🔥 What's Happening
Major insurers have stopped writing new policies in California due to wildfire risk:
Insurers Who've Paused
- • State Farm (stopped new policies 2023)
- • Allstate (paused 2022)
- • Farmers (limited new business)
- • USAA (paused new California home)
- • Chubb (paused high-value homes)
Why It's Happening
- • $15+ billion in wildfire losses (2017-2022)
- • Proposition 103 limits rate increases
- • Climate change increasing fire frequency
- • Reinsurance costs skyrocketing
Insurers Still Writing in California
Mercury Insurance
California-based insurer still writing new policies. Competitive rates. AM Best: A- (Excellent).
Wawanesa
Canadian insurer active in California. Known for good rates and service. AM Best: A (Excellent).
CSAA (AAA)
Still writing in many areas. Requires AAA membership. AM Best: A+ (Superior).
California FAIR Plan
Last resort if no private insurer will cover you. Limited coverage, higher rates, but guaranteed availability.
Understanding the California FAIR Plan
The FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) is California's insurer of last resort for homeowners who can't find coverage in the private market.
What It Covers
- • Fire and smoke damage
- • Lightning
- • Internal explosion
- • That's it—very limited
What It Doesn't Cover
- • Theft
- • Liability
- • Water damage
- • Personal property (unless added)
Important: If you use FAIR Plan, you'll also need a "Difference in Conditions" (DIC) policy to cover what FAIR Plan doesn't—like theft, liability, and water damage.
How to Improve Your Insurability
🌲 Create Defensible Space
Clear vegetation 100 feet around your home. This is often required for coverage and can reduce premiums.
🏠 Fire-Resistant Roofing
Replace wood shake roofs with Class A fire-rated materials (tile, metal, composite).
🪟 Upgrade Vents & Windows
Install ember-resistant vents and dual-pane windows to prevent fire intrusion.
📋 Get Certified
Programs like Firewise USA certification can help with insurability and may qualify for discounts.
FAQs
Will my existing policy be canceled?
California law restricts mid-term cancellations and non-renewals in wildfire disaster areas. However, at renewal time, your insurer may choose not to renew. Keep shopping for alternatives before renewal.
Will rates ever stabilize?
California is reforming Proposition 103 to allow insurers to use forward-looking climate models and include reinsurance costs. This may bring insurers back, but could also mean higher approved rates. Stabilization may take 2-3 years.
The Bottom Line
California's insurance crisis is real. If you're shopping for coverage, try Mercury, Wawanesa, or CSAA first. If denied, the FAIR Plan is your backup—but you'll need a DIC policy too. Wildfire mitigation (defensible space, fire-resistant roofing) is essential for both safety and insurability.