Families Urged to Prepare for Severe Weather Ahead of Peak Tornado Season
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
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Should l Buy MCY?
Source: PRnewswire
- Climate Risk Alert: Approximately 10% of the 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. escalate into severe storms, with predictions of up to 5,000 hail events in spring 2026, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma, urging families to take preventive measures to mitigate potential losses.
- Frequent Tornadoes in Texas: Texas reported 162 tornadoes in 2025, followed closely by Illinois with nearly 150, highlighting the increasing threat of severe storms to homes and vehicles, as a single tornado can damage over 100 homes within minutes.
- Unique Risks in California: California's weather risks are primarily tied to atmospheric rivers and flooding, especially from November to March when heavy rains can lead to floods and debris flows, necessitating families to monitor forecasts and take protective actions.
- Importance of Insurance: With rising losses from severe storms due to expanding development in high-risk areas and increasing material and labor costs, proactive maintenance and risk awareness can aid families in better preparation, as insurance helps recovery but resilience begins before the first weather warning.
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About MCY
Mercury General Corporation is an insurance holding company engaged in writing personal automobile insurance business. The Company writes homeowners, commercial automobile, commercial property, mechanical protection and umbrella insurance. Its automobile coverage includes collision, property damage, bodily injury, comprehensive, personal injury protection, underinsured, and uninsured motorists, and other hazards. Its homeowners’ coverage includes dwelling, liability, personal property, and other coverages. It offers standard, non-standard and preferred private passenger automobile insurance. It also offers homeowners insurance in approximately 10 states, commercial automobile insurance in approximately four states, and mechanical protection insurance in various states. Its subsidiaries include Mercury Casualty Company, California Automobile Insurance Company, Orion Indemnity Company, American Mercury Insurance Company, Animas Funding LLC, and Mercury Insurance Company of Illinois.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Climate Risk Alert: Approximately 10% of the 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. escalate into severe storms, with predictions of up to 5,000 hail events in spring 2026, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma, urging families to take preventive measures to mitigate potential losses.
- Frequent Tornadoes in Texas: Texas reported 162 tornadoes in 2025, followed closely by Illinois with nearly 150, highlighting the increasing threat of severe storms to homes and vehicles, as a single tornado can damage over 100 homes within minutes.
- Unique Risks in California: California's weather risks are primarily tied to atmospheric rivers and flooding, especially from November to March when heavy rains can lead to floods and debris flows, necessitating families to monitor forecasts and take protective actions.
- Importance of Insurance: With rising losses from severe storms due to expanding development in high-risk areas and increasing material and labor costs, proactive maintenance and risk awareness can aid families in better preparation, as insurance helps recovery but resilience begins before the first weather warning.
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- Spring Storm Risks: With approximately 10% of the 100,000 annual thunderstorms escalating into severe storms, the U.S. anticipates up to 5,000 hail events in spring 2026, urging families to take preventive measures to mitigate potential losses.
- Tornado Activity in Texas: Texas led the nation with 162 tornado reports in 2025, followed closely by Illinois with nearly 150, highlighting the extreme weather frequency in these regions during spring, necessitating enhanced property protection for homeowners.
- Flood Risks in California: California's weather-related risks are primarily tied to atmospheric rivers and flooding, with about 75% of annual precipitation occurring from November to March, prompting families to clear gutters and consider additional flood insurance to safeguard against property damage.
- Vehicle Insurance Coverage: Hail and flooding are leading causes of auto claims during spring storms, and understanding comprehensive coverage while parking vehicles in safe locations before severe weather can significantly reduce losses and out-of-pocket expenses.
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- Importance of Tax Preparation: Mercury Insurance emphasizes that while most personal insurance premiums are not tax-deductible, certain insurance documents can be crucial during tax filing, helping taxpayers avoid unnecessary stress.
- Recommended Document Checklist: Mercury advises taxpayers to review key insurance documents in advance, including mortgage escrow statements, declarations pages, proof of premium payments, and claims documentation to ensure a smooth filing process.
- Convenience of Digital Access: Mercury Insurance offers secure online portals and mobile apps that allow policyholders to quickly access necessary documents, preventing delays caused by mailed copies that could hinder tax filing.
- Opportunity for Coverage Review: Tax season serves as an ideal time to review insurance coverage, especially after home renovations, high-value purchases, or starting a home-based business, ensuring that insurance meets current needs.
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- Tax Season Preparation: Mercury Insurance emphasizes that while most personal insurance premiums are not tax-deductible, certain insurance documents can be crucial during tax filing, helping taxpayers avoid unnecessary stress.
- Key Document Checklist: Taxpayers are advised to review mortgage escrow statements, declarations pages, proof of premium payments, and claims documentation to ensure they have the necessary supporting materials for filing.
- Digital Access Convenience: Mercury Insurance provides secure online portals and mobile apps for policyholders to quickly access required documents, enhancing filing efficiency and avoiding delays caused by mailed copies.
- Coverage Review Opportunity: Tax season also serves as a natural checkpoint to review insurance coverage, especially after home renovations, high-value purchases, or starting a home-based business, ensuring that insurance meets current needs.
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- Tax Season Preparation: Mercury Insurance emphasizes that while most personal insurance premiums are not tax-deductible, certain insurance documents can be crucial during tax filing, helping taxpayers avoid unnecessary stress.
- Key Document Checklist: Taxpayers are advised to review mortgage escrow statements, declarations pages, proof of premium payments, and claims documentation to ensure casualty losses meet IRS guidelines in federally declared disaster situations.
- Digital Convenience: Mercury Insurance provides secure online portals and mobile apps for policyholders to quickly access necessary documents, ensuring they are prepared well before tax filing deadlines.
- Coverage Review Opportunity: Tax season also serves as an excellent opportunity to review insurance coverage, especially after home renovations, high-value purchases, or starting a home-based business, ensuring that insurance meets current needs.
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- National Theft Rate Decline: According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, vehicle thefts in the U.S. decreased by 23% in 2025 compared to 2024, with 49 states reporting fewer incidents, indicating a nationwide trend towards reduced auto theft.
- Severe Situation in California: Despite the national decline, California continues to experience high theft rates, particularly in Southern California, where over 50% of statewide thefts occur in Los Angeles County, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
- Evolving Theft Methods: Criminals are increasingly exploiting keyless entry systems, relay attacks, and on-board diagnostic port vulnerabilities, making thefts quicker and more discreet, which poses greater risks to vehicle owners.
- Theft Prevention Recommendations: Mercury Insurance advises vehicle owners to take proactive measures to protect their cars, including using steering wheel locks, securing key fobs, avoiding leaving vehicles running unattended, and considering additional anti-theft devices to mitigate theft risks.
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