycles can affect pipes and cause ice dams or other structural damage
    • Increased wildfire risk later in the season in some areas

Northern U.S.

What’s more likely: Warmer, drier conditions and reduced snow pack in some areas

What that could mean for your home:

    • Rapid freeze-thaw cycles can affect pipes and cause ice dams or other structural damage

How to prepare for El Niño-driven weather


Taking steps ahead of changing weather patterns can help reduce damage.

Before the season
    • Inspect your roof, gutters and downspouts for damage or wear
    • Clear debris to help water drain away from your home
    • Trim vegetation near structures to reduce fire risk
    • Review your insurance coverage, including options like flood insurance 
 During periods of heavy weather
    • Watch for leaks or signs of water intrusion
    • Take steps to prevent further damage if it’s safe to do so
    • Keep records or photos if damage occurs




 After storms or extended wet periods
    • Check for mold, cracks or soft spots
    • Address minor problems early before they worsen
    • Contact your insurer if you believe you have a covered loss


Additional resources

Wildfire preparation

Hurricane & flood preparation

Winter storm preparation

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When you’re proactive, you could save

Learn more about these discounts available for your home

 UL-Approved Roofing Materials

Home Safety

  • Plumbing leak detection and shutoff devices
  • Automatic gas shutoff
  • Windows, walls, roof, or foundation fortified against natural disaster

Claims Free

  • Home insurance customers earn a discount for being claim free for three consecutive years.

 

Asphalt or fiberglass shingles approved by UL

 Protective Devices

  • Fire alarm
  • Security system
  • Internal sprinklers

Green Certifications

  • ENERGY STAR
  • LEED
  • EPA

Check out our discounts page to learn even more.

Should you raise your deductible?

Pro: 

A lower premium, which can mean potential savings if you don’t need to file a claim.

 

Con:

You’ll want to have money saved to pay for any damages up to the amount of your higher deductible if you do need to file a claim.

One way to save money on your insurance premium is to raise your deductible. You’ll pay more out of pocket if you do have a claim, but you may save money if you don’t have a claim. It’s a personal choice you’ll need to make, but your agent can also help you figure out what’s best for your family. 

Contact an agent

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Keep your home safe year round

Homeownership can sometimes feel like a full-time job, but these guides for each season help make it easier: 

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Want to learn more about ways to protect your home and save money on your rate? Contact your agent or log in to chat with us.


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