Mercury Insurance Collaborates to Enhance Wildfire Safety for Homeowners Across the Country

Enhancing Wildfire Safety: Mercury Insurance Leads the Charge

In recent years, wildfires have increasingly threatened communities across the United States, particularly in areas known for their susceptibility to such disasters. In response, Mercury Insurance has formed a strategic partnership with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to promote wildfire preparedness among homeowners. This initiative aims to educate and incentivize homeowners to make proactive improvements that enhance their homes’ resilience against the threat of wildfires.

The Growing Threat of Wildfires

According to statistics, around 4.8 million homes in the U.S. face a high or extreme risk of wildfire damage, with over 2 million of those located in California alone. The financial impact has been staggering, as losses from wildfires have reached approximately $5.1 billion over the last decade. The need for preventive measures is urgent, and that is where Mercury Insurance and IBHS step in.

Partnership Overview

Through this collaboration, Mercury Insurance offers its policyholders residing in wildfire-prone regions the opportunity to receive insurance premium discounts by participating in the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home certification program. This program encourages homeowners to implement significant, real-world changes aimed at fortifying their properties against potential wildfire threats.

Kelly Butler, Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer at Mercury Insurance, emphasized the importance of preparedness: "Many of Mercury's customers reside in California, and preparedness is the key to protecting our homes and communities — wildfires don't wait, and neither should we."

The Certification Process

The IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home program is designed to provide homeowners with specific steps to mitigate wildfire risks effectively. To earn certification, participants must engage in the following:

1. Registration: Homeowners need to register on the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home portal and pay the application fee.
2. Inspection: An evaluator authorized by IBHS will conduct an external assessment of the property, documenting conditions with photographs.
3. Compliance: If the home does not meet the initial requirements, homeowners will receive a detailed list of corrective actions they can take to make their property compliant.
4. Ongoing Maintenance: Homeowners are required to demonstrate annual upkeep of their landscaping to maintain their certification.
5. Certification Issuance: Upon meeting all certification requirements, IBHS will issue the appropriate certification.

There are various levels of certification, with different requirements tailored to the specifics of the property. The 'Wildfire Prepared Base' certification emphasizes creating defensible space and hardening the home's exterior against embers, while the 'Wildfire Prepared Plus' certification includes additional protective measures, particularly for new constructions or renovations.

A Call to Action for Homeowners

For homeowners in California and Oregon, the certification process involves specific criteria, such as being the homeowner, providing photographs of the noncombustible zones around the home, and ensuring that the property is a single-family, detached structure of three stories or less. Certifications are valid for three years, after which a reevaluation is required.

Mary Anne Byrd, Communications Director at IBHS, encourages homeowners to take incremental steps towards certification, stressing that the organization is available to assist throughout the process. "The IBHS certification process allows homeowners to take a series of actions that will meaningfully reduce their fire risk. If the process seems overwhelming at first, the best advice is to take it one step at a time."

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance is headquartered in Los Angeles and operates across multiple states, offering various insurance services, including auto and homeowners insurance. The company has maintained a strong reputation, illustrated by its 'A' rating from A.M. Best and accolades like the 'Best Auto Insurance Company' from Forbes. With a commitment to customer service and competitive pricing, Mercury Insurance is positioned as a leader in addressing the pressing challenges posed by wildfires in vulnerable communities.

For those interested in learning more, detailed information can be sourced from Mercury Insurance's website or their social media channels. Together, through initiatives like this, homeowners can bolster their defenses against one of nature's most dangerous phenomena.