Your Type of Property
What If No One Will Insure My Home? FAIR Plans and Surplus Lines
Short answer
Start by finding out why you were declined and whether it can be fixed, such as a roof repair. Then ask an independent agent to check more companies. If standard insurers still decline, state FAIR Plans offer basic coverage in many states, and surplus lines (non-admitted) insurers may cover harder risks. Both are often more expensive and may cover less, so compare terms carefully.
Free Quote by Phone
Declined or nonrenewed? Ask what may be available
Call to request a free quote. A licensed agent can review why the home was declined and which options may be available, including standard, surplus lines or FAIR Plan coverage where applicable.
- Free quote
- Licensed agents
- By phone, no online forms
This line is for new or replacement coverage quotes. For an existing claim, contact your current insurer; in an emergency, call 911 first.
We work with local licensed home insurance agents and connect your call with an agent.
At a glance
- Ask for the reason; fixing a roof or hazard can reopen options.
- Independent agents can check several insurers at once.
- FAIR Plans provide basic coverage; California's covers fire but not liability.
- Surplus lines insurers aren't backed by state guaranty funds in some states, such as California.
On this page
A decline from one insurer isn’t the end of the search. The Texas Department of Insurance notes that each company has its own underwriting rules, and some may limit new policies in certain areas.
Step 1: Learn the reason
Common reasons include roof age or condition, prior claims, vacancy, location-based risk, or an insurer limiting business in an area. In Texas, TDI says companies must give a written statement of the reason for a decline, cancellation or nonrenewal after Jan. 1, 2026. Ask for it wherever you live.
Step 2: Fix what you can
Roof replacement, electrical updates, removing a hazard or documenting completed repairs can make a home eligible again. Ask the agent what would change the decision.
Step 3: Widen the search
TDI suggests independent agents, who can shop several companies for you. Make sure each insurer gets the same accurate information.
Step 4: Residual and specialty markets
| Option | What it is | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| State FAIR Plan | An association of insurers set up to offer basic property coverage for hard-to-place homes | Coverage is basic; California’s FAIR Plan covers fire but not liability or perils such as burglary, so a supplemental policy may be needed |
| Surplus lines (non-admitted) insurer | Insurers not licensed in your state that can cover risks licensed insurers won’t | Usually more expensive; consumer protections differ |
| Standard (admitted) insurer | Licensed by your state insurance department | Usually the first place to look; terms vary by company |
Texas: TDI says you can get Texas FAIR Plan coverage if you can’t find a Texas-licensed company and at least two companies have turned you down. Surplus lines companies are out-of-state companies that must meet state standards; agents must make a good effort to find a Texas-licensed company first. TDI notes FAIR Plan and surplus lines coverage is more expensive.
California: CDI explains the California FAIR Plan offers a basic fire policy without liability coverage and recommends considering a “difference in conditions” policy for supplemental coverage. CDI also notes surplus lines insurers are not backed by the California Insurance Guarantee Association, and points to its Home Insurance Finder for insurers writing in high-risk areas.
Rules on FAIR Plan eligibility, surplus lines and guaranty protection vary by state; ask your state insurance department.
Keep coverage continuous
If a policy is ending, move quickly. A gap can complicate a mortgage and make future quotes harder. See what happens if insurance lapses.
By phone
What happens when you call
A conversation lets the agent ask about your specific home instead of relying on a generic online estimate. There are no online forms to fill out.
Describe your home
Share the address, size, age, construction, and roof or system updates. You do not need every detail to start.
Talk through coverage
Explain what you want covered and ask about limits, deductibles, and exclusions that apply to your property.
Compare and decide
Ask for the written quote terms and compare them before deciding. A call or a quote does not start coverage.
Sources and how this page was checked
Page updatedThis page is general information written from the public sources below. It has not been reviewed by an insurance company, attorney or licensed agent for your situation. Your policy form, endorsements, insurer and state rules decide what is covered.
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance — Home insurance guideRetrieved and reviewed October 14, 2026. Texas consumer guidance; used for general policy concepts, with Texas-specific examples identified rather than generalized.
- California Department of Insurance — Residential Insurance: Homeowners and Renters (Form 401, rev. January 2026)Retrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for Coverage A–F descriptions, special limits on valuables, renters and condo coverage, dwelling limits based on rebuilding cost rather than market value, actual cash value, guaranteed and limited/extended replacement cost, building code upgrade (ordinance or law) coverage, inflation guard, FAIR Plan, surplus lines and binder/quote definitions. California rules (notice periods, broker fees, CA-specific laws) are not generalized nationally.
- Texas Department of Insurance — Was your home insurance canceled or not renewed?Retrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for nonrenewal reasons and next steps. Texas notice periods are not generalized.
- Texas Department of Insurance — How to get insurance for a manufactured homeRetrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for manufactured-home shopping questions and residual-market options; Texas FAIR Plan eligibility is Texas-specific.
- Texas Department of Insurance — Auto and home policy underwritingRetrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for underwriting factors, occupancy limits (vacant, unoccupied, seasonal, short-term rental) and the Texas 60-day post-issue underwriting window, which is labeled as Texas law.
Before you rely on this page
- Read your declarations page, policy form and every endorsement; they control over any summary.
- Ask the insurer or agent to confirm limits, deductibles and exclusions in writing before you buy or cancel coverage.
- For state rules, deadlines or complaints, check your state insurance department directly.