Explanation of the FAIR Plan

The Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan is a state-mandated program that provides fair access to insurance for individuals who are having trouble insuring their property due to the fact that insurers consider them high risk. The FAIR plan is a "shared market plan."

FAIR Plans are state programs sometimes subsidized by private insurance companies. These plans can possibly provide insurance to people that would otherwise be denied insurance on their property due to a high-risk area or other related high-risk problems.

Your state insurance department can give you more information on it's particular FAIR Plan or you can check out the state by state list of where you can get help for the FAIR Plan insurance program below.

The FAIR Plan and High-Risk Insurance

High-risk insurance is when the insurance company has assessed claims risk at a location and has determined that there is a high probability that a claim will occur based on either geographic data, maintenance, or on loss history for the location or specific home. Standard insurers do not specialize in high-risk properties and therefore will often refuse to insure them, by either not insuring them at all, or by advising that they will not renew a high-risk location once the insurance policy term is up.

What Makes a Home High Risk?

• If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, like tornado alley, or where there is a high incidence of hurricanes or windstorms, your property may be considered high risk.

• If you live in an area that is prone to high crime levels, vandalism or theft
• If your home has not been renovated or is in disrepair
• If you have had high incidences at your residence of claims

What to Do If You Have Trouble Finding Insurance

If you are purchasing your first home or a new property and your initial inquiries do not result in finding an insurance company, try asking your realtor if they know of insurance companies or brokers in your area that will write policies in the area.

Insurance brokers have access to many different insurance companies and will work to find you something. You may still be able to find a policy with a private insurer that is comfortable and offers good coverage. The FAIR Plan should be used as a last resort.

Consider the reasons that you are being refused insurance and try negotiating with the insurance company. Very often if you make adjustments or repairs, or consider higher deductibles, you may be able to obtain coverage. Make sure you try everything with a few standard insurers before going to the FAIR Plan.

FAIR Plan is Not Guaranteed Insurance: Conditions of the FAIR Plan

According to the Insurance Institute, even the FAIR Plan has conditions.that must be met. Just because you have a high-risk home, it does not mean the fair plan will accept you. You may be asked to limit the risk of fire, theft or water damage by installing anti-theft or alarm devices, you may be asked to install backup valves, or repair your roof, and in some cases replace your wiring. If these types of conditions would have made you eligible for standard insurance, you are probably better off doing your necessary repairs and sticking with a standard insurance company.

When to Look for FAIR Plan Insurance

If you have exhausted all the options outlined above, and you can't seem to find an insurance company to accept your risk, then you have the option of applying for insurance with the FAIR Plan. Keep in mind, however, if the reason for refusal to insure your property is not due to matters beyond your control, like regional weather patterns, even the FAIR Plan has the right to refuse coverage if you do not adhere to their recommendations. The situation varies case by case, so you will want to contact them directly to discuss the conditions of the FAIR Plan as they apply to your situation. You may also be eligible for additional insurance endorsements that may improve the base coverage.

Where to Find FAIR Plan Insurance Help a State by State List

Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association