California FAIR Plan Alternatives for Wildfire-Risk and High-Value Homes

On the FAIR Plan, recently non-renewed, or paying a premium that keeps climbing? As an independent San Jose agency, we review the private insurance markets available to us and help you compare coverage, deductibles and total cost — subject to each carrier's underwriting.

Request a FAIR Plan alternatives review (408) 664-0500

How an independent agent can help

A captive agent can only offer one company's products. As an independent agency, we can present your property to the carriers available to us, compare what comes back, and explain the trade-offs in plain language. We start with your current FAIR Plan and Difference in Conditions (DIC) declarations so we know exactly what you have today.

Review your current FAIR Plan, DIC and any non-renewal notice
Check which private markets available to us may consider your property
Compare coverage, deductibles, exclusions and total premium side by side
Help you decide whether to switch, stay, or revisit at your next renewal

FAIR Plan limitations and Difference in Conditions coverage

The California FAIR Plan is an insurer of last resort. Its dwelling policy is designed mainly to cover fire, lightning and smoke, with optional add-ons. It does not include personal liability, and theft and water damage are limited or excluded. That's why many FAIR Plan homeowners buy a separate DIC policy — sometimes called a wrap-around — to add liability, water damage and other coverages. Managing two policies, two premiums and two sets of terms can be more expensive and more complicated than a single homeowners policy.

Orion180: one option for eligible properties

Orion180 is one of the private homeowners insurance options we may be able to quote for eligible California properties. Availability, pricing and coverage depend on Orion180's underwriting guidelines and the products actually available at the time of your quote. Not every FAIR Plan home will qualify, and Orion180 does not accept every high-risk property. We will tell you if it isn't a fit and review other options where available.

Client case study · individual quote comparison

One homeowner's comparison: about $11,000 vs. about $4,000

A Surequest client was paying approximately $11,000 per year for their previous coverage. After reviewing the property, we obtained an Orion180 quote of approximately $4,000 per year — a difference of about $7,000, or roughly a 64% reduction.

~$11,000: Previous annual premium
~$4,000: Orion180 quote
~$7,000 / 64%: Difference

This is one individual quote comparison, not a typical or guaranteed result. Your premium, eligibility and coverage will depend on your property and underwriting. Figures are approximate and rounded.

How to compare a replacement policy carefully

A lower price only matters if the coverage still fits. Before switching, we review these items with you side by side:

What to compare	Why it matters
Total premium	Add the FAIR Plan, DIC and fees together before comparing with a single private policy.
Dwelling limit	Should reflect a realistic replacement-cost estimate for rebuilding your home.
Deductibles	Check the all-peril deductible and any separate wildfire, wind or water deductible.
Liability & personal property	Confirm limits match or improve on what your DIC provided.
Exclusions	Review water damage, mold, flood, earthquake and any wildfire-related limitations.
Loss of use	How much additional living expense is covered if you can't live in the home.

No replacement policy covers every type of water loss or every wildfire-related expense. We'll point out the differences so there are no surprises at claim time.

Compare my current coverage (408) 664-0500

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace my California FAIR Plan policy with private insurance?

Sometimes. Whether a private carrier will offer coverage depends on your property's location, wildfire exposure, construction, roof, claims history and the carrier's current underwriting guidelines. We review the markets available to our agency and tell you honestly what we find.

Who is eligible for a private-market alternative?

There is no single eligibility rule. Each carrier sets its own guidelines and makes the final underwriting decision. Some homes that were non-renewed or placed on the FAIR Plan may qualify for private coverage; others may not, at least for now.

Does living in a high fire risk area rule me out?

Not automatically. Some carriers write homes in wildfire-exposed areas, often with specific requirements such as a Class A roof, defensible space or other mitigation. Documenting home-hardening work can help.

Does a private homeowners policy include liability coverage?

Most private homeowners policies include personal liability. The FAIR Plan dwelling policy does not, which is why FAIR Plan homeowners typically buy a separate Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy. Confirm the liability limit on any quote you compare.

Is water damage covered?

It depends on the policy and the cause. Many policies cover sudden and accidental water discharge but exclude flood, gradual leaks, mold and sewer backup unless an endorsement is added. No policy covers every type of water loss, so review the water-damage terms carefully.

What do you need from me to start a quote?

Your property address, year built, approximate square footage, roof age and type, your current declarations page (FAIR Plan and DIC if you have them), and any claims in the last five years. We don't need your Social Security number to start an inquiry.