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Michigan FAIR Plan (MBPIA)

Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 13, 2026

What MBPIA is

MBPIA "was organized under the provisions of Act 262 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1968, which is included in chapter 29 of the Michigan Insurance code," and began business on October 21, 1968. It is a Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan, and a not-for-profit organization. Its stated mission is "To provide basic property insurance on qualified property when coverage cannot be obtained through the standard insurance market."

State law requires every insurer that writes these kinds of property insurance in Michigan to be a member of the pool "as a condition of its authority to continue to transact insurance in this state." Members pay yearly assessments to cover the pool's operating deficits. MBPIA operates under a plan of operation approved by the state and is "at all times" subject to the supervision of Michigan's insurance regulator, the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).

We are not MBPIA and are not affiliated with it. We explain its published rules; MBPIA and your agent make the decisions. [1][2][13][14][15]

Who is eligible

For homeowners, renters and condo coverage, Michigan law says "Any qualified applicant for home insurance may apply to the pool." In plain terms, according to DIFS:

- You qualify "if you own or rent and live in 'qualified property.'" - "Qualified Property" means residential property that "meets building code standards, is not used for farm or business reasons, and is not used for illegal activities." The law covers a house, a condo or co-op unit, a room, an apartment, or an owner-occupied building of up to 4 units. - You are not a qualified applicant if, in the past 5 years, you were convicted of arson or certain related crimes, or MBPIA denied a home insurance claim of more than $2,000 for fraud by you or on your behalf (when the claim was also over 10% to 15% of your coverage, depending on the policy type).

Do you need to be turned down first? The home insurance section of the law does not list a declination requirement. For basic property (dwelling fire and commercial) insurance, the law asks the pool to find that the applicant "made a good faith, diligent effort" to get the same insurance in the regular market. DIFS tells homeowners: "If you are unable to find insurance through a regular company, or can only find it at an extremely high price, you may want to apply" to MBPIA. Your agent can tell you what MBPIA's application asks for.

Inspection. MBPIA "may want to have your property inspected (without cost to you)." MBPIA says an interior and exterior inspection is required on vacant and commercial properties; for other homes, if an exterior inspection shows unfavorable conditions, it may order an interior inspection.

If you're turned down, the law entitles you to "a written statement setting forth the features of the property or conditions" that keep it from qualifying "and the measures which must be taken" to make it qualify. [3][5][8][9][10][16]

What it covers and what it doesn't

Contents are settled at actual cash value (value at the time of loss, after depreciation) on every form.

- Replacement cost pays to repair with materials of like kind and quality without depreciation, "if repairs are completed." DIFS says to buy an MBPIA replacement cost policy, "you must buy an amount of insurance equal to 80% of what it would cost to replace your property." - Repair cost pays to repair with like materials or "conventional material and construction methods." DIFS says you must insure for what the property "is currently worth," and that this type "provides less coverage for about the same cost." - Liability: $100,000 to $300,000 on the homeowners, renters and condo forms. Medical payments to others: $1,000 per person and $25,000 per accident. The DP-1 has neither. - Deductibles: $100 up to $5,000 on homeowners forms; $250 up to $2,500 on the DP-1. - Not covered on any form, per MBPIA's comparison sheet: flood or surface water, sewer or drain backup, rain through a faulty roof, windows or doors, landslide, earthquake, and animal damage. The DP-1 covers fewer perils than the homeowners forms, and its coverage "will depend on the purchase of Extended Coverages and Optional Perils." - Vacancy: vandalism and glass breakage are excluded if the home was vacant 60 days in a row before the loss. - Optional water damage endorsements: $2,500 or $5,000. DIFS says this extra coverage, for water damage caused by rain, ice, snow or sleet, "MAY STILL EXCLUDE COVERAGE FOR PROPERTY LOSSES RESULTING FROM FLOOD, SEWER OR DRAIN BACK-UP OR OVERFLOW, OR GROUND WATER SEEPAGE." Ask your agent about cost and terms. - Other endorsements include automatic adjustment of limits (2%, 4% or 6%) and increased limits on related private structures.

MBPIA's comparison sheet is condensed; it says "FOR ACTUAL COVERAGE CONSULT YOUR POLICY." For flood, see our sister site FloodHawk. [5][11][12][17][18]

How to apply

1. Find a licensed agent. MBPIA says: "You must contact a licensed agent to submit an application through Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association." Use its agent search to find one by city or ZIP code. DIFS says "Any licensed agent can help you obtain insurance through the MBPIA." 2. Get a quote. "To get a quote for a policy with Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association, please contact an agent." 3. One property per policy. "Each property location must have its own policy." 4. Unrepaired damage or a home purchase. If you need insurance to close on a home loan and the home has unrepaired damage, MBPIA says "An application should be submitted. Once the policy becomes effective, an inspection will be ordered to determine if the risk will be accepted." [1][3][19][20]

Paying, claims and policy changes

- Policyholder portal: MBPIA's policyholder portal lets you make online payments and see policy information and documents. Login help: techsupport@mbpia.com. - Pay online on MBPIA's payment page with Visa, MasterCard or Diners Club; you need your 10-digit policy number and the property ZIP code. - Pay by phone 24/7 at (313) 877-7400, option 1. - Checks and money orders by mail, or in MBPIA's drop box during business hours, at 27555 Farmington Rd, Suite 315, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. - Watch out for doxo. MBPIA warns it "DOES NOT endorse DOXO," a third-party bill-pay site that "may charge extra fees," and that payments through it could arrive late. MBPIA advises paying "ONLY" through its own website. - Installments: your premium due notice shows the current amount, due date and future installment schedule. - Report a claim online, by phone at (855) 498-7573, or by email to NOL@choosebroadspire.com. A claims representative from MBPIA's third-party administrator, Broadspire, will contact you "within one business day (not including weekends or holidays)." For emergency board-up, call (313) 877-7400. - Ask about an open claim at (224) 278-1481. - Cancellations, endorsements and name changes go through your agent. If a policy cancels, MBPIA says the refund "will be issued within 10 days of the cancellation date." [3][6][7][21][22]

Renewals, cancellations and appeals

- One-year policies. MBPIA policies run one year and can be renewed on qualified property. The law lets MBPIA renew for two consecutive terms without a new inspection if it waives the inspection. - Before each renewal, MBPIA must send you a notice of your rights to get home insurance both in the regular market under Michigan's Essential Insurance Act and through MBPIA. - "Do Not Renew" notices. If MBPIA places a "Do Not Renew" on your policy, it says the policy will not renew unless you respond 45 days before the expiration date, tell MBPIA the listed conditions are fixed, and send documentation that the repairs are done. MBPIA may inspect to verify. If the policy expires, you need a new application; "expired policies cannot be reinstated." - Cancellation by MBPIA. DIFS says MBPIA can cancel only for non-payment of premium or for reasons that would have made you or your property unqualified when you applied, had they been known. A policy canceled for underwriting reasons generally can't be reinstated; after you fix the conditions, you need a new application. - Appeals. DIFS says if MBPIA cancels you, you will be told in writing that you can ask MBPIA's Board of Governors to review the decision, and then ask DIFS for a further review. State law gives anyone "aggrieved by any action or decision" of the pool 30 days to appeal to the insurance commissioner. [3][5][9][23][24]

Rates

DIFS says MBPIA's rates "are based on MBPIA expenses and losses for the particular type of policy form." Michigan law sets how MBPIA's home insurance rates change:

- For its home insurance forms other than the HO-3, if the actuarially indicated overall change is under 5%, the pool takes all of it; between 5% and 20%, it takes half; above 20%, it takes the amount over 20% plus 10%. - Rates for the HO-3 form must be actuarially determined to cover that form's expected losses and expenses, without that phase-in. - Rates can't be revised more than once a year and must be filed with the commissioner for prior approval. [5][25]

Getting back to the regular market

Michigan's Essential Insurance Act limits why regular insurers can turn down an "eligible person" for home insurance. DIFS says you "cannot be denied insurance solely because of the age of your house, its location, or the type of neighborhood you live in," and that if a company refuses to insure you, you are entitled to a written explanation. If you think the reasons are unfair, you can ask for a private, informal conference with a company manager, and then a DIFS review.

DIFS's advice: "if you are eligible for home insurance, BE SURE TO SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST COMBINATION OF PRICE, COVERAGE AND SERVICE." See our Michigan page for the full eligibility and nonrenewal rules.

MBPIA also lists potential resources for home repairs, grant and loan programs by county that may help fix conditions that keep a home from qualifying. MBPIA says it does not endorse them. [5][10][26]

Contact and help

- MBPIA customer service: (313) 877-7400, option 4; email customerservice1@mbpia.com. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Complaints to MBPIA: Suggestions@mbpia.com ("Suggestions, Comments or Complaints"). - Mail: Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association, 27555 Farmington Rd, Suite 315, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. - State regulator: DIFS, toll free (877) 999-6442, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or file a complaint online. [3][4][27][28]

Questions people ask