The California FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) is a state-mandated program designed to provide basic fire insurance coverage for properties that are unable to obtain conventional insurance in the voluntary market. This often applies to homes in high brush fire risk areas or those with other unique characteristics that make them uninsurable by standard carriers.
While the FAIR Plan offers essential protection against perils like fire, brush fire, smoke, and explosion, it typically provides more limited coverage than a standard homeowners policy (HO-3). It does not include liability, theft, or water damage coverage, requiring homeowners to often purchase a "Difference in Conditions" (DIC) policy from a separate carrier to fill these gaps.
Use this calculator to get an estimated annual premium based on common factors that influence FAIR Plan rates. Please note that this is an illustrative estimate and not an official quote. Actual premiums are determined by the California FAIR Plan Association based on a comprehensive underwriting process.
$1,000
$2,500
$5,000
$10,000
No
Yes
Frame
Masonry/Superior
Excellent (Class 1-4)
Good (Class 5-6)
Average (Class 7-8)
Poor (Class 9-10)
Estimated Annual Premium:
Please enter values and click 'Calculate'.
Understanding Your California FAIR Plan Estimate
The California FAIR Plan is a crucial safety net for many homeowners. Understanding how your premium is calculated can help you make informed decisions about your coverage.
Dwelling Coverage: This is the cost to rebuild your home. It's the primary factor influencing your premium. Higher coverage means a higher premium.
Personal Property Coverage: Protects your belongings inside the home. While often a percentage of dwelling coverage in standard policies, for FAIR Plan purposes, it's an additional coverage with its own cost.
Loss of Use Coverage: Also known as Additional Living Expenses, this covers costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss (e.g., hotel stays, temporary rentals).
Fire Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in for a fire claim. Choosing a higher deductible typically lowers your annual premium, but means more personal expense in case of a claim.
Brush Fire Zone: Properties located in designated high brush fire hazard areas face significantly higher premiums due to the increased risk.
Construction Type: Homes built with more fire-resistant materials (e.g., masonry, concrete) may receive a slightly lower premium compared to standard wood-frame construction.
Fire Protection Rating: This rating is based on factors like the proximity to a fire station, water sources (hydrants), and the quality of the local fire department. Better protection (lower class number) generally leads to lower premiums.
Remember, this calculator provides an estimate. For an official quote, you must contact a licensed insurance agent who can submit an application to the California FAIR Plan Association on your behalf.
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function calculateFairPlanPremium() {
var dwellingCoverage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dwellingCoverage').value);
var personalPropertyCoverage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('personalPropertyCoverage').value);
var lossOfUseCoverage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('lossOfUseCoverage').value);
var deductible = parseFloat(document.getElementById('deductible').value);
var brushFireZone = document.getElementById('brushFireZone').value;
var constructionType = document.getElementById('constructionType').value;
var fireProtectionRating = document.getElementById('fireProtectionRating').value;
if (isNaN(dwellingCoverage) || dwellingCoverage <= 0 ||
isNaN(personalPropertyCoverage) || personalPropertyCoverage < 0 ||
isNaN(lossOfUseCoverage) || lossOfUseCoverage < 0) {
document.getElementById('estimatedPremiumResult').innerHTML = "Please enter valid positive numbers for all coverage amounts.";
return;
}
// Base rates (illustrative, not actual FAIR Plan rates)
var baseRatePer1000Dwelling = 3.2; // Example: $3.20 per $1000 of dwelling coverage
var baseRatePersonalPropertyFactor = 0.002; // Example: 0.2% of personal property coverage
var baseRateLossOfUseFactor = 0.0015; // Example: 0.15% of loss of use coverage
var dwellingPremium = (dwellingCoverage / 1000) * baseRatePer1000Dwelling;
var personalPropertyPremium = personalPropertyCoverage * baseRatePersonalPropertyFactor;
var lossOfUsePremium = lossOfUseCoverage * baseRateLossOfUseFactor;
// Deductible adjustment factors
var deductibleFactor = 1.0; // Base for $1000 deductible
if (deductible === 2500) {
deductibleFactor = 0.95;
} else if (deductible === 5000) {
deductibleFactor = 0.90;
} else if (deductible === 10000) {
deductibleFactor = 0.85;
}
// Brush Fire Zone adjustment
var brushFireFactor = 1.0;
if (brushFireZone === 'yes') {
brushFireFactor = 1.6; // Significant surcharge for brush fire zones
}
// Construction Type adjustment
var constructionFactor = 1.0; // Base for Frame
if (constructionType === 'masonry') {
constructionFactor = 0.92; // Discount for masonry
}
// Fire Protection Rating adjustment
var fireProtectionFactor = 1.0; // Base for Average
if (fireProtectionRating === 'excellent') {
fireProtectionFactor = 0.88;
} else if (fireProtectionRating === 'good') {
fireProtectionFactor = 0.95;
} else if (fireProtectionRating === 'poor') {
fireProtectionFactor = 1.15;
}
// Calculate core premium components
var coreDwellingPremium = dwellingPremium * deductibleFactor * brushFireFactor * constructionFactor * fireProtectionFactor;
// Total estimated premium
var totalEstimatedPremium = coreDwellingPremium + personalPropertyPremium + lossOfUsePremium;
document.getElementById('estimatedPremiumResult').innerHTML = "$" + totalEstimatedPremium.toFixed(2) + " (Annual)";
}