Can I get home insurance for a house in a Very High fire hazard zone?

Often, but expect fewer choices and a higher price. Some insurers are expanding in wildfire areas under the state's new rules; if none will write the home, the FAIR Plan plus a companion policy is the backup.

When should I get home insurance quotes when buying a house?

Before you make an offer if you can, and always before your contingencies are removed. Get a written quote, with the roof type and age disclosed, so there are no surprises before closing.

Can I take over the seller's home insurance?

Usually not. Policies belong to the owner who buys them. Ask the seller who insures the home and what they pay, and whether it was ever non-renewed; it tells you a lot about what you'll face.

Buying a home in a California fire zone: the insurance checklist

Updated October 26, 2026 · From the California Department of Insurance, the California FAIR Plan Association and other public records · Our data

Insurance is now a common reason California home purchases stall. About 291 of California's 1,719 ZIP codes are mostly in a CAL FIRE Very High fire hazard zone. If the house you want is in a fire zone, check insurability before you offer, and get a written quote before your contingencies come off.

Before you make an offer

Check the exact address. Fire zones change street by street. A free home report shows the CAL FIRE fire hazard zone and FEMA flood zone at the house, who's writing in the ZIP code and what the FAIR Plan costs there.
Ask the seller who insures the home now, what they pay, whether it's on the FAIR Plan, and whether it was ever non-renewed. Ask for the declarations page.
Ask about the house: the roof's material and age, ember-resistant vents, defensible space, and any Wildfire Prepared Home certificate. These often decide yes or no.

Before contingencies come off

Get a written quote, with the roof type and age disclosed, not just a verbal "should be fine."
Price the backup too: the FAIR Plan plus a companion policy, so you know the worst case.
Ask your lender what coverage it requires. A home inside a FEMA high-risk flood zone also needs flood insurance.
Bind before closing. Your lender needs proof of insurance to fund the loan.

Can I take over the seller's policy?

Usually not: a policy belongs to the owner who bought it. But the seller's insurer is a good first call, since it already knows the house.

Which areas are hardest?

The highest shares of homes on the FAIR Plan are in mountain and foothill communities: Cedarpines Park, Silverado, Topanga, Crestline, Twin Peaks, Lake Arrowhead. See the 100 hardest ZIP codes or your county.

For agents

Insureability Pro checks any address before an offer, alerts you the day insurers or rates change in the ZIP codes you work, and gives clients a report with your name that stays current. See Pro.

Common questions

Can I get home insurance for a house in a Very High fire hazard zone?: Often, but expect fewer choices and a higher price. Some insurers are expanding in wildfire areas under the state's new rules; if none will write the home, the FAIR Plan plus a companion policy is the backup.
When should I get home insurance quotes when buying a house?: Before you make an offer if you can, and always before your contingencies are removed. Get a written quote, with the roof type and age disclosed, so there are no surprises before closing.
Can I take over the seller's home insurance?: Usually not. Policies belong to the owner who buys them. Ask the seller who insures the home and what they pay, and whether it was ever non-renewed; it tells you a lot about what you'll face.

Check a specific home. Type any California address for its fire and flood zones, who's writing there and what to do next: free home report. Questions? Ask Shirley.

More guides

Who's still writing home insurance in California (October 2026)Which big insurers are taking new customers, which are closed, and who's about to reopen.
California FAIR Plan (October 2026): what it covers, what it costs, how to get off itThe state's insurer of last resort, in plain English, with current costs by area.
Why California home insurance went up, and how to lower yoursWhat's driving premiums, the rate increases the state approved, and what actually lowers the price.
Safer from Wildfires: the discounts California insurers must giveThe home-hardening steps every insurer must credit, and the FAIR Plan's own list.

Insureability is not an insurance company, agency or broker and doesn't recommend insurers. This guide is general information from public records, not insurance or legal advice; your policy and the Department of Insurance are the authority.