California FAIR Plan Now Offers Wildfire Hardening Discounts for Homeowners
Policyholders who take steps to protect their properties may qualify for savings of up to 16.4%
California homeowners struggling to find affordable insurance coverage have a new incentive to wildfire-proof their properties. The California FAIR Plan — the state’s insurer of last resort — is now offering Wildfire Hardening Discounts to Dwelling Fire and Commercial policyholders who take measurable steps to reduce their wildfire risk.
Available for policies with an effective date of November 15, 2025 or later, the program allows policyholders to qualify for up to 12 separate discounts applied to the wildfire portion of their premium. Dwelling Fire policyholders who earn all 12 discounts could see savings of up to 16.4%, while Commercial policyholders may save up to 13.8%.
What Qualifies?
Discounts are organized into four categories. The first, Immediate Surroundings (5 discounts), rewards homeowners for clearing vegetation and combustible materials from under decks and within five feet of the structure, using noncombustible fencing and gates near the home, keeping outbuildings at least 30 feet away, and maintaining defensible space in compliance with California Public Resources Code Section 4291.
The second category, Structure Discounts (5 discounts), focuses on the home itself — including having a Class-A fire-rated roof, enclosed eaves, ember- and fire-resistant vents, upgraded multi-paned windows or shutters, and noncombustible material along the base of exterior walls.
Homeowners who meet all 10 of the above criteria are eligible for an additional Property Level Completion Discount.
Finally, a Community Discount is available to properties located in a Fire Risk Reduction Community recognized by the California Board of Forestry, or a Firewise USA Site in Good Standing. Meeting both criteria earns a larger combined discount.
The Bigger Picture
The California FAIR Plan was created as a temporary safety net for homeowners who cannot obtain coverage through traditional insurers — a group that has grown significantly in recent years as major carriers have reduced or eliminated their presence in the state amid escalating wildfire risk.
Officials and advocates hope the new discount program will encourage property owners to invest in fire hardening measures that not only reduce insurance costs, but make communities safer overall.
Homeowners are encouraged to contact a licensed insurance broker to review their eligibility. Brokers can also advise on whether more comprehensive coverage options may be available beyond the FAIR Plan. Discounts are subject to change.
For more information, visit the CA Department of Insurance Safer from Wildfires page, the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program, or the Board of Forestry’s Fire Risk Reduction Community List.
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