California · FAIR Plan cost
California FAIR Plan cost, and the recent rate increase
The California FAIR Plan averages $3,008/yr for an owner-occupied home (fire-only; California FAIR Plan, March 2026), across 511,242owner-occupied policies. County averages range from about $654 in Imperial County to $7,625 in Napa County (see the table below). New to the FAIR Plan? See what it is and who needs it.
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.
If you lose coverage
FAIR ACTUAL · DIC ILLUSTRATIVEUsing the Los Angeles County typical premium ($1,388/yr). Enter yours to compare.
FAIR Plan ≈ $2,327/yr (actual, fire-only, Mar 2026) + DIC $600–$1,400/yr (illustrative).
The FAIR Plan is fire-only — not equivalent coverage to a standard homeowners policy. The DIC figure is illustrative. These are typical county figures, not a quote for your home. We refer to licensed brokers and never bind coverage.
FAIR + DIC vs a standard policy
Standard (admitted)
ACTUALMiddle 50%: $1,267–$1,764. CDI §12959 filed, $625k profile.
FAIR Plan + DIC
FAIR ACTUAL · DIC ILLUSTRATIVECombined ≈ $2,927–$3,727 / yr (contains an illustrative DIC estimate).
| Coverage | Standard | FAIR alone | FAIR + DIC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire / smoke | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Liability | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Water damage | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Theft | ✓ | — | ✓ |
The FAIR Plan covers fire only; a DIC policy adds liability, water, and theft. DIC pricing is not publicly filed, so the DIC figure is an illustrative range, not a quote. Coverage rows from the California FAIR Plan / DIC channel descriptions. We refer to licensed brokers and never bind coverage.
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FAIR Plan average premium by county
ACTUALOwner-occupied, fire-only average premium, highest to lowest.
California FAIR Plan, owner-occupied average premium, as of March 31, 2026 (cfpnet, Premium & Policy count by category). Actual data.
See also standard-market costs by county.
Frequently asked
How much does the California FAIR Plan cost?
The average FAIR Plan premium for an owner-occupied home is about $3,008 a year statewide (fire-only; California FAIR Plan, March 2026). County averages vary widely with wildfire risk — about $654 in Imperial County to $7,625 in Napa County.
Why is the FAIR Plan more expensive than regular insurance?
The FAIR Plan concentrates the highest-risk homes that the standard market declined, and it prices fire risk directly. Even though it covers fire only, its average premium runs above many standard full-coverage policies.
Does the FAIR Plan cost include liability?
No. The FAIR Plan is fire-only. Liability, water damage, and theft come from a separate DIC policy, which adds to the total cost.
Has there been a FAIR Plan rate increase recently?
Yes. The California Department of Insurance approved an average 29.1% FAIR Plan rate increase for dwelling policies, which took effect October 15, 2026 — it 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). The FAIR Plan had filed for 35.8%. Premium figures shown on this page still reflect pre-increase rates. Source: California FAIR Plan (cfpnet.com/news).
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