Most residential policies cover fire. When one does not, California makes sure the buyer knows it in writing. Section 10103.6(a) requires a signed acknowledgment that the new policy does not cover the peril of fire, obtained on or before issuance or, failing that, within 60 days of issuance.

Section 10103.6(b) also requires a prominent statement on the declarations page, plus information on the California FAIR Plan and the California Home Insurance Finder. Having the exclusion in the policy wording is not enough.

When an insurer nonrenews a residential property policy, Section 678(e) requires a notice describing the Department of Insurance's online California Home Insurance Finder and the California FAIR Plan, the insurer of last resort. It also suggests a Difference in Conditions policy to supplement a FAIR Plan policy. The aim is to point the homeowner toward other sources of coverage, not to supply quotes.