What's the "Washington Fair Plan?"

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Q: My home (or business) insurance has been canceled, and the cancellation notice refers to the Washington Fair Plan. What is that?

A: The Washington Fair Plan was established in 1968 to provide basic property insurance to consumers who could not obtain property insurance in the voluntary, or standard insurance market. Although many years have passed and the home insurance market of today offers many options for home insurance, the Fair Plan still exists and functions under the rules and regulations of our office.

Participation in this program is mandatory for all property insurers in Washington. All companies writing property insurance are members of the Fair Plan. Every insurance agent or broker who is licensed to write property insurance in Washington is required to know about and help consumers if they want the services of the Fair Plan.

The Fair Plan application may only be completed by a licensed insurance agent, and must be signed by the agent and the applicant. Basic fire insurance coverage may be provided for dwelling and commercial risks.

Although you will need to have a licensed insurance agent file an application on your behalf, you may still get coverage information directly from the FAIR Plan.