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New York FAIR Plan (NYPIUA)

Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 13, 2026

What NYPIUA is

NYPIUA began full-time operation on October 28, 1968. NYPIUA says the riots of the year before drew attention to the fact that some inner-city property owners had trouble buying fire insurance. It is "an association of all insurance companies that sell fire insurance in New York State," under Article 54 of the New York Insurance Law. NYPIUA says that "in New York State virtually all properties can look to the Association for insurance coverage," while many other states' pools are limited to certain areas.

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) examines NYPIUA. Its latest exam report (June 13, 2025, covering 2019 through 2023) shows a net loss of $38,132,537 over those five years, and says that in January 2025 NYPIUA agreed to assess its member companies $7,500,000 for policy year 2024.

This site is not NYPIUA and is not affiliated with it. We explain NYPIUA's published rules; NYPIUA makes the decisions. [1][8][9]

What it covers and what it doesn't

NYPIUA's homeowner product is a Dwelling Fire policy, not a full homeowners policy.

- Basic form (DP 01): fire, lightning and explosion, plus "extended coverage" (windstorm including hurricane, hail, riot, civil commotion, aircraft, vehicles and smoke) and vandalism and malicious mischief. - Broad Form (DP 02), for a higher premium, adds property damage by burglars (not theft of property), falling objects, weight of ice, snow or sleet, accidental discharge of water or steam, sudden cracking of a steam or hot water heating system, freezing, and sudden damage from artificial electric currents. - Not covered: "NYPIUA policies do not include liability, flood, or theft coverage." - How losses are paid: "generally offered on an actual cash value basis" (replacement cost minus depreciation). Coastal homes can get replacement cost when paired with a regular policy that has an approved wrap-around endorsement (see "Coastal homes" below). - Mobile homes: only the basic DP-01 form. - Other structures such as a garage or shed are automatically covered at 10% of the dwelling limit.

For flood insurance, see our sister site FloodHawk.

NYPIUA says no amount above its listed limits is bound without approval of its Underwriting Committee, and the total can never exceed the limits in Article 54 of the Insurance Law. [1][5][6][7]

Deductibles

- The standard deductible for fire, extended coverage, and vandalism and malicious mischief is $500. Other deductibles are available. - Vacant buildings: 5% of the amount of insurance. - Hurricane: a 2% hurricane deductible applies to Broad Form policies in Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau, New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Suffolk and Westchester counties, according to NYPIUA. It describes the trigger as a category 2, 3, 4 or 5 hurricane, declared by the National Weather Service, making landfall in New York State, for losses from 12 hours before to 12 hours after. (DFS's consumer page lists the same counties except Manhattan.)

A new DFS regulation for hurricane deductibles applies to homeowners and dwelling fire policies "issued or renewed on or after February 2, 2026." It limits the deductible to wind damage from 12 hours before landfall in New York until 12 hours after the last New York hurricane watch or warning for that storm is cancelled. NYPIUA's pages, checked Oct. 13, 2026, still describe the earlier wording, so confirm the deductible on your own policy with NYPIUA. See hurricane deductibles. [1][3][7][10][11]

Who is eligible

NYPIUA insures buildings (dwelling and commercial), contents of commercial premises, and household furnishings and personal property. DFS says NYPIUA coverage is limited and costs more than regular coverage, so you or your agent or broker "should make every effort" to get coverage from a regular insurer first.

NYPIUA will not insure, among others:

- vacant or unoccupied buildings that don't meet its boarding standards or have no intrusion alarm; - buildings in arrears on property taxes or utility bills for 2 years or more; - buildings with material damage not undergoing active repair, unsafe heating or wiring, or unsafe or illegal occupancy; - buildings with outstanding code violations affecting occupancy; - property with 2 or more losses in the last 3 years that were in the insured's control, with nothing done to prevent more; - owners convicted of arson or insurance fraud, or who haven't paid an uncontested premium on a prior NYPIUA policy.

Coastal windstorm rule: homes on barrier islands or within 1,500 feet of salt water must meet NYPIUA's hurricane protection standards to get windstorm coverage. NYPIUA requires a certification from a registered architect or engineer; if you don't send it within 60 days of NYPIUA's request, the property becomes uninsurable for windstorm.

Anti-arson form repealed: NYPIUA says that for new business, renewals and endorsements effective on or after October 17, 2025, it no longer requires an Anti-Arson Application. (Its older FAQ page still describes the yearly form; the newer notice controls.) [1][3][6][12][13]

How to apply

You can apply "by web, mail, email, fax or in person." Customers can apply online through the NYPIUA portal (as a guest, too), or download a Dwelling Fire application and mail it to P.O. Box 45, Buffalo, NY 14240-0045, email it to fairplan@nypiua.com or fax it to (845) 218-3099. A producer (agent or broker) can help; NYPIUA suggests contacting one for help filling out an application.

1. Get an estimate with the Dwelling Fire quick quote. It "is not a guarantee," and all business is subject to underwriting and a home inspection. 2. Pay a deposit. Applications without a deposit are rejected. By mail, a 1-4 family dwelling needs $75 for each $50,000 of coverage; household furnishings need $50. Other methods use 20-30% of the premium, based on your pay plan. If you're declined, the deposit is returned. 3. Coverage start: 12:01 a.m. the day after NYPIUA receives a completed application (later if you ask, up to 60 days). For vacant or unoccupied buildings, and properties NYPIUA cancelled before, it is 17 days after receipt. 4. Processing: generally 3-5 business days. An inspector usually calls to schedule within about 10 business days.

All NYPIUA policies run for 1 year. NYPIUA's walk-in center is at 80 Pine Street, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10005, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. [2][3][4][5][6]

Coastal homes: C-MAP and replacement cost

The Coastal Market Assistance Program (C-MAP), administered by NYPIUA, links coastal homeowners with insurers that volunteer to write homes near the shore. You need a nonrenewal, cancellation or conditional renewal notice for a reason other than nonpayment, be a new buyer, or be a NYPIUA policyholder whose home is in the C-MAP area. You can apply directly or through an agent or broker with the C-MAP application. State law now sets eligibility at a minimum of one mile from the shore; see our New York homeowners insurance page for the details and the conflicting older distances.

If a regular insurer issues a policy with an approved "wrap-around" endorsement at the same coastal location, NYPIUA will, on request (with its Repair or Replacement Cost Application Supplement), write its policy on a repair or replacement cost basis instead of actual cash value. NYPIUA's wrap-around page still defines the coastal area with the older distances (one mile on the south shore and forks, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island; 2,500 feet on the north shore, the Bronx and Westchester). 80% co-insurance applies, so insure to the full replacement cost. If the wrap-around policy ends, the NYPIUA policy "will automatically revert to actual cash value." [3][14][15][16][17]

Appeals if you're declined or cancelled

Except for rate issues, you can appeal to NYPIUA's Appeals Committee "within 35 days after any final ruling, decision or action." Use the appeal form that came with your declination or cancellation notice, or send a request with a contact name and phone number for the inspector. Send it to fairplan@nypiua.com, fax (845) 218-3099, or mail NYPIUA Appeals, P.O. Box 45, Buffalo, NY 14240-0045.

Decisions take about 20 business days, longer if an inspection is delayed. You can appeal further "to the Superintendent of Insurance within 30 days" of the committee's decision. [6][18]

Paying, claims and policy changes

- Pay online through Make a Payment (the third-party processor may charge a convenience fee), by phone at (212) 208-9700, or by check payable to NYPIUA, P.O. Box 45, Buffalo, NY 14240-0045. Online payments can take up to 7 business days to show. - Missed a payment? If NYPIUA receives payment on or before the cancellation date, there is no lapse. Within 90 days after a nonpayment cancellation you can reinstate with a lapse; after 90 days you need a new application. - Claims: report a claim through the portal, by phone at (212) 208-9700, by fax to (845) 218-3099 or by email to claimsinfo@nypiua.com. - Changes (name, mortgagee, pay plan, coverages) are made through the portal or in writing; "You cannot make a request to change by telephone." [2][6][19]

Grants for NYPIUA policyholders

NYPIUA's website describes two grant programs for owner-occupants of homes with up to four apartments who have lived there and been insured by NYPIUA for at least three years, with family income below the New York State median:

- Electrical Grant: 50% of costs up to $3,000, or 75% up to $5,000 if family income is $30,000 or less. - Windstorm Damage Mitigation Grant: for coastal homes whose windstorm coverage was excluded for lack of the required inspection. It pays part of the architect or engineer inspection and repairs; the total grant "can not exceed $3,000."

Work done before approval isn't paid, and grants count as taxable income. Both programs were listed on NYPIUA's site as of Oct. 13, 2026; call (212) 208-9700 to confirm they are taking applications. [20]

Rates

NYPIUA bases its rates on loss costs from the Insurance Services Office (ISO). Its posted Dwelling Fire rating factors took effect 09/01/20 for new business and 11/01/20 for renewals. Rate appeals go to the Insurance Services Office, not NYPIUA's Appeals Committee. NYPIUA applies a $50 minimum premium to any Dwelling Fire policy. [6][7][18]

Help

- NYPIUA: (212) 208-9700 or (800) 522-3372, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; fairplan@nypiua.com. - Complaints about an insurer: New York State Department of Financial Services, (800) 342-3736 or the DFS complaint page. - New York's nonrenewal rules and other options: Homeowners Insurance in New York. [2][6][21][22]

Questions people ask