Our Mission 

Make essential property insurance available to responsible applicants in Oregon when they are unable to secure coverage through the standard insurance markets. 

Coverage 

Coverage offered through the FAIR Plan is basic and is written on the following Insurance Services Office (ISO) forms: 

  • Dwelling – Rented/Owner-Occupied and Seasonal/Secondary: DP-00-01 
  • Farm Dwellings & Appurtenant Structures: FP-00-12 
  • Commercial Building-Standard Property: CP-00-99 

Coverage is provided for “named perils” as follows: 

  • Fire or Lightning
  • When a premium for Extended Coverage (EC) is shown in the declarations page, the following perils will also be covered:
    • Windstorm or Hail 
    • Explosion 
    • Riot or Civil Commotion 
    • Aircraft 
    • Vehicles 
    • Smoke 
    • Volcanic Eruption
    • Vandalism and Malicious Mischief (VMM) is also included if the EC coverage is purchased. EC and VMM are sold as a package and cannot be selected individually. 
    • Claims are settled on an “Actual Cash Value” (ACV) basis 
  • Maximum Coverage Limits: Dwelling: $600,000 
  • Farm: $600,000 
  • Commercial: $1,000,000 

Agent Binding Authority 

Agents do not have binding authority with the Oregon FAIR Plan, either expressed or implied. Remittance of premium by the applicant or the agent does not bind coverage. All applications for insurance must be submitted to the Company un-bound. Upon payment of the required minimum premium, an underwriter will fully review the application for acceptability and will advise the agent the application has been either approved or declined. If accepted, coverage will become effective, at the earliest, one day after a valid payment has been received by the Company. Risks quoted outside of maximum coverage limits will be referred to the underwriter for prior approval. 

Moratoriums 

Coverage cannot be bound, broadened or increased, and deductibles cannot be decreased for new or in-force business if there is a declared or anticipated catastrophe in progress, such as a wildfire or severe weather event. 

Homes Which are Vacant or Otherwise Unoccupied 

The Plan of operations filed with the State of Oregon does not allow any vacant property to be written with the OFPA. This is true for all lines of business offered, including residential, farm and commercial building coverage. If the vacancy is short-term or related to a recent purchase of the property, please contact your underwriter to see if an exception can be made. 

Commercial Manufacturing Exposures 

ORS 735.005(3) permits the Commissioner to exclude insurance on certain types of manufacturing risks from the definition of “essential property insurance”. The following manufacturing risks are therefore excluded from essential property insurance for the purposes of the Oregon FAIR Plan. All references are to Standard Class Codes and Titles as used by the National Insurance Actuarial and Statistical Association. 

  • 200 Dairy 
  • 205 Meat Products Including Stock Yards 
  • 210 Fish Products Including Packing, etc. 
  • 220 Bakeries and Confectionery Products 
  • 225 Food Processing 
  • 230 Sugar Molasses Syrup Refining 
  • 235 Beverages, Soft Drinks and Vinegar 
  • 240 Breweries Including Malt and Yeast 
  • 245 Distilleries 
  • 250 Wineries 
  • 255 Tobacco & Snuff Products 
  • 275 Cotton Gins Including Auxiliary Buildings 
  • 280 Cotton & Wollen Mills, Rope, etc. 
  • 300 Clothing Factories 
  • 305 Millinery & Hat Factories 
  • 310 Cloth Products Not Clothing 
  • 330 Fur Dressing Dyeing, etc. 
  • 340 Tanning & Hide Processing 
  • 345 Patent Leather Manufacturing 
  • 350 Shoe & Slipper Factories 
  • 355 Heavy Leather Products 
  • 360 Light Leather Products 
  • 380 Saw & Planing Mills, etc. 
  • 385 Mill Yards Other 
  • 391 Veneer & Laminated Wood Mills 
  • 395 Wood-working 
  • 400 Cooperage and Cork Production 
  • 405 Broom and Brush Factories 
  • 410 Wood Preserving Plants 
  • 440 Paper & Pulp Manufacturing 
  • 445 Paper Products Including Coating, etc. 
  • 450 Pulp Wood Straw & Waste Paper Yards 
  • 500 Chemical Works, Non-Harardous 
  • 505 Chemical Works Hazardous 
  • 510 Chemical Works Extra Hazardous 
  • 550 Plastic Bone Synthetics Fabricating 
  • 575 Light Rubber Goods Including Synthetics 
  • 580 Heavy Rubber Goods Including Synthetics 
  • 600 Stone Crushing Quarrying, Etc. 
  • 605 Industrial Abrasive & Asbestos Plants 
  • 610 Plaster Products Manufacturing 
  • 621 Mining Other Than Coal 
  • 625 Mining Coal Including Dredge 
  • 651 Glass & Products Manufacturing 
  • 681 Heavy Metalworkers Including Steel 
  • 685 Light Metalworkers 
  • 730 Electric Traction Property 
  • 735 Electric Genrig Station, etc. 
  • 740 Coal, Water, Oil & Gas Plants 
  • 750 Scheduled R & R Property 
  • 785 Laundries Etc. 
  • 800 Oil Refining Mineral & Petroleum 
  • 805 Gasoline Plants Gas & Oil Pumping 
  • 810 Oil Distribution & Tank Wagon Stations 
  • 815 Oil & Gas Well Lease Properties 
  • 820 Non-Mineral Oil Works 
  • 915 Speckled Risks Manufacturing Buildings 
  • 920 Speckled Risks Manufacturing Contents 
  • 925 Speckled Risks Manufacturing Building and Contents 

Named Insured 

  1. The named insured should match the ownership interest of the property to be insured, verifiable by the official titling of the home, farm or commercial building. 
  2. Non-related individuals may be listed as a named insure if they reside at the listed location and have an ownership interest in the home, farm or commercial building. Individuals not residing at the insured location but who have an ownership interest may be listed as an “Additional Insured”. 
  3. Life estates, trusts and other similar interests may be added as an “Additional Insured”. 
  4. In most cases, the LLC may be listed as a named insured if the LLC holds ownership through title of the property to be insured. 

Architectural Characteristics 

Most standard building characteristics are acceptable. Dwellings built using uncommon or difficult to repair construction materials or techniques, including any architectural features which are extraordinarily difficult or impossible to replace should be approved by the underwriter prior to submitting the application.  

Building Codes 

All construction should be completed with proper city and/or county permits and inspections and should meet or exceed all applicable building codes. Deviations or deficiencies may be considered by the underwriter if they do not increase the overall risk to the property. In most cases, deficient electrical systems are not eligible due to the increased risk of fire. 

Remodeling and Renovations 

An application for coverage may be submitted if the remodeling is cosmetic in nature and does not involve structural alterations to the building. Application submissions for homes undergoing extensive renovations may be submitted when work is completed. If otherwise approved by the underwriter, the home must be owner-occupied during the remodeling process. 

Course of Construction (COC) 

COC coverage may be written to cover a one-family residence being constructed for eventual owner-occupancy. Coverage is written on a commercial policy designating the course of construction. Building must be completed within a 12-month time span and COC policies will not be renewed. Once construction is complete and the policyholder has moved into the home, the policy will need to be re-written to a dwelling fire contract, assuming it continues to be ineligible for the standard insurance market. 

  • Vandalism and Malicious Mischief is not covered. 
  • Unscheduled personal property may not be included in coverage until construction is complete and the home is occupied. 

Foundation Requirements 

Most foundation types may be considered for coverage with the FAIR Plan. Unique or non-traditional foundations should be approved by the underwriter prior to submitting the application.

Age of Dwelling 

The FAIR Plan will consider a home of any age. Homes older than 75 years must be structurally sound and be in fair or better condition. 

Historic Homes 

Homes listed on a national or local historic registry may be considered for coverage. It should be noted however that regardless of the historic designation, coverage settlement will be on an “Actual Cash Value” (ACV) basis and may not comply with requirements imposed by the registry. Insureds should therefore check with the authorities of the registry to see what restrictions they may face in the event of a loss to the covered property. 

Mobile Homes 

Manufactured/Mobile Homes of any age will be considered by the OFPA. 

Home Maintenance 

The home must be structurally sound and fit for human habitation. 

  • While the FAIR Plan can accommodate a wide variety of homes, including those in marginal to fair condition, homes with excessive debris, clutter, garbage, junk or evidence of excessive personal property (hording) may be disqualified at the underwriter’s discretion. If the agent suspects the home maintenance to be poor, they should obtain photos which adequately present the risk and check with the underwriter prior to submitting the application. 
  • Property conditions which may hamper the ability of law enforcement, fire fighters and/or emergency medical staff to safely access the property and/or enter the home will not qualify for coverage with the FAIR Plan.
  • Trees must be trimmed back and away from the home and not overhanging the roofline.
    • Prior underwriting approval should be obtained for heavily forested properties and/or where trees are leaning and posing an increased risk of falling. 
    • See additional considerations for homes in wildfire areas below. 
  • The underwriter may ask to see what activities are being conducted in and/or what items are being stored in larger outbuildings. 

Inspections 

In most cases, for newly written policies, the underwriter will order an interior and exterior inspection of the home to be insured. The policyholder is notified by mail of the inspection requirement, and it is up to them to schedule a mutually acceptable time for inspection with the inspection company. If ordered, the inspection is mandatory, and the policy may be cancelled if the inspection is refused or is otherwise not able to be completed. Any deficiencies identified in the inspection may be subject to underwriting action, which could include a “condition surcharge”, coverage modification, and may also include cancellation of the policy. 

The underwriter may also order, at their discretion, a reinspection of the home and property for existing business. If ordered, these inspections are also mandatory, and the policy may be subject to underwriting action if the inspection is refused or cannot otherwise be completed. The inspection must be completed no less than 45 days prior to the policy renewal date. As with a newly written policy, the policyholder will be notified of the inspection requirement by mail, and it is their responsibility to schedule a mutually acceptable time for inspection with the inspection company. Any deficiencies identified in the inspection may be subject to underwriting action, which could include a “condition surcharge”, coverage modification, and may also include cancellation of the policy. 

Electrical Service 

The FAIR Plan will consider all types of electrical service, including Aluminum or Knob and Tube wiring, as well as electrical service on fuses. The electrical system must be in acceptable condition and not show signs of being frayed, worn or otherwise at risk for an electrical fire. Wiring must conform to code, and any improperly installed wiring will be disqualified. The underwriter may ask for an inspection or other indication the wiring is in safe and operable condition. 

Plumbing 

Because “water” is not a covered peril under dwelling, farm or commercial policy, the OFPA has no specific restrictions on the type, condition or age of plumbing within the home.

Heating 

Thermostatically controlled central heating systems provide the best uniform heating throughout the home and are therefore recommended. There is, however, no requirement that the heat be centralized or thermostatically controlled. Generally speaking, most types of heating will be considered, including Cadet heaters, space heaters, baseboard and other similar devices. 

Due to the increased risk of fire, propane, oil, or any other portable heating device which produces a flame are specifically ineligible. 

Wood and pellet stoves should be professionally installed with proper clearance on all sides, with non-combustible surfaces under and around the heating appliance. Fireplaces and stoves should be cleaned annually at a minimum, and more often if the stove has frequent use. 

  • The underwriter may require an inspection to verify proper installation and function of the heating device(s). 
  • Wood-burning appliances in mobile homes must be specifically rated for use in a mobile home. The underwriter may ask for verification the stove is properly rated for and correctly installed in the mobile home. 

Roof and Roofing Components 

The roof must be in good condition with no indication of excessive wear such as missing or curling shingles, granular loss or broken tiles. The roof should be well maintained with little or no debris or moss build-up. Roofs which do not meet these standards should be referred to the underwriter prior to submitting the application. If the remainder of the risk looks okay the underwriters may, at their discretion, offer to issue a policy which does not include the “EC” coverage (eliminates wind). 

Property Protection Class (PPC or PC) Rating 

The OFPA will consider risks in all PPC rating categories. The underwriter may ask for additional information on firefighting capabilities for risks in PC 9 & 10. 

Liability Exposures 

The Dwelling, Farm and Commercial contracts do not offer any liability coverage. Accordingly, the OFPA does not specifically underwrite against liability hazards.  

Loss History 

The OFPA will review five years of prior loss history. Loss types not covered by the FAIR Plan (e.g. theft, water, liability) are generally not considered unless there is an issue of frequency or gross negligence on the part of the insured which may have a direct correlation to increased risk on the OFPA policy. Frequency of loss for covered perils (e.g. fire, wind, smoke) will be considered by the underwriter to see if there is an increased exposure to the OFPA policy. 

State of Oregon regulations require that we accept a prior loss, including fire losses, regardless of the amount paid, UNLESS there is gross negligence on the part of the insured, or other circumstances of the loss would indicate an ongoing increased risk exposure. We will require that the cause of loss has been identified and fully remedied and all damage repaired prior to accepting the policy. 

Earthquake Coverage 

The Oregon FAIR Plan does not provide coverage for earthquakes. A stand-alone earthquake policy may be available from other carriers. 

Wildfire Hazard 

Proximity to elevated concern of wildfire is one of the most frequent reasons for policy non-renewal or declination by standard companies. Exposure to wildfire is not specifically ineligible with the FAIR Plan and we will review each risk independently for eligibility. For consideration of coverage in these wildfire areas, the policyholder must take reasonable steps to help reduce their overall exposure. Accordingly, the information below can help the policyholder learn what action they might be able to take in reducing their risk. 

Perhaps the most significant concern in a wildfire event is the threat of embers produced by the fire which blow through the air, often traveling long distances. Embers are responsible for a significant portion of the spread of fire as they land in fire-prone areas such as dried grasses, bushes, trees, and the house itself. Protecting a home from the spread of fire due to embers can be managed by making sure embers land on non-combustible surfaces rather than surfaces which could easily burn. 

Homeowners in high wildfire areas can help reduce their overall fire exposure through “hardening” of the insured risk. This can be done by paying attention to the type of building materials used in the construction of the home, as well as making sure the property landscaping is groomed to reduce the spread of fire. Reducing risk through construction may include, but is not limited to: 

  • Fire-resistive roofing, such as Architectural Composition Shingles, Tile, cement, or Metal roofing.
    • Wood Shake Shingles should NEVER be used in high wildfire areas and will disqualify a home from coverage with the OFAP. 
    • Roof valleys and gutters should ALWAYS be clear of pine needles, leaves, and other dried vegetative debris. 
  • Fire-resistive siding, such as cement fiber (aka “Hardi-Plank”), brick, rock or stone. 
  • Closed eaves. 
  • Thin mesh screening over all attic vents. 
  • Mesh screening to cover any open areas under a deck. 
  • Double or triple-pane windows. 

Paying close attention to landscaping can also play a huge role in helping to reduce risk of wildfire spread. The following suggestions provide a few ideas of how to manage the property, but is not an exhaustive list: 

  • Use fire-resistant plants, such as succulents or other plantings which are fire-resistant. 
  • Keep bushes, decorative trees, or any other flammable plantings away from the house. 
  • Install a fire-resistive barrier of no less than 5 feet around all buildings and structures. This can be poured cement walkways, crushed rock, gravel, cement pavers, etc. Remember, the biggest threat in a wildfire is the blowing embers. You want to create space that will reduce or eliminate the risk of fire if an ember should land on it. 
  • Create defensible space where it would be difficult for fire to spread. 
  • Eliminate ground fuels, such as grasses, bushes, pine needles and all other dried vegetative debris. 
  • Keep trees trimmed and away from the home. Ideally, trees should be 25 feet or more from the home. Trees in close proximity to the home should be “limbed up” no less than 15 feet from the ground. 

Once again, the above items are just a small example of what can be done to help reduce the exposure to wildfire. Below are three excellent websites which policyholders can access to learn of additional ways to reduce the threat of wildfire. 

“FireWise” is a national site with free training materials and lots of property management tips. It is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The website address is: 

https://www.nfpa.org/Education-and-Research/Wildfire/Firewise-USA

“Wildfire Prepared” is sponsored by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) which is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research organization. ABC Television aired a video produced by this organization which shows the huge benefit of having a 5-foot non-combustible barrier around the house. Check out the video of two similar homes which are exposed to wildfire. One is a “Firewise Home” with a barrier and the other is not. See if you can guess which is which! Their website is: 

https://wildfireprepared.org

“Keeping Oregon Green” is a wildfire resource specific to Oregon. As with the NFPA and IBHS sites, it has many ideas and suggestions on what can be done to reduce wildfire exposure. It will also provide information on historical wildfires which have occurred in Oregon. This is a site agents and policyholders alike may want to visit frequently during fire season as it will keep you informed and up to date on current conditions in the State. The website is: 

https://keeporegongreen.org