If you’ve been struggling to find homeowners insurance in California—or you’ve been stuck with a California FAIR Plan policy—there’s encouraging news.
As of July 1, 2026, Mercury Insurance has announced a significant expansion of its homeowners insurance availability throughout California. This is one of the biggest positive developments we’ve seen in the California insurance market in years and could mean better coverage, lower premiums, and more options for many homeowners.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’re already helping clients determine whether they now qualify for a standard Mercury Homeowners policy.
👉 Request a free quote today: https://starwestinsurance.com
Why This Is Big News
Over the past several years, California homeowners have experienced:
- Insurance companies leaving the state
- Non-renewals
- Premium increases
- Limited underwriting
- Mandatory California FAIR Plan policies
Many homeowners have had no choice but to purchase:
- California FAIR Plan
- Difference in Conditions (DIC) policies
- High-priced non-admitted insurance
Mercury’s latest announcement signals that the market is beginning to improve.
Mercury Is Opening More Areas
Mercury has continued expanding availability through multiple underwriting updates:
- September 2025
- January 2026
- April 2026
- July 1, 2026 (Newest Expansion)
This means thousands of California homeowners who previously could not qualify may now be eligible for a standard Mercury Homeowners (HO-3) policy.
FAIR Plan Customers May Now Qualify
One of the most exciting parts of Mercury’s announcement is that they are actively reviewing:
- California FAIR Plan policies
- Difference in Conditions (DIC) policies
to determine whether they can now be converted into a full Mercury Homeowners policy.
If you’re currently insured through the California FAIR Plan, this is an excellent time to have your insurance reviewed.
You could potentially receive:
- Better coverage
- Lower deductibles
- Lower premiums
- One policy instead of two
Learn more about California homeowners insurance options:
https://starwestinsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/
Bigger Wildfire Mitigation Discounts
Mercury has also enhanced its wildfire mitigation discount program.
Homeowners who have invested in protecting their homes may qualify for additional savings by implementing measures such as:
- Defensible space around the home
- Fire-resistant roofing
- Ember-resistant vents
- Hardened windows
- Cleared vegetation
- Other approved wildfire mitigation improvements
These upgrades not only improve safety but may also reduce your insurance premium.
More Exceptions in Wildfire Areas
Even if your neighborhood is currently subject to an underwriting moratorium, Mercury may still consider your home if it meets their wildfire mitigation standards.
In other words:
A home located in a difficult insurance area may still qualify if it demonstrates strong wildfire protection features.
This creates new opportunities for homeowners who previously had no insurance options.
Photos Will Be Required
As Mercury expands underwriting, many homes will require photographs before approval.
These photos typically verify:
- Roof condition
- Defensible space
- Exterior maintenance
- Home hardening improvements
- Property condition
This helps ensure accurate underwriting and reduces surprises after inspections.
Should You Get a New Quote?
Absolutely.
If any of the following applies to you, we recommend getting a new homeowners insurance review:
- Your insurance company non-renewed your policy
- You’re insured with the California FAIR Plan
- You have a FAIR Plan plus DIC policy
- Your premium increased significantly
- You purchased a non-admitted policy
- Your home has wildfire mitigation improvements
- You haven’t compared rates in the last 12 months
Many homeowners who were declined last year may now qualify.
Why Work with Starwest Insurance Services?
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’ve been helping California homeowners navigate this challenging insurance market since 1995.
We work with multiple insurance carriers and can determine whether your home now qualifies for a standard admitted homeowners policy.
Our team can also help if you need:
- Homeowners Insurance
- Condo Insurance (HO-6)
- Landlord Insurance (DP-3)
- California FAIR Plan
- Difference in Conditions (DIC)
- Earthquake Insurance
- Flood Insurance
- Umbrella Insurance
Whether you’re purchasing a new home, replacing a non-renewed policy, or looking to move away from the FAIR Plan, we’re here to help.
Visit us online:
- Homeowners Insurance: https://starwestinsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/
- California FAIR Plan Help: https://starwestinsurance.com
- Request a Free Quote: https://starwestinsurance.com
Final Thoughts
Mercury’s July 2026 expansion is one of the strongest signs yet that California’s homeowners insurance market is gradually improving.
If you’ve been told your home is “uninsurable,” are paying for a FAIR Plan, or simply want to see if you can save money while improving your coverage, now is the perfect time to shop your insurance.
The rules have changed—and you may have more options than you think.
Contact Starwest Insurance Services Today
Starwest Insurance Services
📍 Westminster, California
📞 (714) 893-7271
🌐 https://starwestinsurance.com
We’ve been helping California homeowners find the right insurance solutions since 1995, and we’d be happy to review your current policy to see if this new Mercury expansion can benefit you.