California FAIR Plan
Home insurance non-renewed? We can help with the FAIR Plan.
When the standard market won't write your property, we can help you apply for California FAIR Plan fire coverage and pair it with a Difference in Conditions policy to fill the gaps.
FAIR Plan applications are handled by our office, not online. Call during business hours or send the request form and we will follow up. Submitting a request does not bind coverage.
Jacob (Jake) Livingood · CA License #4135028
What is the California FAIR Plan?
The California FAIR Plan Association is a state-mandated insurance pool that offers basic fire insurance to property owners who cannot get coverage through the traditional insurance market. It is often called the "insurer of last resort." Across the foothills of Butte, Yuba and Nevada counties, and increasingly in the valley too, many homeowners have been non-renewed and now rely on it.
How it works with our agency
- Call or send the request form. Tell us about the property and your situation.
- We search the market first. We check whether a standard or surplus lines policy is available to you.
- We prepare the FAIR Plan application. If traditional coverage is not available, we help you complete the application and choose limits and options.
- We fill the gaps with DIC. We quote a Difference in Conditions policy for liability, theft, water damage and other coverage the FAIR Plan does not include.
- We keep shopping. At renewal we can check whether the standard market has reopened for your property.
What the FAIR Plan covers, and what it doesn't
Basic dwelling policy
- Fire and lightning
- Internal explosion
- Smoke
- Optional coverages, such as vandalism and malicious mischief, at additional cost
Usually needs a DIC or separate policy
- Personal liability
- Theft
- Water damage (e.g., burst pipes)
- Flood and earthquake (separate policies)
Summary only. Coverage, limits and optional coverages are determined by the FAIR Plan policy and any DIC policy actually issued. Learn more at the California FAIR Plan website.
Tips if you received a non-renewal notice
- Contact us right away. California generally requires insurers to give at least 75 days' notice of non-renewal, and you want time to shop.
- Gather photos of your roof, defensible space and any home-hardening work. Some insurers consider mitigation.
- Ask your current insurer about the reason for non-renewal. You can contact the California Department of Insurance with questions.
- If you have a mortgage, let your lender know when your new coverage is in place.
FAIR Plan questions
Who is eligible for the California FAIR Plan?
The FAIR Plan is an insurer of last resort for property owners who cannot get coverage in the traditional market. Your broker first searches for other coverage; if it is not available, we can help you apply to the FAIR Plan.
What does the FAIR Plan dwelling policy cover?
It is a named-peril policy. The basic policy covers fire and lightning, internal explosion and smoke. Optional coverages such as vandalism and malicious mischief are available at additional cost. Limits apply.
What does the FAIR Plan not cover?
The FAIR Plan dwelling policy does not provide personal liability coverage and does not cover many perils included in a typical homeowners policy, such as theft or water damage. That is why we recommend pairing it with a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy.
What is a DIC policy?
A Difference in Conditions policy is a separate policy that fills gaps left by the FAIR Plan, such as liability, theft and water damage, so the combination works more like a full homeowners policy. Coverage varies by DIC insurer.
Does the FAIR Plan cover commercial property?
Yes, the FAIR Plan also offers commercial property coverage for eligible businesses that cannot find coverage elsewhere.
Can I apply for the FAIR Plan myself?
Applications are submitted through a licensed broker registered with the FAIR Plan. Call us or send the form on this page and we will take care of the application with you.
Looking for a standard policy first? See homeowners insurance and landlord insurance.
Jake Livingood
Licensed Agent · CA License #4135028
Got a non-renewal notice? I can walk you through your options, including the FAIR Plan. Call me or send the form.
Call (530) 813-9150Prefer to talk? (530) 813-9150