diff --git a/custodian/vasp/handlers.py b/custodian/vasp/handlers.py
index 51bdce95..db788d12 100644
--- a/custodian/vasp/handlers.py
+++ b/custodian/vasp/handlers.py
@@ -1285,6 +1285,15 @@ def correct(self):
                     "action": {"_set": {"SIGMA": sigma - 0.06}},
                 }
             )
+        else:
+            # https://vasp.at/wiki/index.php/ISMEAR recommends ISMEAR = 0 if you have
+            # no a priori knowledge of your system ("then always use Gaussian smearing"
+            actions.append(
+                {
+                    "dict": "INCAR",
+                    "action": {"_set": {"ISMEAR": 0, "SIGMA": 0.05}},
+                }
+            )
 
         VaspModder(vi=vi).apply_actions(actions)
         return {"errors": ["LargeSigma"], "actions": actions}