Arizona Urges Insurers to Aid Storm Victims

State regulators ask insurers to help policyholders in areas hit by heavy rains, high winds and tornadoes.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Severe Weather

Flat-color editorial illustration of a low columned building under dark storm clouds on a desert horizon, with a lone saguaro cactus. — Arizona regulators urged insurers on Monday to keep policyholders covered and handle storm claims on time after Governor Katie Hobbs declared emergencies on October 30 and November 2. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions issued a call to action to insurers covering storm-affected areas after Governor Katie Hobbs issued emergency declarations on October 30 and November 2, 2026. The storms caused financial hardship for individuals and businesses.

Why it matters

Heavy rains, high winds and tornadoes have strained households and businesses across the state, and the Department is asking insurers to keep coverage active and allow claimants adequate time to file. Customer relief programs administered uniformly during the emergency will not be considered violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The Department recommends a 90-day window of relief measures from insurers, following two emergency declarations issued October 30 and November 2, 2026. The number of affected policyholders and total storm losses have not been reported.

The players

Katie Hobbs

Katie Hobbs is the Governor of Arizona, who issued the emergency declarations covering the storm-affected areas.

Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions

The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions is the state agency that regulates insurers and issued the call to action to insurers serving affected areas.

The details

The Department asks insurers to work with policyholders so coverage continues during the emergency and to handle claims within regulatory timeframes. Health and property and casualty insurers are encouraged to offer relief for the next ninety days.

October 30, 2026: Governor Hobbs issues first emergency declaration.
November 2, 2026: Governor Hobbs issues second emergency declaration.
Next 90 days: Recommended period for insurer relief measures.

Seasonal Patterns

The Department's guidance applies an existing Prohibited Inducements provision under A.R.S. § 20-452 to a time-limited emergency exception. The approach mirrors earlier state emergency-period insurance directives that relaxed inducement rules while keeping the requirement against unfair discrimination.

Policyholders in storm-affected areas should contact their insurers to confirm coverage continues during the emergency. Claimants should file claims within the time the insurer allows, as the Department encourages insurers to give adequate filing time.

The takeaway

Storm-affected residents should keep in touch with their insurers and file claims promptly. Insurers are being urged to extend relief for roughly the next three months.