Experts say strong El Niño winter could expose costly gaps in Californians' home and auto insurance

Standard insurance may not cover every type of El Niño damage.

A strong El Niño winter could bring big waves along the coast and heavy rain inland, potentially damaging homes and vehicles. Insurance representatives are reminding property owners that standard policies may offer only limited protection.

“Many don’t realize that a standard homeowner's policy will not cover flood damage that is really from coastal surge, as we've seen from Tropical Storm Rachel, or any other flooding from the ground up,” said Karen Collins, the vice president of property and environmental at the American Property and Casualty Insurance Association.

Separate flood insurance can protect against that type of damage, including damage caused by large waves along the beach. But you need to act soon if you want it this winter. The coverage generally has a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.

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“The best step is, start with reaching out to your insurance company, your agent. They can, many of them offer coverage on either side, and then place you with the best options,” Collins said.

Homes are not the only property at risk. A rainy year could also create additional dangers on roads and highways.

Drivers with newer cars may want to consider comprehensive and collision insurance, which provides coverage beyond basic liability.

“Comprehensive and collision is considered that full coverage that you add beyond just your basic liability coverages. We generally very much recommend that for you,” Collins said.

Additional insurance coverage comes with higher costs, but with what's at stake during an El Niño winter, it could be worth the price.

Insurers are also seeing significant damage to electric vehicles along the coast because saltwater can damage their batteries.

READ MORE: Powerful El Niño could slam Southern California. Here's how LA is preparing