Missouri FAIR Plan: what it covers, what it costs, who qualifies

Does Missouri have a FAIR Plan?

Yes. Missouri's FAIR Plan is the Missouri Property Insurance Placement Facility (Missouri FAIR Plan), official site missourifairplan.com ↗. It exists as the insurer of last resort for property owners who can't get coverage in the standard ("admitted") market.

What does it cover?

Fire, lightning, wind, hail, explosion, riot, civil commotion, aircraft, vehicle, smoke, volcanic eruption, vandalism, and malicious mischief. Optional theft endorsement available ($25,000 limit) on dwelling policies that also carry contents coverage with extended coverage and vandalism/malicious mischief. Sinkhole loss coverage available as a standalone policy for dwellings. NOT covered: liability, earthquake, flood, backup of sewers or sumps.

How much will it cover?

The current cap on a single dwelling policy is $200,000 (dwelling building + contents combined). Commercial: $1,000,000 (building + contents combined). Optional theft endorsement: $25,000. Note: Missouri SB 1031 (2024 session) proposed raising residential limit to $300,000 and commercial to $3,000,000 — verify enactment status, as plan's current website still shows $200,000. (Missouri FAIR Plan — Coverages page, verified 2026-05-11).

Who is eligible?

Available to property owners unable to obtain basic property insurance through the standard admitted market. Property must meet minimum underwriting standards: no severe disrepair or significant unrepaired damage, satisfactory loss history, safe heating systems and electrical wiring, good housekeeping, no characteristics violating law or public policy. Vacant dwellings may be considered if satisfactorily maintained and monitored with functioning utilities and current property taxes. Foreclosed properties generally ineligible. No published fixed numeric declination count.

How do you apply?

Through any licensed Missouri insurance agent or broker. Agents can establish a FAIR Plan account quickly. Referrals available by calling (314) 421-0170. Electronic applications submitted via DocuSign for active agents.

Need a broker who writes the MO FAIR Plan? →

How much does it cost?

Generally more expensive than the standard market for narrower coverage (no liability). A last resort, not a price-competition alternative. Sinkhole coverage (relevant for Missouri's karst geology) may make the FAIR Plan the only option for some Ozarks-region properties.

What is changing right now?

Per III FY2024 reporting: approximately 2,125 policies in force, total exposure approximately $198 million. Financial results now reported on a calendar-year basis starting 2022 (quarterly income statements and balance sheets published). DocuSign electronic submission introduced for agents. Missouri SB 1031 (2024 session) proposed raising residential dwelling cap from $200,000 to $300,000 and commercial from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 — verify current enactment status. Commercial rates listed as 'tentative' as of 2025-2026.

Do you also need a wrap (DIC) policy?

typical — the Missouri FAIR Plan excludes liability. Applicants needing liability protection must obtain a separate liability policy from the standard market or E&S carrier. No formal DIC/wrap product marketed by name in Missouri.

What to do this week if you just got a non-renewal notice

1. Read the notice fully. Note the cancellation date — that's your runway.
2. Call your current agent and ask why. Some non-renewals are reversible (a minor issue, a missed inspection); most aren't.
3. Get quotes from at least three other admitted carriers before going to the FAIR Plan. If you're rural / WUI / coastal you may strike out; that's normal.
4. If admitted carriers decline, contact a broker who writes the Missouri Property Insurance Placement Facility (Missouri FAIR Plan). They can submit on your behalf the same week.
5. Don't let coverage lapse. A lapse triggers force-placed insurance from your lender — much more expensive and worse coverage.

For the full playbook see I just got a non-renewal notice →