San Diego homeowners are facing yet another insurance change, and it’s one that will put a significant squeeze on your budget if you’re insured by a California FAIR Plan policy.
Effective October 15, 2026, the California FAIR Plan will implement an average statewide premium increase of 29.1% for new and renewing policies. For many homeowners, the FAIR Plan has become the only available option after traditional carriers reduced coverage or withdrew from certain areas. This increase highlights the importance of reviewing your insurance options before renewal, and it’s something McNeilly Insurance can help you navigate.
What are the factors that affect insurance pricing?
One factor influencing availability and pricing is the way insurance carriers evaluate wildfire risk. Many companies use property-specific risk models, including Fire Line scores, which may consider vegetation, slope, terrain, brush clearance, road access, and the distance from emergency resources. If this is affecting your current policy, you may be eligible with another carrier.
These evaluations are especially important for properties near canyon areas, open space, or heavy vegetation. However, homeowners may have more choices than they realize. We are seeing an increasing number of monoline carriers—companies that specialize in a particular type of coverage—entering the California market. Their underwriting guidelines and risk appetites may differ from those of larger, traditional carriers, creating potential alternatives to a FAIR Plan-only policy.
How McNeilly Insurance can simplify a difficult process
While McNeilly Insurance is a new Farmers agency in Clairemont, we are very experienced in the insurance business. We can help you understand and simplify the process of determining what coverage is best for the unique needs of homes in Bay Park, Clairemont, Linda Vista, Kearny Mesa, and Serra Mesa. You’re not just a client with us, you’re also our neighbor.
Ultimately, the goal of McNeilly Insurance is to become your trusted local resource for years to come. And the beauty of working with a Farmers agency is that we also contract with 15-20 other residential carriers who specialize in residential and landlord properties.
If Farmers cannot insure you, then we will find someone who will! We are committed to helping homeowners understand their risk profile, compare available markets, and pursue coverage that fits their needs.
If your premium is increasing or your policy is difficult to renew, now is a good time to review your options with a licensed insurance professional. Availability, eligibility, and pricing vary by property and carrier.
McNeilly Insurance: Where Trust Meets Protection!
