(800) 956-3728 Wildfire Mitigation in California: Your Home & Coverage
Mercury recognizes wildfire mitigation efforts and offers meaningful discounts designed to support safer homes and stronger California communities.
Wildfires are becoming a bigger part of life in California, and we know that can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you protect your home, understand your options, and get rewarded for the mitigation steps you’re already taking.
Did you know California experienced more wildfires than any other state over the last few years?
This growing exposure is one reason we’ve expanded our mitigation discounts and strengthened how we evaluate wildfire risk.
Below, you’ll find helpful tips and information that can help keep your home safe from wildfires, increase the likelihood of insurance coverage, and even save you money on your insurance.
Mitigation Works When We Work Together
Your Efforts Really Do Make a Difference
Wildfire mitigation isn’t just about meeting requirements, it’s about protecting what matters most: your home, your family, and your community.
When you reduce combustible vegetation, harden your home, or pursue recognized wildfire-preparedness standards, you help:
- Reduce potential ignition risks around the home
- Improve property-level protection
- Contribute to safer neighboring properties
- Strengthen overall community resilience
- Support long-term availability of insurance in high-risk areas
Our Commitment to Fire Mitigation
We believe mitigation efforts can play a big role when it comes to creating safer, more wildfire resilient homes and communities. This is why Mercury rewards homeowners and communities that make smart wildfire mitigation upgrades by offering coverage and discounts in higher risk areas. This allows homeowners to move from programs like the California FAIR Plan to Mercury, which provides more comprehensive coverage options and better service.*
We believe when wildfire risk mitigation is deployed across neighborhoods, every mitigation effort has a broader impact, and these communities become safer and more resilient.
That’s why Mercury continues to evolve how we evaluate wildfire risk – and how we recognize meaningful mitigation efforts.
*Subject to risk concentration restrictions.
Construction Matters
Some homes are constructed to meet fire-resistive building classifications that significantly reduce wildfire vulnerability.
Unlike mitigation steps that can often be added or improved over time, fire-resistive construction standards are determined at the time a home is built. These classifications typically require:
- Non-combustible exterior materials
- Non-combustible framing, including roof framing
- Enhanced window design to withstand radiant heat
- Strict defensible space requirements, including non-combustible materials within five feet of the home
Homes that meet approved Fire-Resistive Construction classifications (Type 1 or Type 2) may qualify for substantial wildfire-peril discounts.
|
Construction Type |
Potential Wildfire-Peril Discount |
|
Fire-Resistive Construction (Type 1 or Type 2) |
Up to 60% (wildfire peril only) |
Wildfire Preparedness Checklist
We understand that preparing your home to better withstand a wildfire can be a little daunting, so we created a checklist of things you can do to get started.
- Maintaining defensible space around structures
- Removing dead or combustible vegetation
- Clearing roofs and gutters of debris
- Installing ember-resistant vents
- Using fire-resistant roofing or exterior materials
- Using non-combustible fencing or gate materials where they attached to the home, particularly within the first five feet surrounding the structure
- Sealing gaps and openings where embers could enter
- Create a home inventory and store it in the cloud so you can easily access it if disaster strikes
For More Guidance, Explore These Helpful Resources:
10 Ways to Prepare Your Home and Family for Wildfires
Maintaining Firescaped Properties
How To Fireproof Your Home From Wildfires: What is Home Hardening?
Frequently Asked Questions About California Wildfire Mitigation
Do wildfire mitigation efforts guarantee coverage?
No. Eligibility and renewal decisions are subject to underwriting review.
Do discounts apply to my full premium?
Wildfire mitigation discounts apply only to the wildfire-peril portion of the policy.
If I already submitted photos, what happens next?
Your photos will be reviewed as part of your policy evaluation. If your home qualifies, underwriting will apply all applicable discounts to your policy. We will contact your agent if any additional information is needed.
If I’m currently on the FAIR Plan, can I qualify?
It is possible. Eligibility for Mercury homeowners coverage depends on underwriting review and property characteristics. Please contact your agent to review your options. If you do not have a current Mercury agent please call (800) 621-4987.
I think I already qualify for some of these discounts – how do I determine if I am receiving the discounts or what do I do to get the discounts added?
In California, when forms are sent at new business, policy change, and renewal, Mercury includes a form that lists available wildfire mitigation discounts, and which discounts you are currently receiving. Please refer to your latest set of policy documents. If you meet additional criteria, please share photos with your agent so we can review and apply any discounts you may qualify for.
Mercury May Request Photos or More Information
We often need photos of properties to verify discount and coverage eligibility. It’s simply our way of making sure your mitigation efforts are fully recognized.
This information helps us:
- Verify defensible space and vegetation management
- Evaluate structural hardening features
- Apply eligible wildfire mitigation discounts
- Ensure your policy reflects your property accurately
Think of it as giving us the full picture so we can give you the full credit.
Legal Disclaimer: *Wildfire mitigation discounts are available in California only and apply to the wildfire peril portion of homeowners policy premium. Discounts, eligibility, and renewal are subject to underwriting approval and policy terms. Mitigation efforts do not guarantee eligibility, renewal, or specific pricing outcomes. IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home® designations are administered by third parties and subject to their requirements.