FAIR Plan FinderInsurer of Last Resort by State

A FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) is a state-created property insurance pool that provides basic coverage to homeowners who can't buy a policy in the private market — for example, because of wildfire, hurricane, or hail exposure, an older home, or past claims. About 33 states operate one; a few states (Florida, Louisiana) use a 'Citizens' corporation instead, and some coastal states run a separate wind/beach pool. FAIR plans are a genuine safety net, but they're typically more expensive and less comprehensive than standard coverage.

You generally have to show you were unable to obtain coverage in the private market first — often you'll need one or more declinations — and you usually apply through a licensed insurance agent rather than directly. Because FAIR plans typically cover a limited set of perils (fire and a few others), you may need to add endorsements, or buy a separate windstorm or flood policy, to approach the protection of a standard homeowners policy.

Usually yes. Because FAIR plans insure the highest-risk properties that private carriers have declined, premiums often run well above standard-market rates for narrower coverage. That's why a FAIR plan should be a last resort: shop several private insurers and work with an independent agent who can access surplus-lines markets before falling back on the state plan. If you do use one, revisit the private market periodically — your options may improve.

Not always, and often not fully. In several coastal states, hurricane and windstorm risk is handled by a SEPARATE wind or beach pool (for example, Texas's TWIA or North Carolina's NCIUA) rather than the FAIR plan. Flood is never covered by a FAIR plan (or any standard home policy) — that requires separate flood insurance through the NFIP or a private flood insurer. Always confirm exactly which perils your plan covers and layer additional policies as needed.