California homeowners facing non-renewal notices or outright denials from traditional insurance carriers often hear the same advice: apply to the California FAIR Plan. While this state-mandated program serves as a crucial safety net for thousands of homeowners unable to secure coverage elsewhere, it comes with significant limitations—fire-only coverage, expensive supplemental policies required for basic protection, and growing concerns about financial stability following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
What many California homeowners don’t realize is that the FAIR Plan isn’t their only option. Surplus lines carriers like Orion 180 Insurance offer comprehensive homeowners coverage specifically designed for properties in wildfire-prone areas that admitted carriers won’t insure. These alternatives provide the full protection of a traditional homeowners policy without the coverage gaps and complexity of coordinating multiple FAIR Plan policies.
Struggling to find comprehensive homeowners insurance in California? Contact Old Harbor Insurance to explore FAIR Plan alternatives like Orion 180 that offer complete protection in a single policy.
Understanding the California FAIR Plan Crisis
FAIR Plan’s Financial Instability After 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires
Following the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the FAIR Plan faced an estimated $4.1 billion in total losses from the Palisades and Eaton fires alone. The program paid out approximately $1.2 billion in claims and was forced to levy a $500 million assessment on private insurers—costs that ultimately flow back to California policyholders through increased premiums across the board. This financial strain has raised legitimate questions about the program’s long-term solvency and ability to handle future catastrophic events.
What the California FAIR Plan Doesn’t Cover
Beyond financial concerns, the FAIR Plan’s coverage structure creates significant gaps that leave many homeowners underinsured. The basic policy covers only fire, lightning, internal explosion, and smoke damage. Homeowners must purchase separate Difference in Conditions (DIC) policies to obtain coverage for:
- Theft and vandalism
- Water damage and flooding
- Liability protection
- Personal property beyond 50% of dwelling coverage
- Additional living expenses
- Other standard homeowners insurance perils
These supplemental DIC policies typically add $800 to $2,000 annually to insurance costs, creating a fragmented coverage approach that requires coordinating with multiple insurers.
True Cost of California FAIR Plan Coverage in 2025
When you combine the FAIR Plan base premium with required DIC coverage, total annual costs frequently reach $5,000 to $6,800 for standard single-family homes—substantially more than comprehensive coverage from traditional carriers cost just a few years ago. The statewide average FAIR Plan premium sits around $2,800 annually, though individual costs vary dramatically based on location and property characteristics.
FAIR Plan Cost Breakdown:
- Base FAIR Plan premium: $1,800 – $6,000+ annually (average $2,800)
- Required DIC policy: $800 – $2,000+ annually
- Total comprehensive coverage: $5,000 – $6,800+ annually
- High-risk properties: Some San Jose homes exceed $21,000/year for FAIR Plan alone
This expensive, fragmented approach to homeowners insurance leaves California families navigating multiple policies, coordinating with different insurers for claims, and often discovering coverage gaps only when disaster strikes. For many homeowners, exploring comprehensive alternatives to the FAIR Plan isn’t just about cost—it’s about obtaining genuine protection and peace of mind.
What is Orion 180 FLEX Home Insurance?
Orion 180 Insurance launched its FLEX Home Insurance product in California in September 2025 to address the state’s coverage crisis. Unlike the California FAIR Plan, Orion 180 specializes in covering higher-risk properties that admitted carriers decline, offering comprehensive all-peril protection rather than basic fire coverage.
FLEX provides dwelling coverage from $400,000 to $3 million, with total insured values reaching $5 million. The company maintains an A rating from Demotech (affirmed December 2025), reflecting strong financial stability.
What distinguishes FLEX is unprecedented customization—homeowners can adjust deductibles, copays, and covered perils based on individual risk tolerance and budget. Orion 180’s proprietary wildfire risk scoring evaluates properties at the individual level rather than broad ZIP code exclusions, rewarding homeowners who invest in defensible space, fire-resistant roofing, and other mitigation measures. The company explicitly commits to covering all California locations with no exclusion zones.
Orion 180 vs California FAIR Plan: Side-by-Side Comparison
Understanding the practical differences between Orion 180 FLEX and California FAIR Plan coverage requires looking beyond marketing language to examine what these policies actually deliver when homeowners need protection most.
| Coverage Feature | Orion 180 FLEX | California FAIR Plan |
| Coverage Type | Comprehensive all-peril homeowners insurance | Fire, lightning, internal explosion, smoke only |
| Additional Policies Required | None—complete protection in single policy | DIC policy required for theft, liability, vandalism, water damage ($800-$2,000+/year) |
| Dwelling Coverage Limit | $400,000 to $3 million (up to $5M total insured value) | Up to $3 million |
| Personal Property Coverage | Standard 70-75% of dwelling coverage | Limited to 50% of dwelling coverage |
| Liability Protection | Included in comprehensive policy | Requires separate DIC policy |
| Other Structures | Standard 10-20% of dwelling coverage | Limited to 10% of dwelling coverage |
| Geographic Availability | All California locations, no exclusion zones | All California locations |
| Policy Customization | Extensive—adjust deductibles, copays, covered perils | Minimal—basic fire coverage with limited add-ons |
| Wildfire-Prone Areas | Available with property-level risk assessment | Available as insurer of last resort |
| Annual Cost | Varies based on customization and property characteristics | $2,800 average base premium, $3,600-$4,800+ with required DIC |
| Financial Backing | Surplus lines carrier with Demotech A rating | Consortium of CA insurers, $4.1B+ exposure from recent fires |
| Claims Process | Single insurer, streamlined through MY180 platform | Potentially two separate claims (FAIR Plan + DIC carrier) |
| Regulatory Status | Non-admitted surplus lines (not CA Guarantee Fund backed) | State-mandated program backed by private insurers |
This comparison reveals the fundamental difference in philosophy between these two approaches. The FAIR Plan provides bare-bones fire coverage designed as temporary last-resort protection, requiring homeowners to cobble together comprehensive coverage from multiple sources. Orion 180 FLEX delivers complete homeowners protection in a single, manageable policy with the flexibility to adjust coverage elements based on individual needs and circumstances.
Who Benefits Most from Orion 180 FLEX?
While Orion 180 FLEX serves as a viable alternative for many California homeowners, certain situations make this surplus lines option particularly advantageous compared to FAIR Plan placement.
Homeowners facing non-renewals or denials represent the primary audience for Orion 180 coverage. If State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, or other traditional insurers have informed you they won’t continue or write your policy due to wildfire risk, Orion 180’s specialized focus on these properties means you can often secure comprehensive coverage without resorting to the limited FAIR Plan option.
Properties with unique characteristics—high replacement values, custom construction, older homes with updated systems, larger acreage, or unconventional features fit naturally into Orion 180’s flexible risk assessment model.
Homeowners who’ve invested in wildfire mitigation measures should particularly consider Orion 180’s approach. The company’s property-level wildfire risk scoring means your defensible space maintenance, Class-A fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, and other home hardening improvements directly influence your eligibility and pricing. Traditional FAIR Plan pricing doesn’t always reflect these risk-reduction efforts as precisely.
Those seeking single-policy convenience will appreciate Orion 180’s all-in-one structure. Coordinating a FAIR Plan policy with a separate DIC policy means dealing with two insurers, two renewal dates, two sets of paperwork, and potentially two separate adjusters if you need to file a claim.
Homeowners who value policy customization find FLEX’s adjustable features appealing. Whether you prefer higher deductibles in exchange for lower premiums, want specific copay structures, or need to balance comprehensive protection with budget constraints, the ability to design your policy around your priorities provides flexibility the FAIR Plan simply doesn’t offer.
Finally, homeowners concerned about the California FAIR Plan’s financial stability following recent catastrophic wildfire losses may find greater confidence in a privately capitalized, A-rated surplus lines carrier specifically designed to handle catastrophic wildfire risks.
Why Choose an Independent Insurance Broker Over a Captive Agent?
Independent Brokers Offer Access to Multiple Insurance Carriers
Independent insurance brokerages like Old Harbor Insurance represent dozens of insurance carriers simultaneously, while captive agents can only offer policies from a single company. In California’s restricted insurance market, this difference proves crucial:
- When one carrier declines: Immediate access to alternatives from admitted carriers, surplus lines specialists, and regional insurers
- No starting over: Continue your application across multiple carriers without restarting the search process
- Market flexibility: Options from carriers you’ve never heard of and can’t access directly
Your Advocate, Not the Insurance Company’s Sales Representative
Independent brokers work for you, not an insurance company. Old Harbor is compensated by carriers regardless of which one you choose, eliminating pressure to push a specific company’s products. Our success depends on finding the right coverage for your situation, not meeting corporate sales quotas or maintaining relationships with a single parent company.
Protect Your California Home With Comprehensive Coverage
Surplus lines alternatives like Orion 180 FLEX demonstrate that comprehensive homeowners coverage remains available even in California’s most challenging insurance markets. With customizable all-peril policies, no geographic exclusion zones, property-level risk assessment, and single-policy convenience, these alternatives address many of the limitations and frustrations homeowners experience with fragmented FAIR Plan coverage.
Old Harbor Insurance’s independent agency model and deep expertise in California’s evolving insurance landscape position us to help homeowners explore every available option—admitted carriers, surplus lines specialists, and strategic coverage combinations—to find solutions that genuinely protect your future. We’re committed to education, transparency, and comprehensive service that treats your insurance needs as the serious financial planning consideration they are.
If you’ve been told the FAIR Plan is your only choice, or if you’re currently struggling with expensive, limited FAIR Plan coverage combined with DIC policies, it’s worth exploring what else might be available. Your California home deserves comprehensive protection, and more options exist than many homeowners realize.
Contact Old Harbor Insurance today at (951) 297-9740 to discuss Orion 180 and other comprehensive alternatives to California’s FAIR Plan. Your future, protected—that’s our promise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orion 180 Insurance
Is Orion 180 insurance legitimate and financially stable?
Yes, Orion 180 Insurance operates as a legitimate surplus lines carrier authorized to provide coverage in California under the state’s surplus lines laws. The company received an A rating affirmation from Demotech in December 2025, indicating strong financial stability and ability to pay claims.
Surplus lines carriers are specifically designed to insure higher-risk properties that admitted carriers won’t cover, and they’re regulated under California’s surplus lines framework administered by the Surplus Line Association of California. The key difference is that surplus lines carriers aren’t backed by the California Insurance Guarantee Association, which protects policyholders if admitted carriers become insolvent.
This trade-off—greater flexibility and availability in exchange for different consumer protections—is standard in the surplus lines market. According to the Insurance Information Institute, no non-admitted carrier has become insolvent in California, and these carriers are generally described as sound and stable, playing an increasingly important role in the state’s insurance marketplace.
How much does Orion 180 FLEX cost compared to the FAIR Plan?
Orion 180 FLEX pricing varies significantly based on property characteristics, location, selected coverage limits, chosen deductibles and copays, and wildfire mitigation measures. This customization makes direct cost comparisons challenging without specific property details.
The California FAIR Plan’s statewide average base premium sits around $2,800 annually, though individual premiums range from as low as $1,800 to over $6,000 for standard homes, with some high-risk properties facing premiums exceeding $21,000 per year. Critically, this base premium covers only fire-related perils.
Homeowners must purchase separate Difference in Conditions (DIC) policies adding $800 to $2,000 or more annually to obtain coverage for theft, liability, vandalism, and water damage. Combined, comprehensive FAIR Plan protection typically costs $3,600 to $4,800 at minimum, and often substantially more.
Orion 180 FLEX provides comprehensive all-peril coverage in a single policy, and many homeowners find the total cost competitive with or favorable to FAIR Plan combinations once they account for the complete protection included. Properties with strong wildfire mitigation measures may qualify for discounts that further improve value.
Can I get Orion 180 if admitted carriers have denied me?
Yes, this is precisely the scenario Orion 180 and other surplus lines carriers address. Surplus lines insurance exists specifically to cover properties that admitted market carriers decline due to elevated risk profiles.
If State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, or other traditional homeowners insurance companies have non-renewed your policy or denied your application due to wildfire risk, location in a high-risk zone, or property characteristics, surplus lines carriers like Orion 180 provide alternative options.
Eligibility for Orion 180 FLEX depends on factors including your home’s location, roof age and type, property condition, maintenance standards, and wildfire mitigation measures. Properties with deferred maintenance, extremely old roofs in poor condition, or other significant risk factors may face challenges even in the surplus lines market.
Working with an independent insurance broker like Old Harbor Insurance who maintains surplus lines licensing and relationships with multiple carriers provides the best access to these alternative markets and increases your likelihood of securing comprehensive coverage.
What does “surplus lines” or “non-admitted” insurance mean?
Surplus lines insurance, also called non-admitted or excess and surplus coverage, refers to policies issued by insurance companies that aren’t licensed by the California Department of Insurance in the traditional sense but are still legal and authorized to provide coverage in the state.
These carriers operate under California’s surplus lines laws, which specifically allow them to insure risks that admitted market carriers won’t cover. The “non-admitted” designation doesn’t mean these companies are unregulated or unreliable—they’re regulated by their home state insurance departments and must meet California’s surplus lines requirements.
The key difference is flexibility: surplus lines carriers can design policies, set rates, and make underwriting decisions without obtaining advance approval from California insurance regulators, allowing them to respond more quickly to market conditions and cover unique or higher-risk properties.
The trade-off is that surplus lines policies aren’t backed by the California Insurance Guarantee Association, which steps in to pay claims if admitted carriers become insolvent. However, surplus lines carriers are still required to maintain financial stability and claims-paying ability, and independent rating agencies like AM Best and Demotech evaluate their financial strength just as they do for admitted carriers.
Do I need a DIC policy with Orion 180 FLEX?
No, one of Orion 180 FLEX’s primary advantages over the California FAIR Plan is that it provides comprehensive all-peril homeowners insurance in a single policy, eliminating the need for a separate Difference in Conditions policy.
Standard Orion 180 FLEX coverage includes protection for dwelling damage from fire, theft, vandalism, water damage, wind, hail, and other covered perils, plus personal property coverage, other structures coverage, loss of use coverage if your home becomes uninhabitable, and liability protection.
This all-in-one structure means you work with one insurance company, manage one policy, pay one premium, and file claims with one insurer—dramatically simplifying the homeowners insurance experience.
By contrast, California FAIR Plan policyholders must coordinate between their FAIR Plan fire coverage and their separate DIC carrier’s policy covering everything else, managing multiple renewal dates, potentially dealing with two different adjusters for a single loss event, and navigating the complexity of determining which policy covers which portion of a claim. Eliminating this fragmentation represents a significant practical advantage beyond just coverage completeness.
How do I apply for Orion 180 through Old Harbor Insurance?
Obtaining Orion 180 FLEX coverage through Old Harbor Insurance begins with contacting our team for a comprehensive property evaluation and insurance needs assessment. You can reach us by calling our Temecula office at (951) 297-9740, visiting us in person at 43015 Blackdeer Loop, Suite 201, Temecula, CA 92590, or submitting a request through our website’s contact page.
During the initial consultation, we gather detailed information about your property including address, construction type, square footage, roof age and material, recent updates or improvements, wildfire mitigation measures you’ve implemented, and your coverage needs and budget parameters.
As an independent agency with surplus lines licensing, we simultaneously explore multiple carrier options—not just Orion 180 but other surplus lines alternatives, any remaining admitted market possibilities, and strategic coverage combinations. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re seeing all viable options.
If Orion 180 appears suitable, we handle the formal application process including property documentation, any required photos or inspections, and coordination with Orion 180’s underwriting team. Typical timelines from application to policy issuance vary based on property complexity and documentation requirements, but our team works to secure coverage as efficiently as possible while ensuring complete accuracy.
What wildfire mitigation measures help with Orion 180 rates and eligibility?
Orion 180’s property-level wildfire risk scoring means specific mitigation measures directly influence both your eligibility for coverage and your premium rates. Maintaining defensible space around your home represents one of the most impactful factors—clearing vegetation, removing dead plants and tree limbs, creating fire breaks, and following California’s defensible space guidelines for zones extending 100 feet or more from structures.
Roof material and condition significantly affect wildfire risk assessments, with Class-A fire-resistant roofing materials like composition shingle, tile, metal, or slate receiving favorable consideration compared to wood shake or other combustible materials. Installing ember-resistant vents prevents wind-blown embers from entering attic spaces and igniting structures from within, addressing one of the primary ways homes catch fire during wildfires.
Using fire-resistant building materials for siding, decking, and other exterior surfaces reduces ignition risk. Fire-resistant landscaping choices—favoring low-flammability plants, maintaining irrigation, using hardscape elements like gravel or stone—create additional protection layers.
Upgrading to dual-pane windows, installing spark arrestors on chimneys, and eliminating combustible materials stored near the home all contribute to lower wildfire risk profiles. Documenting these improvements through photos and detailed descriptions strengthens your application and helps maximize available discounts from Orion 180’s wildfire mitigation credit programs.
Can I switch from the FAIR Plan to Orion 180 mid-policy?
Yes, California homeowners can transition from FAIR Plan coverage to Orion 180 FLEX or other comprehensive alternatives before their current policy expires. However, strategic timing makes a significant difference in managing costs and maintaining continuous coverage without gaps.
If you’re currently on a FAIR Plan policy with a separate DIC policy, coordinate the transition carefully to avoid overlapping premiums or uninsured periods. Working with an experienced independent broker like Old Harbor Insurance ensures proper timing—we evaluate your current FAIR Plan renewal date, calculate whether mid-term cancellation and prorated refunds make financial sense versus waiting for natural expiration, and structure new Orion 180 coverage to begin exactly when FAIR Plan coverage ends.
Most homeowners find that planning the transition around annual renewal dates provides the cleanest approach, but circumstances like significant property improvements, frustration with FAIR Plan limitations, or availability of substantially better coverage options might justify earlier moves.
The key is conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing your total current insurance expense against projected Orion 180 costs while factoring in coverage improvements, and then executing the switch with attention to documentation, cancellation procedures, and seamless coverage transfer.