Park Here, Not There: Where You Leave Your Car During an El Niño Storm Matters

Mercury Insurance Offers Simple Ways Drivers Can Reduce Their Exposure to Storm-Related Vehicle Damage

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is encouraging drivers to think about something that can easily be overlooked when heavy rain is in the forecast: where they park their vehicles.

El Niño can increase the likelihood of wetter, stormier conditions in parts of the United States, and drivers often focus on preparing for the hazards they'll encounter behind the wheel. But a vehicle doesn't have to be moving to be vulnerable to storm damage. Rising water, falling tree limbs, overwhelmed drainage systems and unstable slopes can all create problems for parked vehicles.

"People naturally think about driving differently when heavy rain is coming, but where you leave your vehicle can be just as important," said Stephen Bennett, Senior Director of Climate Science and Catastrophe Modeling at Mercury Insurance. "Storm conditions can change quickly, and something as simple as moving your car away from a low spot or a large tree before the rain arrives can reduce its exposure to avoidable damage."

Mercury recommends considering these locations before parking when significant rain and wind are expected:

Avoid low spots and areas where water collects.
A parking space that is perfectly safe on a dry day may look very different during sustained heavy rain. Avoid low-lying streets, dips in roadways, areas near drainage channels and locations where you've previously seen significant pooling.

Think twice before parking beneath large trees.
Rain can saturate the ground while wind places additional stress on trees and branches. If severe weather is expected, consider moving the vehicle away from large trees, particularly those that appear damaged, unhealthy or unstable.

Be cautious near slopes and hillsides.
Extended rainfall can saturate soil and change conditions around slopes. When possible, avoid parking directly below steep hillsides, retaining walls or areas where soil, rocks or debris could potentially move.

Don't assume a familiar parking spot is storm-safe.
Drainage conditions can change. Leaves and debris can block storm drains, construction can alter water flow, and rainfall intensity can overwhelm areas that normally drain without a problem. Look at the surroundings rather than relying solely on past experience.

A garage can provide protection, but consider its location.
Covered parking can help protect vehicles from falling branches, windblown debris and hail, but drivers should also consider whether the garage itself is located below street level or has experienced water intrusion in the past. If water tends to flow toward the garage, address drainage concerns before a major storm arrives.

Never enter rising water to retrieve a vehicle.
Once flooding begins, protecting personal safety is more important than protecting a car. Drivers should never walk or drive into moving or rising water in an attempt to relocate a vehicle.

Park facing an exit if evacuation becomes necessary.
If severe weather is expected, park in a position that allows for a quick and safe departure. Avoid situations where other vehicles, debris, or flooding could block your ability to exit.

Make the Decision Before the Rain Starts

Drivers don't need to wait until a storm arrives to assess their parking options. Checking the forecast, looking at the elevation and drainage around a regular parking location, and identifying an alternative place to leave the vehicle can become part of storm preparation.

"Once heavy rain is falling, your options may be much more limited," Bennett said. "The best time to recognize that your usual parking spot could become a problem is before the storm begins. A few minutes of planning can make a meaningful difference."

Drivers should also review their auto insurance coverage before severe weather arrives. Comprehensive coverage generally helps protect against certain non-collision losses such as flooding, falling objects and some storm-related damage, subject to the terms, conditions and deductible of the policy.

For information about El Niño and its effects, visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial 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 ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, 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 LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance