By William Lowden, DRE #01053007 | Ins #0603748
Owning a home is one of life’s greatest investments — but it also comes with unexpected costs. Even the most well-maintained homes experience breakdowns over time. A home warranty provides peace of mind by protecting you from the high cost of repairing or replacing major systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear.
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of key components in your home, such as:
When something breaks, you simply contact your warranty provider, pay a small service fee, and a qualified technician is dispatched to handle the repair. This eliminates the stress of finding a reliable contractor and paying out-of-pocket for expensive repairs.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe their homeowners insurance provides the same protection — but it doesn’t.
Home Warranty | Homeowners Insurance |
Covers mechanical failures of systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear | Covers sudden and accidental damage from events like fire, theft, or storms |
Helps with ongoing maintenance costs | Protects against catastrophic losses |
Provides service and repair convenience | Provides financial reimbursement for covered perils |
Activated through a service request | Activated through an insurance claim |
Both are essential, but they serve very different purposes. Together, they provide comprehensive protection for your home and your budget.
A home warranty isn’t just for new buyers — it’s a smart safeguard for every homeowner who wants to protect their investment, control repair costs, and enjoy true peace of mind.
Contact William Lowden at 909‑714‑5516 to learn how a home warranty can complement your homeowners insurance and keep your home protected year after year.
By William Lowden, Lic. #0603748
Many Inland Empire homeowners assume they don’t need flood insurance because their homes aren’t located in a designated flood zone. Unfortunately, that assumption can be costly. The truth is that flooding can happen anywhere — and in Southern California, it’s happening more often than ever before.
The Inland Empire’s unique geography — with its dry riverbeds, mountain runoff, and expanding urban development — makes it especially vulnerable to flash floods. Heavy rains, wildfires, and new construction that alters drainage patterns can all cause unexpected flooding in areas that have never flooded before.
Even a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to flooring, drywall, electrical systems, and personal belongings. Without flood insurance, these costs come entirely out of pocket.
A common misconception is that a standard homeowners insurance policy covers flood damage. It does not.
Homeowners Insurance | Flood Insurance |
Covers damage from fire, theft, wind, or plumbing leaks | Covers damage caused by rising water from outside the home |
Excludes surface water, overflow, and flash flooding | Specifically protects against flood-related loss |
Required by lenders only in high-risk zones | Available and recommended for all homeowners, regardless of zone |
That means if a storm, overflowing storm drain, or nearby hillside runoff floods your home, your homeowners policy will not pay for the damage — but a flood policy will.
Flooding isn’t just a coastal issue — it’s a growing threat right here in the Inland Empire. With our region’s mix of steep foothills, dry riverbeds, and expanding urban areas, even a single heavy storm can cause serious flood damage. Many homeowners don’t realize that flooding can happen anywhere, not just in designated flood zones.
Below are the 25 Inland Empire cities most vulnerable to flood damage, based on geography, FEMA floodplain data, and local storm history.
Rank | City | Primary Flood Risk Factors |
1 | Riverside | Santa Ana River floodplain, hillside runoff, and dense urban development |
2 | San Bernardino | Lytle Creek basin and post-wildfire flooding from nearby mountains |
3 | Corona | Santa Ana River basin and steep canyon drainage |
4 | Ontario | Flat terrain with limited drainage and storm channel overflow |
5 | Fontana | Lytle Creek wash and rapid urban expansion |
6 | Redlands | San Timoteo Creek and canyon runoff |
7 | Rancho Cucamonga | Cucamonga Creek and foothill flooding |
8 | Colton | Santa Ana River and Reche Canyon drainage |
9 | Highland | Mountain runoff and post-fire flooding |
10 | Perris | Low-lying valley prone to pooling and limited flood control |
11 | Moreno Valley | Box Springs Mountain runoff and basin flooding |
12 | Hemet | San Jacinto River floodplain and poor drainage |
13 | San Jacinto | Directly on the San Jacinto River floodplain |
14 | Beaumont | San Gorgonio Pass runoff and sloped terrain |
15 | Banning | Canyon flash flooding and mountain runoff |
16 | Lake Elsinore | Rising lake levels and hillside drainage |
17 | Menifee | Flat terrain and stormwater pooling |
18 | Wildomar | Murrieta Creek overflow and hillside runoff |
19 | Murrieta | Murrieta Creek floodplain and rapid growth |
20 | Temecula | Murrieta and Santa Gertrudis Creek flood zones |
21 | Norco | Santa Ana River floodplain and equestrian property runoff |
22 | Jurupa Valley | Santa Ana River and low-lying agricultural areas |
23 | Chino | Prado Dam basin and low elevation |
24 | Chino Hills | Steep slopes and hillside flash flooding |
25 | Yucaipa | Wilson Creek and post-fire runoff from nearby slopes |
Low-lying basins: Many Inland Empire cities sit in natural collection zones for regional runoff.
Over 25% of flood claims come from homes outside designated flood zones. That means even if your lender doesn’t require flood insurance, your home could still be at risk. A single inch of water can cause $25,000 or more in damage, and standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood losses.
Floods can strike with little warning — but with the right protection, recovery doesn’t have to be devastating. Flood insurance is affordable, widely available, and one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make in the Inland Empire.
Don’t wait for the next storm to test your luck.
Contact William Lowden, Lic. #0603748, at 909‑714‑5516 to review your flood risk and learn how a flood policy can safeguard your home, your finances, and your peace of mind.
