Non-Renewed? Forced Into the California FAIR Plan? We May Be Able to Help.
If you’ve recently received a homeowners insurance non-renewal notice, you’re not alone.
Throughout Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County, thousands of California homeowners have been dropped by traditional insurance companies due to wildfire exposure, brush hazards, catastrophic losses, and changing underwriting guidelines.
Many homeowners suddenly find themselves asking:
“What is the California FAIR Plan?”
“Why was I non-renewed?”
“Do I need a DIC policy?”
“Are there alternatives to the FAIR Plan?”
At Starwest Insurance Services, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate California’s increasingly complex insurance market.
For over 30 years, we’ve helped California families find solutions for difficult-to-insure homes, wildfire-exposed properties, landlord properties, and FAIR Plan placements.
What Is the California FAIR Plan?
The California FAIR Plan was created as an insurer of last resort for homeowners who cannot obtain coverage through the standard insurance market.
The FAIR Plan primarily provides protection against:
✅ Fire
✅ Smoke
✅ Lightning
✅ Internal Explosion
✅ Certain Extended Coverage Perils
However, many homeowners are surprised to learn that the FAIR Plan is not a complete homeowners insurance policy.
In most cases, homeowners also need a:
Difference In Conditions (DIC) Policy
A DIC policy may provide:
- Liability Coverage
- Water Damage Coverage
- Theft Coverage
- Personal Property Coverage
- Loss of Use Coverage
- Medical Payments Coverage
Learn more:
Why Do I Need a DIC Policy?
https://www.starwestinsurance.com/why-do-i-need-a-dic-policy/
Areas We Commonly Help
Riverside County
Many Riverside County homeowners have been affected by carrier restrictions due to wildfire exposure and expanding fire zones.
We frequently assist homeowners in:
- Riverside
- Corona
- Eastvale
- Norco
- Jurupa Valley
- Lake Elsinore
- Menifee
- Murrieta
- Temecula
- Wildomar
- Canyon Lake
- Moreno Valley
- Perris
Homes near hillsides, open land, and brush areas often face additional underwriting scrutiny.
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County contains some of California’s most challenging wildfire-prone regions.
We regularly help homeowners in:
- Chino Hills
- Chino
- Upland
- Ontario
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Fontana
- Rialto
- Highland
- Redlands
- Yucaipa
- Apple Valley
- Hesperia
- Victorville
Many property owners are surprised to learn they may still have options beyond the FAIR Plan.
San Diego County
Wildfire concerns continue to affect many San Diego County communities.
We frequently assist homeowners in:
- Escondido
- Poway
- Ramona
- Fallbrook
- Bonsall
- Valley Center
- San Marcos
- Vista
- Oceanside
- Carlsbad
- Encinitas
- El Cajon
- Alpine
- Jamul
- Lakeside
If you’ve been non-renewed, don’t assume the FAIR Plan is your only option.
Why Are So Many Homeowners Being Non-Renewed?
Insurance companies evaluate many factors, including:
Wildfire Risk
Brush exposure and fire severity zones.
Roof Age
Many carriers prefer roofs under 15–20 years old.
Claims History
Water damage and prior losses can impact eligibility.
Property Condition
Deferred maintenance can create underwriting concerns.
Distance to Fire Services
Response times matter.
Catastrophic Loss Exposure
Insurance companies have become much more selective throughout California.
We May Have Alternatives to the California FAIR Plan
Many homeowners assume:
“If one company declined me, everyone will.”
That isn’t necessarily true.
Different insurance carriers have different underwriting guidelines.
Depending on your:
- Location
- Roof age
- Claims history
- Construction type
- Defensible space
- Wildfire score
we may be able to identify alternatives to the California FAIR Plan.
Learn more:
California FAIR Plan Alternatives
https://www.starwestinsurance.com/california-fair-plan-alternatives/
Do You Need FAIR Plan + DIC?
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“Can I just carry the FAIR Plan and skip the DIC policy?”
The answer depends on:
- Your mortgage company
- Your risk tolerance
- Your coverage needs
Most homeowners want protection for:
- Water Damage
- Liability Claims
- Personal Property
- Loss of Use
which are often addressed through a DIC policy.
Read:
Can I Just Carry the California FAIR Plan and Skip the DIC Policy?
https://www.starwestinsurance.com/can-i-just-carry-the-california-fair-plan-and-skip-the-dic-policy/
New Insurance Options May Be Returning to California
California’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy has encouraged insurance companies to expand their availability throughout the state.
As a result, some homeowners who previously had no options beyond the FAIR Plan may now qualify for alternative coverage solutions.
If you have not reviewed your policy recently, now may be a good time.
Why Homeowners Choose Starwest Insurance Services
Serving California Since 1995
Over three decades of insurance experience.
Multiple Insurance Carriers
We shop multiple markets.
FAIR Plan Expertise
We understand FAIR Plan and DIC coverage.
Personalized Service
You can call, text, email, or visit our office.
No Broker Fees
We never charge broker fees.
Let Us Review Your FAIR Plan Policy
If you currently have:
✅ California FAIR Plan
✅ FAIR Plan + DIC
✅ A recent non-renewal notice
✅ A home in a wildfire-prone area
send us a copy of your declarations page.
We can review:
- Coverage
- Premium
- DIC Requirements
- Mortgage Requirements
- Potential FAIR Plan Alternatives
Contact Starwest Insurance Services
James C.Q. Banh
Owner & Broker | CA License #0B83846
Starwest Insurance Services
13752 Goldenwest St.
Westminster, CA 92683
📞 Office: (714) 893-7271
📱 Text: (714) 867-7799
🌐 https://www.starwestinsurance.com
Related Articles
- California FAIR Plan Alternatives
- Why Do I Need a DIC Policy?
- Can I Just Carry the California FAIR Plan and Skip the DIC Policy?
- Why Did My Home Insurance Go Up So Much in Southern California?
- Help! I Can’t Get Home Insurance in California?
Serving Riverside, Corona, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Escondido, Poway, Ramona, and San Diego Homeowners Since 1995