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(925) 270-1991darlene@darleneBaxterAgency.com
Bay Area hillside homes representing wildfire insurance coverage

Wildfire & FAIR Plan Coverage

Dropped by your insurer? We specialize in finding fire coverage when others say no.

California homeowners in high-fire zones face a coverage crisis. We navigate the FAIR Plan, find alternative carriers, and make sure you're not left exposed.

Check your optionsLearn how it works

How we help you get covered

1

Tell us about your situation

Fill out a short form or call us. We need your address, whether you've been dropped or non-renewed, and what coverage you're looking for.

2

We find your options

We check the FAIR Plan, alternative carriers, and wrap-around policies to build a coverage package that actually protects your home.

3

You choose your coverage

We walk you through every option in plain English — what's covered, what's not, and what it costs. No pressure, no jargon.

What is the California FAIR Plan?

The California FAIR Plan is the state's insurer of last resort. If you can't get fire coverage from a standard carrier — which is happening to more Bay Area homeowners every year — the FAIR Plan provides basic fire insurance for your home.

But the FAIR Plan only covers fire and a few other perils. It doesn't cover theft, liability, water damage, or personal property. That's why most homeowners pair it with a "wrap-around" or Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy that fills the gaps.

We've helped dozens of Bay Area families navigate this exact situation. We know which carriers write DIC policies, how to structure the coverage so there are no gaps, and how to keep premiums as reasonable as possible given the current market.

5 things your California policy probably doesn't cover

Most homeowners don't know about these gaps until it's too late.

  1. 1

    Wildfire coverage gaps

    Most standard homeowners policies cover fire damage — but many California insurers are non-renewing homes in high-risk zones entirely. If your carrier drops you, you may end up on the FAIR Plan with limited coverage and higher premiums.

  2. 2

    Earthquake is always separate

    California homeowners policies never include earthquake coverage. It's always a separate policy, typically through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). If you're in the Bay Area, this isn't optional.

  3. 3

    Rebuild cost vs. market value

    Your home could cost 30–50% more to rebuild than its current market value, especially with California labor and material costs. If your dwelling coverage is based on your purchase price, you may be significantly underinsured.

  4. 4

    Personal liability limits

    The standard $100K–$300K liability coverage may not be enough in California, where lawsuit judgments regularly exceed $1M. An umbrella policy closes this gap for surprisingly little cost.

  5. 5

    Loss of use coverage caps

    If your home is damaged and you can't live in it, your policy's “loss of use” coverage pays for temporary housing. But many policies cap this at 12–24 months — and in California, rebuilding after a disaster often takes longer.

Want us to review your current policy for these gaps?

Get a free policy review
12+ years
in the Bay Area
FAIR Plan
specialist
4.9-star
rating
Licensed
Insurance agent

Check your fire coverage options

Tell us about your situation and we'll find coverage — even if other agencies have turned you away.

Step 1 of 3

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Property Basics

Coverage Needs

Contact information

“We were dropped by our previous carrier because of fire risk in our area. Darlene got us coverage through the FAIR Plan plus a wrap-around policy. We were covered within a week.”
— Linda M., Lafayette, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure about your risk? Let's talk.

Whether you've been dropped, non-renewed, or just want to make sure you're covered — call us or send a message. We respond within one business day.

Contact us

Looking for general homeowners coverage? Visit our home insurance page

Get in touch

(925) 270-1991

darlene@darleneBaxterAgency.com

2216 Morello Ave, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Weekends by appointment

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Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, San Ramon, and the greater Bay Area

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