Los Angeles, October 8, 2026 / PRNewswire / -- Mercury Insurance (NYSE / NYSE TX : MCY) A reminder to drivers: when heavy rainfall is forecasted, one issue that is easily overlooked is where to park the car.

The El Niño phenomenon may increase the likelihood of wetter weather and more frequent storms in some parts of the United States. Drivers often focus on the dangers they need to contend with while driving. However, vehicles are not necessarily only at risk during driving; rising water accumulation, fallen branches, overloaded drainage systems, and unstable slopes can also pose problems for parked vehicles.

Mercury Insurance Senior Director of Climate Science and Disaster Modeling Stephen Bennett stated: "When heavy rain is approaching, people naturally think about changing their driving habits, but it's equally important to know where to park their cars. Storm conditions can change rapidly, and a simple action such as moving the car away from low-lying areas or near large trees before the rain arrives can reduce the risk of the vehicle suffering avoidable damage."

Mercury It is recommended that when there is an expected significant rainfall and strong winds, consider the following locations before parking:

• Avoid low-lying areas and waterlogged regions. Parking spaces that seem completely safe in dry weather can become quite different during prolonged heavy rainfall. It is advisable to avoid low-lying streets, sunken areas on roads, areas near drainage channels, and spots where water accumulation has been observed before.
• Think twice before parking under a big tree. Rain will saturate the ground, and wind will put additional stress on trees and branches. If severe weather is anticipated, consider moving your car away from large trees, especially those that appear damaged, unhealthy, or unstable.
• Be cautious when approaching slopes and hillside areas. Prolonged rainfall can saturate the soil and alter the conditions around slopes. Whenever possible, avoid parking your vehicle on steep slopes, directly beneath retaining walls, or in areas where soil, rocks, or debris may shift.
• Don't assume that a familiar parking spot is also safe during a storm. The drainage conditions can change. Leaves and debris may block the rainwater inlets, construction activities may alter the direction of water flow, and the intensity of rainfall could also overwhelm areas that normally have proper drainage. Judgments should be made based on the surrounding environment, rather than relying solely on past experience.
• A garage can provide protection, but its location also needs to be taken into consideration. Shaded parking spaces help protect vehicles from damage caused by branches, wind-blown debris, and hail, but drivers should also consider whether the garage is located below street level or if there have been instances of water infiltration in the past. If water tends to gather in the direction of the garage, drainage issues should be addressed before a major storm arrives.
• Do not enter the rising water to retrieve your vehicle. In the event of a flood, protecting personal safety is more important than protecting vehicles. Drivers must never attempt to move their cars by walking or driving through flowing or rising water.
• If evacuation is necessary, when parking, face the exit. If severe weather is anticipated, the parking location should be convenient for a quick and safe exit. Avoid obstacles such as other vehicles, debris, or floodwaters that may impede evacuation.

Make a decision before it starts to rain.

Drivers don't have to wait until the storm actually arrives to assess their parking options. Checking the weather forecast, understanding the elevation and drainage conditions around their usual parking spots, and identifying an alternative parking location in advance can all be part of storm preparation.

Bennett indicates: "Once the heavy rain starts, your options will be much more limited. The best time to realize that commonly used parking spaces might become problematic is before the storm begins. Spending a few minutes planning could make a significant difference."

Before severe weather arrives, drivers should also check the coverage of their car insurance. Comprehensive insurance usually helps to cover certain non-collision damages, such as floods, falling objects, and some storm-related damages, but it still depends on the terms, conditions, and deductible of the policy.

For information about El Niño and its impacts, please visit Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance ( NYSE / NYSE TX : MCY ) is a multi-line of insurance company that primarily provides personal auto, home, tenant, and business insurance through an independent agency network. Its services cover Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia, and it also offers auto insurance in Florida. Mercury also underwrites other types of insurance in several states, including business insurance, business owner insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, landlord insurance, shared housing insurance, ride-hailing vehicle insurance, and machinery protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided high value to customers by combining competitive rates with excellent customer service through a network of over 4,200 employees and more than 6,340 independent agents covering 11 states. Mercury has received a “A” rating from A.M, as well as the title of “Best Auto Insurance Company” awarded by Forbes and Insure.com. For more information, please visit www.MercuryInsurance.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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SOURCE Mercury Insurance