The Washington FAIR Plan, explained
What Washington's insurer of last resort covers, who qualifies, and how to use it as a bridge instead of a destination.
By the TMRW Team · Published September 2, 2026
The short answer
- The Washington FAIR Plan (Washington FAIR Plan Association) is Washington's insurer of last resort — basic property coverage for homes the regular market won't take.
- Like most FAIR plans, it covers fewer kinds of damage than a normal policy and usually costs more — treat it as a bridge while you work back to a regular insurer.
- Check the alternatives below before settling in; many homeowners qualify for the regular market again sooner than they expect.
Quick facts
| Official name | Washington FAIR Plan (Washington FAIR Plan Association) |
| Website | wafairplan.com |
| Consumer phone | 425-745-9808 (toll-free 866-745-9808) |
| Established | 1968 |
| Maximum home coverage | $1.5 million (maximum total insurance at any one location, per the plan's Customers page) |
| Covers | Fire and lightning — the core coverage every policy includes, Optional "extended coverage" add-ons: windstorm, hail, explosion, riot or civil commotion, damage from vehicles, smoke, and volcanic action, Optional vandalism and malicious mischief coverage, Basic coverage for personal belongings is available, including for renters, NOT covered: theft, liability (your legal responsibility if someone is hurt on your property), most water-related losses, and flood, Policies pay "actual cash value" — the depreciated worth of what you lost — not the cost to rebuild or replace new; replacement cost coverage is not available |
Verified against the official plan site and state insurance department — see Sources.
Who qualifies
You must have difficulty getting a policy in the standard insurance market — the plan is a last resort and you cannot choose it over a regular insurer. Washington does not publish a required number of declinations; the plan tells applicants to contact multiple insurance companies first. The property must be in Washington State; policies are available anywhere in the state. The property must be occupied and reasonably maintained — underwriting looks at construction, heating, wiring, evidence of previous fires, and general deterioration. Vacant buildings are generally not eligible (limited exception for homes under repair or rehabilitation, subject to underwriting review and inspection). Not eligible: automobiles, farm risks, and manufacturing risks. Renters can apply for basic personal-property coverage (theft and liability are not available).
How to apply
- 1.
Shop the standard market first
Contact several insurance companies or agents before turning to the FAIR Plan — it is a last resort, and you cannot pick it over a standard insurer. The OIC website has a lookup tool for licensed agents and companies in Washington.
- 2.
Apply through a licensed agent — there is no online or direct purchase
The FAIR Plan does not sell directly to consumers. Choose any Washington-licensed property insurance agent (none is assigned to you); your agent completes, signs, and submits the application. The plan may inspect the property.
- 3.
Pay the full annual premium up front
The full year's premium must be paid before a new policy is issued — there are no payment plans or financing. Accepted: agency or mortgagee checks, certified checks, and credit or debit cards.
- 4.
Keep re-shopping while you have the policy
The plan itself says the standard market typically offers broader coverage at better prices. You can cancel the FAIR Plan policy at any time and get a prorated refund once a regular insurer will cover you.
What it costs
The plan's own FAQ states: "In most situations, insurance coverage with the FAIR Plan is more expensive" than the standard market — and it covers less (no theft, no liability, most water losses excluded).
Premiums are set using rates from the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau based on the property's condition, location, coverage amount, and deductible. The plan publishes no premium tables or sample prices, so no dollar cost figures could be verified.
Choosing a higher deductible reduces the premium (per the plan's FAQ).
The full annual premium is due before the policy is issued; there is no financing.
Coverage pays actual cash value only — after a loss you receive the depreciated value, not rebuilding cost, which can mean significant out-of-pocket expense on top of the premium.
The plan is a joint reinsurance association funded by member insurers (every property insurer licensed in Washington must belong); it receives no taxpayer or state funding.
Alternatives in Washington
Keep shopping the standard market — the OIC reminds consumers they always have the right to shop around after a cancellation or non-renewal, and its website has a lookup tool for licensed agents and companies in Washington. Work with an independent Washington-licensed agent who can quote multiple insurers — the same agent can later move you back to the standard market, which the FAIR Plan itself says typically offers broader coverage at more competitive prices. Treat the FAIR Plan as temporary: re-evaluate options with your agent regularly, and cancel for a prorated refund the moment a standard insurer will take the risk. For vehicles (not homes), Washington's separate last-resort market is the Washington State Automobile Insurance Plan, 800-227-4659 (per the OIC).
Wherever you land, most FAIR-type policies leave gaps a second policy has to fill — see the gap (DIC) policy, explained.
Common questions
TMRW is an independent wildfire-mitigation company. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the California FAIR Plan Association or any state FAIR Plan, wind pool, or insurance program.
This page is educational. TMRW is not an insurance agent, broker, or producer, and nothing here is insurance advice, a coverage recommendation, or an offer of insurance. Talk to a licensed agent or broker about your coverage.
Sources
- Washington FAIR Plan — official site (mission, year established, contact) — Washington FAIR Plan Association, accessed 2026-09-02
- Washington FAIR Plan — Customers page ($1,500,000 maximum, perils list, actual cash value, agent-only application) — Washington FAIR Plan Association, accessed 2026-09-02
- Washington FAIR Plan — FAQ (last-resort rule, exclusions, cost statement, payment terms, cancellation) — Washington FAIR Plan Association, accessed 2026-09-02
- Wildfires and homeowner insurance (FAIR plan phone, right to shop around, agent lookup tool) — Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, accessed 2026-09-02
- Wildfires and insurance — disaster preparedness (FAIR plan referral, auto plan alternative) — Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, accessed 2026-09-02
Keep reading
FAIR Plans: insurance of last resort, explained
FAIR Plans are state-organized insurers of last resort — expensive, fire-focused, and thinner than they look. What they are, what they cost, and how homeowners get back to regular insurance.
The gap policy: Difference in Conditions (DIC) insurance, explained
A DIC policy is the gap-filler that turns bare-bones FAIR Plan coverage back into something like normal home insurance. What it covers, what it costs, and how to buy one.
The California FAIR Plan, explained
What the California FAIR Plan is, what it really costs with the second policy you'll need, what happens if it runs out of money — and how homeowners get back to real insurance.