How to apply for the California FAIR Plan
The steps, what you need, and how a broker keeps you from ending up fire-only.
Before you apply: shop first
The FAIR Plan is the safety net, not the first stop. Carrier appetite in wildfire areas shifts constantly and many specialty markets are broker-only, so a home that was declined last year may be writable now.
Have a broker check admitted and surplus lines carriers first. If nothing broader will write you, the FAIR Plan is there.
What you need to apply
- The property address and year built
- Dwelling replacement cost (rebuild cost) to set your Coverage A amount
- Construction type, roof type and age, and square footage
- Any home hardening or defensible space work, with documentation
- Whether the home is owner-occupied, a rental, or vacant
- Your mortgage lender information, if the policy must list a lienholder
The steps
- Work with a licensed broker - the FAIR Plan is placed through licensed producers
- Confirm the standard and surplus lines markets have been checked first
- Choose a dwelling coverage amount that reflects true rebuild cost, not market value
- Apply for the FAIR Plan fire policy and a DIC wrap together, not one alone
- Pay to bind and get your declarations page for your lender
- Diarize a re-shop before each renewal in case the standard market opens back up
Do not stop at fire-only
A bare FAIR Plan has no liability and no theft coverage. Pair it with a difference-in-conditions wrap so your policy functions like a standard homeowners policy. See FAIR Plan plus DIC for how the two fit together.
How long it takes
A FAIR Plan placement is usually quick once the application and dwelling valuation are complete, but wildfire placements can take longer than standard ones, especially if an inspection or hardening documentation is needed. Start early so coverage is bound before any deadline from a home purchase or a non-renewal.
Let us handle the application
We shop the standard market first, and if the FAIR Plan is the right answer we apply for it and a DIC wrap together so you are not left fire-only. Start a free quote with your home details and we will walk it through for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the California FAIR Plan directly?
The FAIR Plan is placed through a licensed broker or agent rather than sold direct like most consumer policies. A broker also shops the standard and surplus lines markets first and pairs the FAIR Plan with a difference-in-conditions wrap so you are not left with fire-only coverage.
What do I need to apply for the FAIR Plan?
Your property address and year built, the dwelling rebuild cost, construction and roof details, any hardening work, and your mortgage lender information if a lienholder must be listed. Documentation of fire hardening can help your rating, so gather receipts and photos.
How long does a FAIR Plan application take?
Often quick once the application and dwelling valuation are done, but wildfire placements can take longer than standard ones if an inspection or hardening documentation is required. Start early, especially if you are closing on a home or replacing a non-renewed policy, so coverage binds before the deadline.
Do I need anything besides the FAIR Plan?
Almost always yes. The FAIR Plan is fire-only, so most homeowners add a difference-in-conditions wrap for liability, theft, and water damage. Applying for both together gives you coverage that works like a standard homeowners policy.
Should I cancel my current policy before applying?
No. Never cancel or let coverage lapse until the new policy is bound. A lapse can hurt future eligibility and can trigger costly force-placed insurance from your mortgage lender. Keep the old policy until the FAIR Plan and wrap are in force.
Get your free quote
Tell us what you need and a licensed California broker will reach out with real options. Simple situation or complicated one, we shop it the same way.
Prefer to talk? Call (916) 469-5253.