WA Fair PlanThe Washington FAIR (“Fair Access to Insurance Requirements”) Plan was established in 1968 to provide basic property insurance to applicants who cannot obtain property insurance in the standard insurance market. Basic fire insurance coverage is available for both dwellings and commercial buildings. The FAIR Plan functions under the rules and regulations of Chapter 284-19 of the Washington Administrative Code. As such, the FAIR Plan is under the supervision of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Washington, although it is not a state agency. The FAIR Plan does not receive any funding from taxpayers or the State of Washington.
All companies licensed to write property insurance in Washington are required to be members of the FAIR Plan Association. The FAIR Plan operates as a joint reinsurance association of its member companies. Every insurance producer licensed to write property insurance in Washington must assist consumers to apply to the FAIR Plan, if requested to do so. The FAIR Plan application must be signed by both the agent and the applicant.
Insurance companies that cancel or do not renew a property insurance policy in Washington must include the Washington FAIR Plan’s contact information in the notice. This informs policyholders that they may qualify for coverage through the FAIR Plan if they cannot obtain insurance in the standard market.
Under the Washington Administrative Code, insurance coverage is generally not available for vacant structures. However, exceptions may be considered for residential properties that are being repaired or rehabilitated under a construction contract to make the home livable. Any request for an exception is subject to underwriting review and property inspection following receipt of a completed application.
In most cases, fewer coverage options are available from the FAIR Plan than from companies in the standard insurance market. The FAIR Plan provides basic fire insurance coverage for owner and tenant occupied dwellings, apartment buildings and commercial structures. Coverage may also be obtained for personal property and the contents of those structures. Extended Coverage and Vandalism are available. Coverage for liability, theft, and most types of water-related losses are not available through the Plan.
Washington FAIR Plan is a “last resort” when property owners are not able to find coverage in the standard market. Work with your insurance agent to determine what is best for your unique situation.
The premium levels utilized by the FAIR Plan are established by the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau. The condition and location of individual property, the coverage limits and deductibles, along with other factors establish the premium level for a policy. In most situations, insurance coverage with the FAIR Plan is more expensive.
Contact several insurance companies (or their insurance agents) regarding your situation and potential placement in the standard market. These insurance professionals should be able to respond to specific questions regarding your situation. If you are not able to obtain coverage in the standard market, any Washington State licensed property insurance agent can assist you in applying for coverage through the FAIR Plan.
The FAIR Plan has no appointed agents. You may choose any licensed property insurance agent in Washington to assist you to submit an application to the FAIR Plan. The agent you select becomes your agent. As your advisor, your agent is your primary contact to answer questions and address your concerns. Your agent acts as your representative when corresponding with the FAIR Plan. Of course, you can also contact the Washington FAIR Plan directly with any questions.
Yes. Just like insurance coverage in the standard market, there are a range of deductibles available for a policy. A higher deductible will reduce the premium.
At this time, the FAIR Plan does not offer payment plans or financing. The full annual premium must be paid before a new policy can be issued and again at each annual renewal. Coverage is not effective until full payment is received by the FAIR Plan. Premium payment must be by insurance agency check, mortgagee check, credit or debit card payment made through this website or by certified/cashier’s check. The FAIR Plan does not accept third party premium financing.
Yes, you can cancel your policy for any reason at any time with proper notice to the FAIR Plan. The return premium will be calculated on a prorated basis for the time the policy was in effect.
Yes, FAIR Plan policies contain both exclusions and other coverage limitations. An insurance policy is a contract. You should thoroughly review your policy and endorsements and discuss any questions about policy exclusions and limitations with your agent.
Basic insurance coverage is available for personal belongings and the contents of dwellings and structures. Theft and liability coverages are not available.
In the event of a loss, please contact your agent or the FAIR Plan immediately and take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage, where it is safe to do so. Prompt reporting and mitigation efforts help facilitate the claims process. We will establish a claim file and initiate the adjusting process.
It is recommended that you frequently evaluate your insurance options while you are covered by the FAIR Plan. Your agent, as your advisor, is an excellent resource to assist you. Broader coverage at more competitive prices is normally available in the standard market.
This website provides a general overview of the Washington FAIR Plan. For specifics regarding availability, cost and coverage, contact your insurance agent, or you may contact the Washington FAIR Plan directly at:
2122 164th St SW, Suite 301
Lynnwood, WA 98087
(425) 745-9808
Email: wafairplan@wafairplan.com