US-based Mercury Insurance has made an investment in BurnBot to back wildfire mitigation and support insurance affordability and availability in wildfire-prone areas, particularly in California.
The insurer, which was established in 1962, said the investment is part of a wider strategy to reduce wildfire risk, strengthen community resilience and support long-term insurance availability.
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The collaboration will begin in California, where BurnBot is already undertaking mitigation work, and may expand later depending on outcomes and operational learnings.
Mercury Insurance president and COO Victor Joseph said: “Wildfire risk is a major concern for many communities and addressing it requires more than traditional approaches.
“Insurers have a responsibility to support mitigation and resilience initiatives. Working with BurnBot, we are increasing our understanding of how on-the-ground risk reduction translates into expanded insurance availability and improved affordability for homeowners and communities.”
BurnBot is a wildfire mitigation technology company that develops and operates robotic, data-driven systems for hazardous fuels reduction and vegetation management.
It works with agencies, utilities and communities to reduce wildfire risk and improve wildfire resilience across the wildland-urban interface.
The investment comes as insurers, communities and policymakers continue to tackle issues linked to securing affordable home insurance cover in high wildfire-risk areas.
BurnBot CEO Anukool Lakhina added: “Mercury’s leadership in leaning into mitigation is important for the future of wildfire insurance in California and beyond.
“We are excited to support Mercury in building practical pathways that connect real-world risk reduction with insurance outcomes.”
Mercury Insurance provides a range of insurance products, primarily focused on personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial coverage.
Its offering is distributed through independent agents across states including Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia.
