Non-renewed for wildfire
Many insurers no longer renew homes near brush and forest. The FAIR Plan does not decline or surcharge a home because of where it is.
Home Insurance in High Fire Risk Areas
Get your home covered again after a non-renewal. We quote the FAIR Plan and a DIC policy together.
We shop the market for you, no broker fees
When your insurer leaves
Turned down when you shop
A broker confirms which insurers still write your area. The FAIR Plan asks for that search before it applies.
Fire plus the rest
The FAIR Plan covers fire. A DIC policy adds water damage, theft and liability, depending on the market.
Discounts for hardening
A Class A roof, ember resistant vents and cleared space around the house lower the FAIR Plan premium.
Dropped or non-renewed? What to do next
- 01
Shop the standard market first
Some insurers still write homes in fire areas. The FAIR Plan asks your broker to confirm that standard insurers declined before it applies.
- 02
Apply to the FAIR Plan
It does not decline or surcharge a home because of where it is. It needs 2 or 3 recent photos and reviews in about 5 business days.
- 03
Add a DIC policy
The FAIR Plan covers fire. A DIC policy adds water damage, theft and liability, so the two together work like a homeowners policy.
- 04
Claim the wildfire discounts
A Class A roof, ember resistant vents, cleared space around the house and a Firewise USA community each lower the FAIR Plan premium.
One broker for both policies
Menlo is an independent licensed broker, not the California FAIR Plan. Two policies from two insurers can leave a gap. We request both at once so the limits and start dates match.
The same home value
The DIC dwelling limit follows the FAIR Plan limit.
The same start date
FAIR Plan coverage starts the day after you pay it. We start the DIC on the same day.
Photos we send for you
The FAIR Plan needs 2 or 3 photos from the last 7 days. We upload them with the application.
A new look at renewal
The FAIR Plan is meant as a fallback. We can check the standard market again at renewal.
The two policies that replace a homeowners policy
FAIR Plan
- Fire and lightning
Including wildfire.
- Internal explosion and smoke
- Up to $3 million per home
DIC policy
- Water damage and theft
- Personal liability
Up to $500,000, depending on the market.
- Evacuation costs
Included for primary homes, depending on the market.
What to have ready
- Your non-renewal or cancellation notice
- The property address and county
- Year built, construction and roof year
- 2 or 3 photos taken in the last 7 days
- Wildfire hardening you have done
- Losses in the past five years
Wildfire areas we write
Homes in these areas are the ones standard insurers most often drop. The FAIR Plan and DIC are written across California.
Northern California and the Sierra
Redding, Paradise, Chico, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Auburn, Placerville, Sonora, Mariposa, South Lake Tahoe and Truckee.
Bay Area and wine country
Santa Rosa, Napa, Sonoma County, Mill Valley, Orinda, the Oakland hills, Los Gatos and Scotts Valley.
Los Angeles and the coast
Malibu, Topanga, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas, Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, La Cañada Flintridge, Ojai and Ventura.
Southern California mountains
Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, Idyllwild, Julian, Ramona and Three Rivers.
Other ways to insure a home in a fire area
California FAIR Plan only
Just the FAIR Plan, with a DIC quote if you want one.
FAIR Plan + DIC
What each policy covers and how they fit together.
High value homes
Homes that cost more than $1.5 million to rebuild.
What sets the price
- Wildfire score for the address
- Wildfire hardening discounts
- Construction and year built
- Roof age and condition
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Losses in the past five years
Questions we get asked
My insurer won't renew my home. What now?
Ask a broker to shop the insurers still writing your area first. If none will take the home, apply to the California FAIR Plan and add a DIC policy for what it leaves out.
Does the FAIR Plan cost more?
It depends on the home. The FAIR Plan does not surcharge a home for its location, and its wildfire discounts lower the price. A DIC policy is an added premium on top.
What does the FAIR Plan leave out?
Theft, water damage and personal liability. A DIC policy is built to fill those gaps.
How long does it take?
About 5 business days once the FAIR Plan has the photos, which is its review target. An inspection instead of photos takes 2 to 3 weeks. Coverage starts the day after you pay.
Can I go back to a regular policy later?
Yes. The FAIR Plan is meant as a fallback. We can check the standard market again at renewal.
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.