Insurance: Mercury's Minimum Standard
Mercury Insurance, one of the insurers IBHS lists among its Wildfire Prepared partners, has published a Minimum Standard describing the baseline an individual home must meet to be eligible for a policy. It is a useful benchmark because it shows what at least one insurer is looking for, and it is more flexible than the IBHS standard in some areas.
Meeting the Mercury minimum does not guarantee insurance.
| Item | Mercury Minimum Standard | IBHS comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Class A fire-rated roof | Same requirement |
| Siding | Noncombustible siding at least 6 inches off the ground | Essential: 6-inch noncombustible clearance. Enhanced: fully noncombustible walls. |
| Vents | All vents must be ember-resistant | Same requirement |
| Zone Zero (0–5 feet) | More flexible: noncombustible fencing; grass and ground covers are fine; smaller, high-moisture or less intensely burning plants are acceptable if siding is entirely noncombustible and the plants are not near first-story glass or vents (unless the vents are flame resistant); mature trees are generally acceptable if branches are above the roof | IBHS requires a noncombustible 5-foot zone with no exceptions for plants |
| Outdoor decks | Deck base must be enclosed and protected; noncombustible deck material is ideal but can be waived if everything else is in order | Essential: enclose low decks. Enhanced: fully noncombustible. |
Talk with your agent
- Ask your insurance agent or broker what they require now, and keep asking as the market changes.
- Ask what documentation they accept and whether any mitigation programs, discounts, or underwriting considerations apply to your property.
- Keep records and photographs of every upgrade. They support certification and any conversation with insurers.