Homes in wildfire areas
Homes in wildfire areas qualify, since standard insurers often turn down homes near brush and forest. The FAIR Plan does not decline or surcharge a home because of where it is.
California FAIR Plan + DIC Insurance
Fill the gaps the FAIR Plan leaves. We quote the FAIR Plan for fire and a DIC policy for much of the rest.
When standard insurers turn a California home down, one common answer is two policies. The California FAIR Plan covers fire, lightning, internal explosion and smoke up to $3 million per home, and a DIC policy covers much of what it leaves out, such as water damage, theft and liability. We quote both at the same time so they fit together.
- Who qualifies
- California homes of 1 to 4 units that standard insurers decline, lived in by the owner, rented, seasonal or vacant
- Typical limits
- FAIR Plan up to $3 million per home, with a DIC dwelling limit up to $3 million beside it depending on the market
- How fast
- The FAIR Plan aims to review in about 5 business days once it has photos, or 2 to 3 weeks with an inspection
- Programs we use
- The California FAIR Plan for fire, with DIC quoted from Green Shield and Aegis
We shop the market for you, no broker fees
What is the FAIR Plan and what is DIC?
The California FAIR Plan is the state's insurer of last resort for homes regular insurers won't cover, and it pays only for fire and a few named causes. A DIC (difference in conditions) policy is a second policy from a private insurer that adds much of what the FAIR Plan leaves out, such as water damage, theft and liability.
FAIR Plan policy
Fire and lightning, including wildfire
Internal explosion and smoke
Extended coverage, optional
Vandalism, optional
Up to $3 million per home
DIC policy
Water damage
Theft
Collapse
Personal liability
Evacuation costs
Equipment breakdown
Who needs the FAIR Plan and a DIC policy
Declined or not renewed
The FAIR Plan is the state's insurer of last resort, for owners who could not get coverage elsewhere. Your broker confirms the standard market said no before applying.
Owners, landlords and second homes
The FAIR Plan writes 1 to 4 unit homes, including tenant, seasonal and vacant ones. The DIC market supports every occupancy, including vacation rentals.
Homes up to $3 million
The FAIR Plan covers up to $3 million per home. DIC dwelling limits go up to $3 million beside a FAIR Plan policy, depending on the market.
How a FAIR Plan + DIC quote works
- 01
Tell us about the home
Start the request on this page. Your broker confirms the standard market has said no and prepares both applications.
- 02
Photos or an inspection
The FAIR Plan needs 2 or 3 date stamped photos from the last 7 days showing the address number, the house and the roof. You can ask for an inspection instead, which takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- 03
About 5 business days
FAIR Plan underwriting reviews the application and emails the quote to your broker. The DIC is quoted online beside it.
- 04
You pay the FAIR Plan directly
The FAIR Plan bills you, not the broker. Pay within 30 days, in full or in installments. Coverage starts the day after payment.
One broker for both policies
One broker should quote both policies, because two policies from two insurers can leave a gap or pay twice for the same thing. Your broker requests both at once and checks that they fit together.
The same home value
The DIC dwelling limit follows the FAIR Plan limit, so the house is insured to the same value on both.
The same start date
FAIR Plan coverage starts the day after you pay. Your broker starts the DIC on the same day.
Two deductibles
Each policy has its own deductible. Compare both before you choose.
Photos we send for you
The FAIR Plan needs 2 or 3 photos from the last 7 days. Your broker uploads them with the application.
Other FAIR Plan requests
The FAIR Plan also covers rentals, condos, mobile homes and commercial buildings.
California FAIR Plan only
Quote just the FAIR Plan, for a home or any other property.
Dropped or non-renewed
What to do when your insurer leaves a home in a fire area.
Rental and second homes
A 1 to 4 unit home you rent out or use part of the year.
Condo unit
Your belongings in a condo unit.
What to have ready
- The property address and county
- Year built, construction and roof year
- Who lives there: owner, tenant, seasonal or vacant
- 2 or 3 photos taken in the last 7 days
- The insurer that declined or dropped you
- Losses in the past five years
- Wildfire hardening you have done
What sets the price
- Wildfire score for the address
- Construction and year built
- Roof age and condition
- Wildfire hardening discounts
- Coverage limits chosen
- Deductible on each policy
- Losses in the past five years
Read up first
Best Ways to Add Coverage to the California FAIR Plan: DIC Options and FAIR Plan Add-Ons Compared
Earthquake Insurance When You Have the California FAIR Plan: CEA, DIC or a Private Quake Policy
California FAIR Plan: What It Covers, What It Costs, and How to Leave It
California FAIR Plan Quote: How the Broker Application Works, Step by Step
DIC Insurance: How a Difference in Conditions Policy Completes Your FAIR Plan
California FAIR Plan for Rental Property and Condos: Fair Rental Value, Occupancy and What to Add
Questions we get asked
Which insurers sell DIC policies?
Several private insurers sell a DIC policy to sit beside the FAIR Plan, and the Department of Insurance keeps a list of them. We quote DIC from Green Shield and Aegis next to your FAIR Plan application, so the limits and dates line up.
What is the California FAIR Plan?
It is the state's insurer of last resort for basic property insurance, for homes and buildings that standard insurers will not take. The home policy covers fire, lightning, internal explosion and smoke, up to $3 million per location.
What does the FAIR Plan not cover?
It pays only for the causes of loss it names. It does not cover theft, water damage or personal liability, and the FAIR Plan does not sell a policy that does. A DIC policy is built to fill those gaps.
What is DIC insurance?
DIC, short for difference in conditions, is a separate home policy that excludes fire and covers what the FAIR Plan leaves out, such as water damage, collapse, theft and liability. The exact coverage depends on the market and the options you choose.
How long does a FAIR Plan quote take?
About 5 business days once the FAIR Plan has the photos, which is its review target. If you ask for an inspection instead of photos, allow 2 to 3 weeks. The quote comes to your broker by email.
Who do I pay?
You pay the FAIR Plan directly. It bills the policyholder, never the broker. You can pay in full, in 3 payments or in 11 payments, and coverage starts the day after payment. Pay within 30 days or the quote expires. The DIC policy is billed separately.
Can I get wildfire discounts?
Yes. The FAIR Plan gives discounts for a Class A fire rated roof, enclosed eaves, ember resistant vents, upgraded windows, cleared space around the house, and for homes in a Firewise USA site or a Fire Risk Reduction Community. Tell your broker what you have done.
Is earthquake included?
No. Earthquake and flood are separate requests. A California Earthquake Authority policy can be written alongside a FAIR Plan policy, and your broker can review flood separately.
Can you write this where my business is?
We offer coverage in the states where we are licensed. Begin a quote with the address of your business or risk, and we'll let you know which markets can write that location before you spend much time on the questions.
What happens after I start a quote?
Tell us about the coverage you need and complete the application. We use those details to approach suitable markets and may ask follow-up questions. Requesting a quote does not put coverage in force.
Review your coverage options.
A licensed broker can review eligibility and policy terms with you.