California FAIR Plan Association: The Insurer of Last Resort Explained
“FAIR Plan Association” is the formal name for the organization behind California’s insurer of last resort. It is neither a state agency nor an ordinary insurer, and that structure explains a lot about how it behaves.
Who and what it is
The California Department of Insurance describes the FAIR Plan as a private association established over 50 years ago to provide property insurance for Californians who can’t obtain it through regular insurers. The FAIR Plan itself says it is “an insurer of last resort, established by statute to provide basic property insurance to Californians statewide when no other option is reasonably available.”
How it’s run
Although the Governor and Legislature created it, CDI says its day-to-day operations are controlled by insurance companies, not taxpayers. That is why it is called an “association”: participating insurers support it. The Commissioner regulates it and has issued orders concerning it — for example, Order No. 2025-1 approved a request by the Association to issue an assessment, and the FAIR Plan separately announced steps to access funds to pay Los Angeles fire disaster claims (both linked below).
What it offers
The FAIR Plan’s site lists three policy types: Dwelling (owner- or tenant-occupied dwellings up to four family units), Commercial, and Earthquake (through the California Earthquake Authority), with Difference in Conditions policies available as a supplement. Dwelling coverage is a named-peril policy — see what fire-only means.
How to apply or get help
CDI’s advice is to shop the regular market first and, if you still can’t get coverage, apply through a licensed broker or contact the FAIR Plan directly at 800-339-4099. If you want additional coverages, CDI points to its Difference in Conditions page. Our quote guide explains what the combination costs.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the FAIR Plan Association part of the state government?
- CDI says it is a private association; it was created by the Governor and Legislature, and its day-to-day operations are controlled by insurance companies.
- Why did the FAIR Plan issue an assessment?
- The Commissioner’s Order No. 2025-1 approved the Association’s request to issue an assessment, and the FAIR Plan separately announced steps to access funds to pay Los Angeles fire disaster claims. See the linked sources for details.
- How do I contact the FAIR Plan?
- CDI lists 800-339-4099; you can also apply through a licensed broker.
Next steps
Use our state guides and calculators to turn this into a plan.