California FAIR Plan Home Hardening Discounts for Wildfire Preparedness Services Are Critical Before Winter Winds

• Why wildfire mitigation now impacts insurance
• What the California FAIR Plan is—and isn’t
• Property-level home hardening discounts
• Structure protections discount (10%)
• Immediate surroundings discount (up to 5%)
• Firewise USA community discount (10%)
• What homeowners should know about eligibility
• Frequently asked questions
• Related articles and next steps
• References

Why Wildfire Mitigation Now Impacts Insurance

Wildfire risk continues to rise across California. Insurance carriers are exiting high-risk zones or increasing premiums—especially on the wildfire portion of a policy.

The California FAIR Plan now offers premium discounts to homeowners who proactively reduce risk through mitigation. These Home Hardening Discounts reward measures like Class-A roofing, ember-resistant vents, and defensible space.

These are essential for both affordability and resilience.

What the California FAIR Plan Is—and Isn’t

The California FAIR Plan is not a government agency. It’s a private insurance pool created to offer basic property coverage when homeowners cannot find insurance on the traditional market.

Key facts:

• It offers fire coverage when standard carriers decline
• It does not include liability or theft by default
• It is often more expensive and less flexible
• It serves as a temporary solution, not a long-term plan

Homeowners are encouraged to improve their mitigation profile to eventually re-enter the voluntary market.

Property-Level Home Hardening Discounts

The FAIR Plan offers two core home hardening discounts:

1. Structure Protections Discount (10%)
2. Immediate Surroundings Discount (up to 5%)

When combined, these can reduce the wildfire portion of your premium by approximately 14.5%.

These categories align with the state’s Safer from Wildfires framework and will also help prepare you for future building code changes.

Structure Protections Discount (10%)

To earn the 10% structure protection discount, a property must meet all of the following:

• Class-A Fire Rated Roof
• Noncombustible Wall Base (minimum 6″)
• Ember- and Fire-Resistant Vents
• Fire-Resistant Windows (dual-pane or shutters)
• Enclosed Eaves

These measures protect your home from radiant heat and ember intrusion.

Immediate Surroundings Discount (Up to 5%)

This discount is tied to vegetation management and defensible space. To qualify, the following must be verified:

• Clear debris and vegetation from under decks
• Remove combustibles within 30 feet of the structure
• Maintain defensible space per PRC 4291
• Ensure a Zone Zero buffer — the first 5 feet around the home must be clear of flammable materials

This aligns with AB 3074, which will soon require Zone Zero compliance during property inspections and sales.

Firewise USA Community Discount (10%)

If your home is in a recognized Firewise USA community, you may be eligible for an additional 10% discount on the wildfire portion of your premium.

Firewise is a national wildfire preparedness initiative. This discount stacks with the others but applies only to the wildfire risk segment of your policy.

What Homeowners Should Know About Eligibility

• These discounts are based on the Safer from Wildfires framework
• Documentation is required (photos, invoices, materials list)
• Submit through your broker or FAIR Plan representative
• Discounts are not retroactive—they begin once approved
• Discounts apply only to the wildfire portion of your premium
• Zone Zero compliance will soon become enforceable under AB 3074

Ember Pro helps clients document mitigation efforts to meet FAIR Plan standards and submit them properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as the Safer from Wildfires program?
Yes. The FAIR Plan discounts directly reflect the Safer from Wildfires recommendations.

What is Zone Zero, and how does it affect eligibility?
Zone Zero is the first 5 feet around the home, which must be free of flammable materials. This is a requirement for the surroundings discount and is soon to be enforced statewide (AB 3074).

How do I submit proof to the FAIR Plan?
Proof includes photos, contractor certifications, and invoices. Submit through your broker or directly to the FAIR Plan. Ember Pro provides everything you need.

When will I see the discount applied?
Typically at your next policy renewal after approval. The discount is not retroactive.

Will these upgrades help me get better coverage later?
Yes. Private insurers look favorably on properties that meet hardening standards. These improvements can position you to exit the FAIR Plan in the future.

Related Articles and Next Steps

• Fire Protection Systems for Wildfire Home Defense
• What You Need to Know About AB 3074 and Zone Zero Wildfire Compliance
• Why Wildfire Retardant Systems Work Better Than Water
• Best Wildfire Alert App for California Homeowners
• The Hidden Costs of California FAIR Plan Wildfire Coverage

References

• California Department of Insurance – Safer from Wildfires
• NFPA – Firewise USA Program
• California FAIR Plan Association
• Ember Pro internal case studies (2022–2025)

Wind season is coming. Is your property ready?

Looking to lower your wildfire insurance premium while hardening your home?
Schedule a risk consultation with Ember Pro. Our team will help you complete the right upgrades, document them for submission, and position your home for long-term protection and savings