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Washington FAIR Plan
Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 13, 2026
The Washington FAIR Plan is the state's property insurer of last resort. It sells basic fire coverage, paid at actual cash value up to $1,500,000 per location, to Washington property owners and renters who have trouble getting a policy elsewhere, through any licensed property agent. This site is not the Washington FAIR Plan and is not affiliated with it; use the official links above to apply, pay or report a claim. [1][2]
At a glance
On this page
What it is
The Washington FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan was set up in 1968 to provide basic property insurance to people who can't get it in the standard market. Every company licensed to write property insurance in Washington must be a member, and the plan works as a joint reinsurance association of those companies.
It runs under the rules in WAC chapter 284-19 and is supervised by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), but it is not a state agency and gets no taxpayer money.
This site is an independent guide. We are not the FAIR Plan, can't sell or change a policy, and are not affiliated with the plan or the OIC. [1][7]
Who is eligible
- Anyone who owns residential or commercial property in Washington can apply for coverage on the building and, if they want, their belongings. Renters can apply for coverage on their belongings. - The home must be occupied and reasonably maintained. Vacant buildings generally can't be covered, though the plan may consider a home being repaired under a construction contract to make it livable. - Farm and manufacturing risks are not eligible. - The property must meet reasonable underwriting standards: its physical condition (construction, heating, wiring, past fires, deterioration) and its use and housekeeping (vacancy, overcrowding, stored rubbish or flammable materials).
Do you have to be turned down first? The plan calls itself a "last resort" and encourages you to try the standard market first. But the state rule says the plan "shall not require that the applicant demonstrates that he or she is unable to obtain insurance in the normal market." It may ask your agent what effort was made to find regular coverage.
Wildfire areas: The same rule says "Neighborhood or area location or any environmental hazard beyond the control of the property owner is not an acceptable criterion for declining a risk." The plan lists people who "live in a wildfire area or on an island and can't find insurance" among its typical customers. [1][2][3][7]
What it covers and what it doesn't
| Peril | Included? |
|---|---|
| Fire and lightning | Yes, on every policy |
| Extended coverage: windstorm, hail, explosion, riot or civil commotion, vehicle damage, smoke, volcanic action | Optional |
| Vandalism and malicious mischief | Optional |
| Theft | No |
| Liability | No |
| Most water-related losses | No |
| Fair rental value (loss of rent) | No |
- Policies pay actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation). Replacement cost coverage is not available. If you are replacing a homeowners policy written at replacement cost, the plan suggests you and your agent reconsider the amount of coverage. - The most the plan will write at one location is $1,500,000. Under the state rule, the plan tries to place any amount above that elsewhere. - A range of deductibles is offered; a higher deductible lowers the premium. - Rates are set by the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau. The plan says that in most situations its coverage costs more than a standard policy. [1][2][5][7]
How to apply
1. Find an agent. The plan has no appointed agents. Any Washington-licensed property insurance agent can help, and every such agent must help you apply if you ask. You can also call the plan with questions. 2. Fill out the application. Homes, condo units and rentals up to four units use the Dwelling Property application (WFP 100), on the plan's applications page. Both you and the agent must sign it. The plan accepts scanned applications by email or by mail. 3. Inspection. The plan orders an inspection, which is free under the state rule. It covers the inside and outside of the building, so you or your representative must be there with a key. 4. Decision. Within three business days after it gets the inspection report, the plan must tell you the property is acceptable, acceptable once listed improvements are made and reinspected, or not acceptable, with the reasons. 5. Pay. Coverage starts only after the plan accepts the property and receives the full annual premium. Agents can't bind coverage.
Because all of this takes time, the plan advises sending the application well before you need coverage so you don't end up with a gap. [1][5][7]
If you're turned down
You can appeal a denial, cancellation or nonrenewal to the plan's governing committee, in writing, saying how you feel wronged. You may ask to appear in person. The committee must decide in writing within 15 business days, unless both sides agree to a delay. You can appeal the committee's decision to the Insurance Commissioner.
Once you have a policy, the plan may cancel or nonrenew it only for a reason that would have made the property unacceptable in the first place, for nonpayment, or with the governing committee's approval. The notice must give the reason and tell you about your right to appeal. [7]
Paying, claims and canceling
- Payment: No payment plans or premium financing. You pay the full annual premium for a new policy and again at each renewal, by agency check, mortgage-company check, certified or cashier's check by mail, or credit/debit card on the plan's payments page. Personal checks are not accepted. - Mail: Washington FAIR Plan, 2122 164th St. SW, Suite 301, Lynnwood, WA 98087. - Renewals: Policies run one year. Renewal notices go out about 45 days before renewal to you, your agent and your mortgage company. - Claims: Contact your agent or the plan right away at (425) 745-9808 or (866) 745-9808, and take reasonable steps to protect the property from more damage if it is safe. - Canceling: You can cancel at any time with proper notice; the refund is prorated. [1][4][5][6]
Getting back to the regular market
The plan recommends that you check your insurance options often while you are on the FAIR Plan, because broader coverage at more competitive prices is normally available in the standard market. Your agent can shop for you. Our Washington homeowners insurance page covers notice rules and wildfire score issues that may affect your options. [1]
Help
- Washington FAIR Plan: (425) 745-9808, toll-free (866) 745-9808, wafairplan@wafairplan.com. - Office of the Insurance Commissioner consumer help line: (800) 562-6900, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, or file a complaint. [6][8]
Questions people ask
Do I need two denials to get the Washington FAIR Plan?
No rule we found requires a set number of denials. The state rule says the plan may not require you to prove you can't get regular insurance, though it may ask your agent what effort was made. The plan still describes itself as a last resort and encourages you to shop the standard market first. [1][2][7]
Can the Washington FAIR Plan turn me down because I live in a wildfire area?
The state rule says neighborhood or area location, or an environmental hazard beyond the owner's control, is not an acceptable reason to decline. The plan can decline for the property's own condition or use, such as wiring, deterioration or stored flammable materials. [7]
Does the Washington FAIR Plan cover liability or theft?
No. It covers fire and lightning, with optional windstorm, hail, smoke and other extended perils and vandalism. Liability, theft and most water losses are not covered. [1][2]
Sources (8)
- FAQ, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Customers, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- WA FAIR Plan: Property Insurance in Washington, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Payments, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Applications, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Claims, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- WAC chapter 284-19: Washington essential property insurance inspection and placement program, Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Complaints, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.