The Home Insurance Savings Hiding in Plain Sight

Mercury Insurance says an annual policy review can help homeowners identify potential savings tied to improvements they've already made and features they may already have

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is encouraging homeowners to take a fresh look at their insurance policies because some potential savings may be hiding in plain sight. Home improvements, protective devices, changes in the community and even a homeowner's claims history may qualify for discounts, but some of those savings opportunities can be easy to overlook if a policy hasn't been reviewed recently.

Homeowners routinely make changes to their properties without thinking about their insurance. They may replace aging plumbing or electrical systems, install a security system or water-leak detection device, make wildfire mitigation improvements or complete other renovations. While these changes are usually made to improve safety, comfort or the value of the home, some may also affect insurance eligibility or available discounts.

"Homeowners tend to think about their insurance when they buy the house or when they have a claim, but a lot can change in between," said Larry Anderson, Director of Underwriting Operations at Mercury Insurance. "Something as simple as reviewing your policy with your agent once a year can help make sure your coverage still reflects your home today and identify improvements or other factors that may qualify you for additional savings."

Five Changes Worth Mentioning to Your Insurance Agent

1. You upgraded an older home
   
   
   
   Replacing aging electrical, plumbing or other major systems can make a home safer and less susceptible to certain losses. Depending on the state, policy and improvements made, qualifying renovations to an older home may make the property eligible for an updated-home discount.
   
   
   
   Homeowners should keep records of major improvements, including permits, receipts and information about when the work was completed, and discuss those upgrades during their next insurance review.
   
   
   
   
2. You added technology that helps protect your home
   
   
   
   Smoke alarms and traditional security systems aren't the only protective devices that may matter to an insurer. Today's homes can include monitored burglar and fire alarms, smart water sensors and automatic water shutoff systems designed to detect problems before they become major losses.
   
   
   
   Qualifying protective devices may make homeowners eligible for insurance discounts, depending on the device, policy and state.
   
   
   
   The important part is making sure your insurer knows they're there.
   
   
   
   "If you've added technology that can help prevent or limit a loss, don't assume your insurance company automatically knows about it," Anderson said. "Tell your agent what you've installed and ask whether it affects your policy or qualifies for a discount."
   
   
   
   
3. You made improvements that could make your home more resilient
   
   
   
   Some home improvements do more than update how a house looks or functions. Upgrades designed to make a home better able to withstand severe weather or other hazards may also be worth discussing with your insurance agent.
   
   
   
   Depending on where you live, qualifying improvements such as a stronger roof, wildfire mitigation measures or other resilience upgrades may affect available discounts or coverage options. Keep records of the work you've completed and let your agent know about improvements that could make your home less vulnerable to damage.
   
   
   
   
4. Something changed in your neighborhood or community
   
   
   
   Some potential savings aren't tied to something a homeowner personally installed.
   
   
   
   Membership in a qualifying homeowners association, certain community characteristics or recognized mitigation efforts may affect discount eligibility in some states. Homeowners in wildfire-prone areas should also ask whether individual or community-level mitigation work may qualify for available wildfire-related discounts.
   
   
   
   These programs and eligibility requirements can vary significantly by location, making a conversation with an insurance agent particularly important.
   
   
   
   
5. You made a change that could affect more than just your discount
   
   
   
   Not every home update fits neatly into a discount category. A major renovation, addition or other significant improvement can change the value, features or replacement cost of your home, making it important to tell your insurance agent even when there isn't a specific discount attached.
   
   
   
   That conversation can serve two purposes: identifying any savings that may be available and making sure your coverage continues to reflect the home you're actually living in today.
   
   
   
   The lesson: when something meaningful changes about your home, don't wait until renewal or a claim to find out whether your insurance should change with it.

Give Your Home Insurance an Annual Checkup

Mercury recommends homeowners review their insurance coverage at least annually and after significant changes to their property. A review isn't only about finding potential discounts. It's also an opportunity to make sure the policy continues to provide appropriate protection.

Homeowners can start by asking their insurance agent five questions:

1. What has changed about my home? Consider renovations, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, security equipment, leak detection, fire protection and other improvements.
2. What has changed about my property or community? This could include HOA membership, community mitigation programs or other neighborhood changes.
3. Have my circumstances changed? A recent home purchase, changes in claims history or other insurance policies in the household may be relevant.
4. Are discounts available today that weren't available when I purchased my policy? Insurance products and available discounts can change over time.
5. Does my coverage still reflect what it would cost to repair or rebuild my home today? Saving money is valuable, but not if it leaves a homeowner without sufficient protection after a loss.

"Finding savings is always welcome, but the bigger goal of a policy review is making sure your insurance keeps pace with your life and your home," Anderson said. "A house isn't static. We improve it, maintain it and protect it in new ways over time. Your insurance should keep up with those changes."

Discounts and savings are subject to eligibility requirements and vary by state, policy, coverage, underwriting guidelines and other factors. Not all discounts are available in all states. Homeowners should consult their insurance agent to determine which discounts and coverages may be available to them.

For more information about homeowner discounts, visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance 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 writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

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 LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance