CA FAIR Plan – New Wildfire Prevention Discounts Lindsay Speth asked 1 month ago
CA FAIR Plan – New Wildfire Prevention Discounts

I am on the CA FAIR plan and my home is located in the WUI. FAIR recently updated their discount setup for wildfire prevention to cover 13 different categories. How much % discount is each category worth? How will the completion of each category be confirmed? If I complete a home project in one of these categories can I petition for that discount at any time? Would love to better understand how it works with more clarity.

1 Answers
Shirley Brown Shirley Brown Expert answered 3 weeks ago
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Hi Lindsay,
Great question—this is actually one of the most talked-about (and frustrating) topics with the California FAIR Plan.
The short answer is that agents and FAIR Plan underwriting don’t have a clear breakdown of how the wildfire credits are applied. That said, I can give you a general idea of how it works with them and other insurer carriers.
The FAIR Plan and other insurers do recognize these mitigation features and more with percentage credits from 1% to *5% such as:
Firewise community participation
Class A roof
Dual-pane windows
Clearance under decks
Non-combustible material at the base of exterior walls
*Removal of combustible sheds or structures within 30 feet
Defensible space around the home
The challenge is, that Fair Plan don’t show exactly how much each item is reducing your premium. Unlike other carriers—where credits are more transparent—the FAIR Plan bundles everything together. Their total credit is maxed at 16.4%, compared to around 18.5% with other insurers.
With Fair Plan in most cases, the only way we know credits have been applied is by seeing a reduced premium different from what the original quote/renewal offer was or by calling and asking. Even then, we’re usually only given a total percentage or dollar value—not a detailed breakdown. The Fair Plan representatives do not have access to these details. It is all included the algorithm rating calculations and underwriting system.
If your home is in a Firewise community, that credit is typically applied automatically when quoted or after underwriting review. If any hardening status changes mid-term, just let your agent know and you can submit the documentation for premium credit(s).
I know it’s not as clear as we’d all like, but I’m sure your agent would be happy review your specific situation and make sure you’re getting every credit you are eligible for.
And of course, feel free to review UP’s wildfire prevention info, which you can peruse here:
https://uphelp.org/preparedness/wrap-resource-center/
Best, Shirley