If you have a California FAIR Plan policy, you may be leaving money on the table. The FAIR Plan offers wildfire hardening discounts that reduce the wildfire portion of your premium, and the program was significantly expanded effective November 15, 2025.
The original program launched in August 2023 with two discounts. The updated structure now includes up to 12 separate discounts across four categories, and it applies to both Dwelling Fire and Commercial policyholders.
Here is what qualifies.
How Much Can You Save?
Qualifying for all 12 discounts could reduce the wildfire portion of your premium by up to 16.4% on a Dwelling Fire policy, or up to 13.8% on a Commercial policy. Each discount is applied individually to the wildfire portion of the premium, not the total policy cost.
Immediate Surroundings Discounts (5 Discounts)
Each of the following qualifies as a separate discount:
- Vegetation and debris have been cleared from under decks
- Vegetation, debris, mulch, and other combustible materials have been cleared within 5 feet of the dwelling
- Only noncombustible materials are incorporated into any improvements within 5 feet of the dwelling, including fences and gates
- Combustible sheds and outbuildings are more than 30 feet from the dwelling, or as far as possible within the area under the applicant’s control
- Trees surrounding the dwelling have been trimmed, brush and debris removed from the yard, and the property is in compliance with defensible space requirements under California Public Resources Code Section 4291
Structure Discounts (5 Discounts)
Each of the following qualifies as a separate discount:
- Has a Class-A Fire Rated Roof (asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, stone, concrete or clay tile, or metal)
- Has enclosed eaves
- Has ember and fire-resistant vents with approved wire mesh covering
- Has upgraded windows (multi-paned) or functional shutters
- Has 6 inches at the bottom of all exterior walls made of non-combustible material
Property Level Completion Discount (1 Discount)
If your property meets all 10 of the Immediate Surroundings and Structure criteria above, you qualify for one additional completion discount on top of the 10 individual ones.
Community Discount (1 Discount)
This discount is based on where your property is located, not what you have done to it. Meeting either of the following qualifies for the community discount. Meeting both earns a larger percentage:
- The dwelling or structure is located in a Fire Risk Reduction Community listed by the Board of Forestry
- The dwelling or structure is located in a Firewise USA Site in Good Standing
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- All discounts apply to the wildfire portion of the premium only, not the full policy cost.
- Discounts are available on new policies, renewals, and midterm endorsement requests.
- The FAIR Plan may verify eligibility through property inspections. Discounts can be removed if the property no longer meets the qualifying criteria at the time of inspection.
- The California FAIR Plan is the state’s insurer of last resort. It is designed as a temporary safety net while traditional market coverage becomes available. A standard market policy will typically provide broader coverage.
- Discounts are applicable as of November 15, 2025, and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these discounts apply to Commercial FAIR Plan policies?
Yes. The updated program effective November 15, 2025 applies to both Dwelling Fire and Commercial policyholders. Commercial policyholders who qualify for all 12 discounts may see a reduction of up to 13.8% off the wildfire portion of their premium.
Does the discount apply to my whole premium?
No. The discounts apply to the wildfire portion of the policy premium only. Your total premium reduction will depend on what share of your policy is attributed to wildfire risk.
How many discounts can I qualify for?
Up to 12. There are 5 Immediate Surroundings discounts, 5 Structure discounts, 1 Property Level Completion discount (awarded when all 10 of the above are met), and 1 Community discount based on your property’s location.
What is the maximum discount available?
Dwelling Fire policyholders who qualify for all 12 discounts may see savings of up to 16.4% off the wildfire portion of their premium. For Commercial policies the maximum is up to 13.8%.
What is the Community Discount?
The Community Discount is awarded based on where your property is located. If your property is in a Fire Risk Reduction Community listed by the California Board of Forestry, or in a Firewise USA Site in Good Standing, you qualify. Meeting both criteria earns a larger discount than meeting just one.
Can the FAIR Plan take away my discount after it is applied?
Yes. The FAIR Plan may verify eligibility through property inspections. If your property no longer meets the criteria at the time of inspection, the discount can be removed. Keeping up with defensible space maintenance and structural requirements is the best way to protect your qualification.
Should I stay on the FAIR Plan long-term?
The FAIR Plan is designed as a temporary safety net, not a permanent solution. It provides basic fire coverage, but standard market policies typically offer more comprehensive protection. If traditional market coverage becomes available for your property, it is worth reviewing your options. Our team can help you compare what is available.
Questions About Your FAIR Plan Policy?
Our licensed team works with California FAIR Plan policyholders throughout Yuba, Sutter, Colusa, and Butte Counties. If you want to review your current coverage, understand which discounts may apply to your property, or find out whether a traditional market option is available, call us at (530) 674-5054 or reach us at service@yourfavoriteagent.net.
Last updated: November 2025. Discount program effective November 15, 2025. Subject to change. Contact a licensed broker for current details.