Mercury Insurance Urges Late-Winter Maintenance to Prevent Costly Home Repairs

Mercury Urges Homeowners to Use Late Winter to Avoid Costly Repairs

Late-winter is a key prevention window, Mercury Insurance is warning in a Feb. 17, 2026 release from Los Angeles, as the insurer urges homeowners to complete targeted maintenance projects to avoid higher repair bills later. Industry research cited by Mercury shows the average delayed home repair now costs more than $5,600 and that nearly three-quarters of homeowners admit delaying at least one repair. The company frames early action as a way to reduce avoidable claims and protect property value.

Late-Winter Maintenance Push Targets Preventable Property Claims

Mercury is highlighting how deferred maintenance compounds over time, raising overall costs by about 7% per year and potentially costing homeowners three to five times more than preventive care. The insurer warns that postponing upkeep can lead to water intrusion, structural deterioration and reduced resale value, outcomes that also drive higher insurance losses. Adam Bakonis, senior product manager for property at Mercury, says late winter is ideal because the worst weather is typically behind and spring storms are still ahead, making it the right moment to clear gutters, check roofs and attics for loose shingles or moisture, perform a final heating-system inspection and seal gaps around doors and windows.

The company is urging homeowners to act now before peak storm and renovation seasons, when contractor availability and material costs increase. Mercury says routine, low-cost interventions can significantly lower the risk of larger, more expensive damage that generates claims. The insurer emphasizes education and risk-prevention guidance as core parts of its approach to limit unexpected repair expenses and stabilise claim frequency and severity.

Checklist and Timing

Mercury’s targeted maintenance checklist calls for roof, attic and gutter inspections; HVAC checks and tune-ups; plumbing inspections for leaks; weather-stripping and caulking around doors and windows; and testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The firm recommends completing these tasks in late winter to reduce exposure during spring storms.

Insurance Outcomes and Home Value

Mercury notes that proactive maintenance improves safety and insurance outcomes, can lower both claim frequency and severity, and helps homeowners preserve resale value. The company frames small, timely investments as a way to avoid larger emergency repairs and the higher costs associated with peak contractor demand.