Have you been told your home is “too high risk” to insure?
Did your insurance company send you a non-renewal notice because of wildfire risk?
Are you buying a home and your lender is asking for homeowners insurance—but every insurance company is declining your application?
If so, you’re not alone.
Thousands of California homeowners are experiencing the same problem. The good news is that you still have options. In many cases, a California FAIR Plan policy combined with a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy can provide the protection you need.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’ve been helping California homeowners find insurance solutions since 1995, even for homes in high wildfire and brush-risk areas.
Why Is It So Hard to Get Fire Insurance in California?
California has experienced some of the most destructive wildfires in history. Combined with rising rebuilding costs, inflation, and stricter underwriting guidelines, many insurance companies have reduced or stopped writing new homeowners policies in wildfire-prone areas.
You may have difficulty obtaining coverage if your home is located in:
- Brush areas
- Canyon communities
- Mountain towns
- Rural locations
- High wildfire hazard zones
- Heavily wooded neighborhoods
Even homes with no previous claims can be declined simply because of their location.
Why Was My Home Insurance Non-Renewed?
A non-renewal does not necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong.
Insurance companies often review:
- Wildfire exposure
- Distance to brush or vegetation
- Fire protection class
- Roof condition and age
- Claims history
- Home replacement cost
- Geographic concentration of risk
Many homeowners with excellent payment histories are still receiving non-renewal notices because insurers are reducing their overall exposure in certain ZIP codes.
What Can I Do If I Can’t Get Fire Insurance?
Don’t panic.
There are still several options available.
Option 1: Shop Multiple Insurance Companies
Every insurance company has different underwriting guidelines.
One company may decline your home, while another may be willing to insure it.
That’s why working with an independent insurance broker is so valuable—we compare multiple carriers on your behalf.
Option 2: Consider the California FAIR Plan
If traditional insurance companies decline your application, you may qualify for the California FAIR Plan.
The FAIR Plan is California’s insurer of last resort and provides basic property coverage, including protection against:
- Fire
- Wildfire
- Smoke
- Lightning
- Internal explosion
It allows many homeowners to obtain essential fire insurance when private insurers are unable to provide coverage.
What Doesn’t the California FAIR Plan Cover?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the FAIR Plan is a complete homeowners insurance policy.
It isn’t.
The FAIR Plan generally does not include:
- Water damage
- Theft
- Personal liability
- Medical payments
- Sewer backup
- Identity theft
- Many additional homeowners coverages
Because of these gaps, most homeowners also purchase a companion policy.
What Is a Difference in Conditions (DIC) Policy?
A Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy works alongside your California FAIR Plan.
It helps provide many of the coverages that the FAIR Plan does not include, such as:
- Water damage
- Theft
- Personal liability
- Personal property
- Additional living expenses
- Loss of use
Together, the FAIR Plan and DIC policy provide protection that is much closer to a traditional homeowners insurance policy.
Will My Mortgage Company Accept a FAIR Plan Policy?
In most cases, yes.
Mortgage lenders generally accept California FAIR Plan coverage.
However, many lenders also require a companion DIC policy to ensure the home has broader protection.
If you’re purchasing a home, we can work directly with your lender and escrow company to provide:
- Insurance binders
- Mortgagee clauses
- Evidence of insurance
- Policy documents needed to close escrow on time
Buying a Home? Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers make is waiting until the week of closing to shop for homeowners insurance.
If your home is located in a wildfire or brush area, insurance can sometimes take longer than expected.
We recommend starting the insurance process as soon as your purchase agreement is accepted.
Can I Lower My Chances of Being Declined?
While there’s no guarantee, improving your home’s wildfire protection can increase your eligibility with some insurance companies.
Consider:
- Creating defensible space
- Trimming overhanging trees
- Removing dead vegetation
- Installing a Class A fire-rated roof
- Adding ember-resistant vents
- Updating electrical systems
- Replacing older plumbing
These improvements may also help reduce wildfire risk and make your home more attractive to insurers.
We Specialize in Difficult-to-Insure Homes
At Starwest Insurance Services, we understand California’s challenging homeowners insurance market.
We regularly help homeowners who have:
- Been non-renewed
- Been declined by multiple insurance companies
- Own homes in wildfire or brush areas
- Need insurance quickly to close escrow
- Own luxury or high-value homes
- Need California FAIR Plan and DIC coverage
Our goal is to find the best available solution—not just the first option.
Why Choose Starwest Insurance Services?
✔ Protecting California families since 1995
✔ No broker fees
✔ Access to admitted and non-admitted insurance carriers
✔ California FAIR Plan specialists
✔ Difference in Conditions (DIC) experts
✔ Fast turnaround for escrow closings
✔ Personalized service from experienced insurance professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy a home if I can’t get fire insurance?
Yes. Many buyers use a California FAIR Plan policy combined with a DIC policy to satisfy lender requirements and complete their home purchase.
Does the California FAIR Plan cover wildfire?
Yes. Wildfire is considered a covered fire loss under the California FAIR Plan.
What if my homeowners insurance was canceled or non-renewed?
Don’t wait until your policy expires. Contact an independent insurance broker immediately to explore your options before you have a lapse in coverage.
Is the California FAIR Plan expensive?
Premiums vary depending on your home’s location, wildfire risk, replacement cost, and other underwriting factors. While premiums are often higher than traditional homeowners insurance, the FAIR Plan provides an important option when standard coverage isn’t available.
Need Help Finding Fire Insurance?
If you’ve been non-renewed, declined by multiple insurance companies, or need homeowners insurance before closing escrow, we’re here to help.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’ll first shop traditional insurance companies. If standard coverage isn’t available, we’ll help you secure the right California FAIR Plan and companion DIC policy for your home.
Contact Starwest Insurance Services
📞 Office: (714) 893-7271
📱 Call or Text: (714) 231-0897
📧 Email: james@starwestinsurance.com
🌐 Website: https://www.starwestinsurance.com