How Homeowners Can Financially Prepare for Extreme Weather

Smart Steps From Mercury Insurance to Protect Your Property, Budget and Peace of Mind

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As extreme weather events become more costly across the country, Mercury Insurance is encouraging homeowners to take proactive steps to protect both their homes and their finances. From wildfires and hurricanes to winter storms and floods, these events can cause significant damage and unexpected expenses — but with a little planning, homeowners can reduce risk and avoid financial stress.

"Being financially prepared for extreme weather is just as important as physical preparation," said Steve Bennett, Senior Director, Climate and Catastrophe Science at Mercury Insurance. "A few smart actions today can help safeguard your home and save you thousands in the long run."

Financial Readiness Checklist for Extreme Weather:

• Review your insurance coverage: Make sure your homeowners policy covers damage from common local hazards like fire, wind, or flooding. Consider additional coverage or endorsements if needed.
  
  
  
  
• Know your deductibles: Understand what you'll be expected to pay out of pocket if disaster strikes — and set aside savings accordingly.
  
  
  
  
• Create a home inventory: Document valuables with photos or video to speed up claims and ensure fair reimbursement.
  
  
  
  
• Build an emergency fund: Set aside funds specifically for disaster-related expenses such as temporary housing, food or evacuation costs.
  
  
  
  
• Safeguard important documents: Store insurance paperwork, IDs and financial records in a waterproof and fireproof container — or back them up digitally.
  
  
  
  
• Utilize smart tech: Install leak sensors, weather alerts and security systems that can help detect damage early and notify you even when you're away.
  
  
  
  
• Plan for evacuation costs: Have a go-bag ready and a plan for lodging, food and pet care in case you need to leave quickly.
  
  
  
  
• Understand FEMA and state aid: Familiarize yourself with federal and state disaster relief programs in case your area is declared a disaster zone.

Mercury Insurance continues to support policyholders with timely resources, expert guidance, and coverage that adapts to the realities of today's changing climate.

About Mercury Insurance

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier offering personal auto, homeowners, and renters insurance directly to consumers and through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury also writes business owners, business auto, landlord, commercial multi-peril and mechanical protection insurance in various states.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance