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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The California FAIR Plan is a last-resort source of basic property insurance for people who cannot obtain coverage in the regular insurance market. Shop traditional insurers first, then ask a licensed California property insurance agent or broker registered with the Plan to help assess eligibility and apply. Because the Plan is not a standard homeowners policy, review whether you also need Difference in Conditions (DIC), flood, or earthquake insurance.
What is the California FAIR Plan?
The California FAIR Plan is a private association overseen by the California Department of Insurance. It is intended to provide property coverage to Californians who cannot get insurance through a regular insurance company. The Department recommends trying the traditional market before turning to the Plan. California Department of Insurance: FAIR Plan
It is a safety net, not a substitute for every part of a conventional homeowners policy. The Plan’s coverage is limited to specified causes of loss, and applicants should review the quote and policy wording rather than assume optional coverage is included.
What does the FAIR Plan cover?
Basic covered causes of loss
The Department lists fire or lightning, internal explosion, and smoke as the basic covered perils. Optional extended coverage—including listed perils such as windstorm and hail—and vandalism or malicious mischief may be available for an additional premium. Availability and terms depend on the quote and policy. California Department of Insurance: FAIR Plan coverage
What may be missing
The Plan does not provide all the coverages found in a traditional homeowners policy. The Department specifically gives theft and liability as examples of coverage it does not include. Ask what is covered, excluded, or subject to a limit or deductible in the actual policy documents.
What additional insurance might you need?
Difference in Conditions coverage
A DIC policy from the voluntary insurance market may fill some gaps and offer a broader package of coverage. Ask a broker to identify the specific losses, coverages, limits, and exclusions in the proposed DIC policy; do not assume every gap in the FAIR Plan is covered automatically.
Flood and earthquake coverage
Flood and earthquake insurance are separate options to investigate. The FAIR Plan does not itself provide those coverages. Ask your broker whether separate policies are appropriate for your property and what their terms would be. California FAIR Plan
How do I get coverage from the FAIR Plan?
- Shop traditional insurers first. The Department recommends checking whether a regular insurer will cover the property before seeking FAIR Plan coverage.
- Contact a licensed property insurance agent or broker registered with the Plan. The broker can search for comprehensive coverage in the market and assist with a FAIR Plan application if no other company offers suitable coverage. California FAIR Plan application process
- Discuss the full coverage combination. Review the property’s dwelling and contents needs, optional FAIR Plan extensions, and whether DIC, flood, or earthquake policies may be needed.
- Set the insured amount carefully. The Plan does not estimate a property’s fair market value or rebuilding cost. Work with the broker to determine appropriate coverage; market value and the cost to rebuild are not the same measure.
- Review current quotes and policy documents. Confirm limits, covered perils, exclusions, deductibles, endorsements, premiums, and renewal terms in writing. Price and availability vary by property, and official guidance does not establish one price for all applicants.
Eligibility, limits, and what to confirm
The Plan is intended for California property owners who cannot obtain coverage through the ordinary market. Its application guidance says a broker should diligently search the traditional market and help determine whether Plan coverage is suitable as a temporary solution. That review is not a guarantee of acceptance; the official guidance does not provide a complete underwriting checklist for every property. California FAIR Plan application process
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe Department lists a maximum of $3 million for all residential FAIR Plan coverages combined. Confirm the applicable limit and the terms for the specific property with the broker and Plan. California Department of Insurance: FAIR Plan limits
- Which causes of loss are covered, and which are excluded?
- What are the dwelling and contents limits, sublimits, deductibles, and replacement-cost terms?
- What does any proposed DIC policy add, and what does it exclude?
- What is the combined premium across policies, and what are the payment and renewal conditions?
- Who handles claims, and what property-specific conditions apply?
How common is FAIR Plan coverage?
The California Department of Insurance stated that the Plan covered less than 3% of residents as of 2020. That is a dated figure, not a current utilization rate. California Department of Insurance: FAIR Plan
Quick Recap
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