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.
Understanding Mercury’s Minimum Standards
Interested in Mercury homeowners coverage? Our minimum standards outline requirements for your home and the space around it to help reduce wildfire risk. Learn what we look for when evaluating your property for coverage. Coverage is subject to underwriting approval.
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:
- Noncombustible exterior materials or, at a minimum, 6 inches of vertical noncombustible siding from the base of the structure
- Noncombustible framing, including roof framing
- Dual-pane tempered-glass windows with metal or metal-clad frames to withstand radiant heat
- Strict defensible space requirements, including noncombustible materials within 5 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 noncombustible fencing or gate materials where they attach 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
My home survived a fire. Can Mercury look at it to determine coverage options?
Yes, you can ask an agent to review it. Mercury is interested in eligible existing homes as well as rebuilt homes. Whether coverage is available depends on the home and its surroundings.
I’m rebuilding. When should I call an agent?
As early as possible, ideally before you finalize construction plans. An agent can explain which features Mercury will want to see and what information you may need to provide.
I have a FAIR Plan policy. Can I get a Mercury homeowners policy?
Absolutely. Being on the California FAIR Plan does not prevent you from exploring a regular homeowners policy. An agent can review the property and the options available to you.
Can I ask questions before I finish the work?
Yes. You can speak with an agent while planning improvements. Mercury may need completed work and supporting details before making a final coverage decision.
How do I show the changes I’ve made?
Keep clear photos, contractor invoices and any details about new roofing, vents, siding, decks or landscaping. Ask your agent what Mercury needs for your specific home.
Will I have to remove all my trees and plants?
Not necessarily. Mercury’s rules can allow grass, some smaller plants and certain mature trees. What matters is the type and placement of vegetation and nearby building features.
Does my neighbor’s property affect my wildfire risk?
It can. Wildfires can spread between nearby properties, so your neighbor’s property can impact your risk. Qualification for a discount is not based on your neighbor’s property, but Mercury looks at the distance between your home and your neighbor’s home when determining the amount of some of our discounts.
How do I contact a Mercury agent in my area?
Who can help with brush beyond our yards?
Local fire agencies, public land managers and community groups may coordinate bigger vegetation projects. Mercury has invested in BurnBot, which develops tools for reducing wildfire fuel.
What does “available capacity” mean?
It means the amount of wildfire risk Mercury can responsibly insure in an area. Even a well-prepared home may not qualify if too much risk is already concentrated nearby.
Does an estimate or checklist mean I’m insured?
No. A checklist helps you prepare, and a quote is not a guarantee. Coverage depends on Mercury’s final review, approval and an issued policy.
If I already submitted photos, what happens next?
Your photos will be reviewed as part of your policy evaluation. If your home qualifies, Mercury’s underwriting team will apply all applicable discounts. We will contact your agent if more information is needed.
Do discounts apply to my full premium?
No. Wildfire mitigation discounts apply only to the portion of your insurance premium that covers wildfire risk, not your entire bill.
Do wildfire mitigation efforts guarantee coverage?
No. Mercury reviews each home before deciding whether to offer or renew coverage. Improvements do not guarantee a policy.
I think I already qualify for some discounts. How do I check or get them added?
Check your latest policy documents. Mercury includes a form with new policies, policy changes and renewals showing available wildfire mitigation discounts and which ones you currently receive. If you think you qualify for additional discounts, send photos to your agent so Mercury can review and apply any you 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.