California · insurer of last resort
California FAIR Plan insurance: what it is, who qualifies, and how to apply
The California FAIR Plan insured 642,010California properties as of Sept. 30, 2025 (FY2025) — fire-only coverage of last resort for homes the standard market has declined to write, and a rising share of the state’s residential insurance stock each year. See what does it cost?
Statewide FAIR Plan, by the numbers
California FAIR Plan published statistics (cfpnet), 2025–2026. Actual data.
Rate change: +29.1% average, in effect since Oct 15, 2026
ACTUALThe California Department of Insurance approved an average 29.1% FAIR Plan rate increase for dwelling policies. It took effect October 15, 2026 and applies to policies written or renewed on or after that date. Individual impacts vary by territory and coverage — renewals are expected to range from roughly a 20% decrease to a 50% increase, with the highest-hazard areas seeing the most. The FAIR Plan had filed for 35.8%.
The premium figures on this page reflect pre-October-15-2026 rates (California FAIR Plan data as of March 2026). Source: California FAIR Plan announcements — cfpnet.com/news. See FAIR Plan cost & rate increases for county detail.
Read the full explainer: What is the California FAIR Plan? The FAIR Plan is fire-only — see how a DIC policy completes it.
Average home insurance cost
ACTUALLowest filed premium from US Coastal P&C Ins Co (DBA Pacific Coastal P&C). Source: CDI Homeowners Comparison Tool (§12959), $625,000 dwelling, $1,000 deductible, effective 2026-05-01. Estimates, not quotes.
FAIR Plan penetration
ACTUALFAIR Plan policies in force vs Census housing units. Source: California FAIR Plan (cfpnet) + Census ACS B25001. There is no ZIP-level premium — this measures market retreat, not price.
Where the FAIR Plan dominates
Counties with the highest share of homes on the FAIR Plan (FY2025).
Frequently asked
What is the California FAIR Plan?
The California FAIR Plan is the state's insurer of last resort — a pool backed by all admitted insurers that sells basic fire coverage to property owners who can't find it on the open market. It is not a state agency and not taxpayer-funded.
How much does the California FAIR Plan cost?
It varies heavily by county and wildfire risk band — see the full FAIR Plan cost breakdown by county, plus what pairing it with a DIC policy adds to the total.
What does the FAIR Plan not cover?
It covers fire, smoke, and a few related perils, but not liability, water damage, theft, or falling objects. To approximate a normal homeowners policy you pair it with a separate Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy.
How do I get the FAIR Plan?
You apply through a licensed broker or producer, and you're expected to try the standard admitted market first. Most people add a DIC policy at the same time.
Is FAIR Plan insurance the same as regular homeowners insurance?
No. FAIR Plan insurance is a narrower, fire-only policy sold through the state's last-resort pool, not a standard admitted-market homeowners policy. Most FAIR Plan holders pair it with a DIC policy to approximate full coverage.
Next step
Check your exact address and see the FAIR Plan + DIC fallback. When you’re ready to shop, a licensed California broker can compare carriers for you. We provide estimates only — never quotes.
Check your address or find consumer help from the California Department of Insurance