Key Takeaways

  • The Iowa FAIR Plan is a last-resort facility for property owners unable to find coverage in the voluntary market
  • FAIR Plan policies provide basic coverage for fire, lightning, wind, and hail but less coverage than voluntary market policies
  • Applicants must have received rejection, non-renewal, or cancellation within the past 6 months to qualify
  • Only licensed Iowa insurance agents can submit applications to the Iowa FAIR Plan
  • The FAIR Plan covers one to four-family dwellings including single-family mobile homes in Iowa
Last updated: January 2026

Iowa FAIR Plan Association

Overview

The Iowa FAIR Plan Association (FAIR = Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) is an unincorporated mandatory risk-sharing facility established by state law to provide basic property insurance to those unable to obtain coverage in the voluntary market.

Key Characteristics

Last Resort Market

  • Should be considered a last resort when seeking property insurance
  • Provides basic coverage with less protection than voluntary market policies
  • All licensed insurers in Iowa share in the plan's losses

Coverage Provided

Coverage TypeDescription
FireDirect fire damage to property
LightningLightning strike damage
WindWind damage including tornado
HailHailstorm damage

Note: Coverage is more limited than standard HO-3 policies

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Iowa FAIR Plan coverage:

  1. Recent Market Rejection: Must have received a notice of rejection, non-renewal, or cancellation from an insurer within the past 6 months
  2. Property Type: One to four-family dwellings, including single-family mobile homes
  3. Location: Property must be located in Iowa
  4. Agent Submission: Applications must be submitted by a licensed Iowa insurance agent

Application Process

Before applying to the FAIR Plan, the Association recommends:

  1. Contact your agent - Ask if actions can be taken to keep current coverage (e.g., replacing old roof, cleaning debris)
  2. Shop the voluntary market - Have your agent apply to voluntary market insurers first
  3. Apply through an agent - Only licensed Iowa agents can submit FAIR Plan applications

Contact Information

  • Address: 2700 Westown Pkwy Ste 415, West Des Moines, IA 50266
  • Phone: 515-255-9531
  • Hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday-Friday

Exam Tip: The Iowa FAIR Plan is a last-resort market. Agents are required by state law to assist property owners with obtaining FAIR Plan coverage when requested, but should first attempt to find coverage in the voluntary market.

Test Your Knowledge

What is the eligibility requirement regarding prior market rejection for the Iowa FAIR Plan?

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Test Your Knowledge

Who can submit applications to the Iowa FAIR Plan Association?

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Test Your Knowledge

Which perils does the Iowa FAIR Plan cover?

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