A Guide to Switching from FAIR Plan to Private Coverage

Feeling powerless after a non-renewal notice is common, but getting stuck on the FAIR Plan doesn’t have to be your final chapter. You have more control over your insurability than you might think. By taking proactive steps to make your home more resilient—like creating defensible space and upgrading to fire-resistant materials—you can significantly improve your home’s profile. These aren't just chores; they are strategic moves that make your property attractive to private carriers who offer superior coverage. This guide will show you exactly which improvements matter most and how to present them effectively. We’ll walk you through the entire process of switching from FAIR plan to private coverage, putting you back in the driver's seat.

Key Takeaways

• View the FAIR Plan as a Stepping Stone, Not a Destination: It’s a last-resort safety net with major gaps in coverage, like no liability or theft protection. Your goal should be to move to a comprehensive private policy that fully protects your home and finances.
• Take Control by Improving Your Home's Resilience: Making your home more attractive to private insurers is within your power. Focus on high-impact upgrades like creating defensible space, using fire-resistant materials, and installing ember-proof vents to significantly lower your risk and improve your eligibility.
• Plan Your Switch to Avoid Costly Gaps: Start your search for a private policy 60-90 days before your renewal. Work with an independent agent to compare comprehensive coverage options—not just the price—and never cancel your FAIR Plan until your new policy is officially in place.

What Is the California FAIR Plan?

If you’re a homeowner in California, you might have heard whispers—or even received a dreaded non-renewal notice—mentioning the California FAIR Plan. It’s become a household name for many, but not always for the right reasons. So, what exactly is it, and why are so many homeowners turning to it? Understanding the FAIR Plan is the first step toward finding a better, more comprehensive solution for protecting your home.

Defining the FAIR Plan

Think of the California FAIR Plan as the insurer of last resort. It’s a state-mandated program designed to be a safety net for homeowners who can't find coverage in the traditional insurance market, especially in areas with high wildfire risk. While it provides a crucial service, it's important to see it as a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. A basic FAIR Plan policy is just that—basic. It typically covers damage from fire, lightning, smoke, and internal explosions. What it doesn't cover is a long list of common risks, including theft, vandalism, water damage from a burst pipe, or liability if someone is injured on your property.

Why Homeowners End Up on the FAIR Plan

So, how do responsible homeowners end up with a last-resort policy? It’s usually not by choice. As wildfire risk has intensified, many standard insurance companies have started pulling back from high-risk areas in California, leaving countless homeowners with non-renewal notices and very few private insurance options. When you can't get a policy from a traditional carrier, the FAIR Plan often becomes the only available path to insure your home and satisfy your mortgage lender's requirements. Unfortunately, this often means paying a higher price for much less coverage, which is a frustrating position for any homeowner to be in.

What Are the FAIR Plan's Limitations?

While the California FAIR Plan serves as a critical safety net, it was never designed to be a permanent or complete insurance solution. It’s often called the “insurer of last resort” for a reason. The name itself—Fair Access to Insurance Requirements—highlights its purpose: to provide basic access to fire coverage when you can’t find it anywhere else. However, relying on it long-term can leave you with surprising and costly vulnerabilities. For many California homeowners, ending up on the FAIR Plan feels like a necessary but frustrating step, especially when other options seem out of reach.

Understanding the FAIR Plan’s specific limitations is the first step toward finding a better, more secure way to protect your home and finances. The main drawbacks fall into three categories: major gaps in what’s actually covered, a high price tag for such minimal protection, and the need to purchase a second policy just to get coverage that’s considered standard elsewhere. These issues combined are why so many homeowners actively seek to move from the FAIR Plan to a private policy as soon as they can. Let's break down exactly what these limitations mean for you.

Gaps in Coverage

The most significant limitation of the FAIR Plan is its very narrow scope of coverage. It’s essentially a fire-only policy, providing protection against damage from fire, lightning, smoke, and internal explosions. But your home is vulnerable to so much more. The FAIR Plan does not cover many common risks, including theft, vandalism, or water damage from a burst pipe. Most importantly, it completely omits personal liability coverage. This means if a guest slips and falls on your property, you have no protection from a potential lawsuit. These are all standard features in a typical homeowners policy, and their absence leaves you financially exposed.

Higher Costs for Basic Protection

You might think that a policy with fewer coverages would come with a lower price tag, but that’s rarely the case with the FAIR Plan. Because it’s designed specifically for high-risk properties that private insurers have declined to cover, the premiums are priced to reflect that elevated risk. As a result, you often pay higher premiums for a bare-bones policy that only protects against a few specific perils. You’re essentially paying a premium price for a stripped-down product. This is why finding a more comprehensive and cost-effective plan in the private market should always be the goal for California homeowners.

The Need for a Separate DIC Policy

To fill the significant gaps left by the FAIR Plan, you must purchase a second, separate policy known as a “Difference-in-Conditions” (DIC) policy. This is often called a “wrap-around” policy because it’s designed to wrap around the basic FAIR Plan, adding coverage for risks like theft, water damage, and liability. This two-policy solution means you’re managing two sets of paperwork, paying two separate premiums, and potentially dealing with two different companies if you need to file a claim. This system can be complicated and expensive, which is why finding a single, comprehensive private insurance policy is a much simpler and more streamlined approach.

Why Switch to a Private Insurance Policy?

If you’re on the California FAIR Plan, you already know it’s a critical resource when other options seem out of reach. It provides a vital safety net, ensuring your home has at least basic fire protection. But the FAIR Plan was never meant to be a permanent home for your insurance. Think of it as a temporary bridge—one that gets you over a rough patch, but isn't the final destination.

Making the switch to a private insurance policy is about moving from basic protection to comprehensive coverage. It’s about securing a policy designed to fully protect your home, your belongings, and your financial well-being in the long run. While the process takes some effort, the peace of mind and superior protection are well worth it.

Gain Comprehensive Protection

The FAIR Plan is often called the "insurer of last resort" for a reason. It offers a named-peril policy that primarily covers damage from fire, lightning, and internal explosions. That’s it. A standard private homeowners policy, on the other hand, is designed to be your all-in-one solution.

Most private policies are comprehensive, covering a wide range of potential disasters. This includes everything from a tree falling on your roof during a storm to damage from the weight of snow and ice. A private policy provides a much broader shield against the unexpected, giving you a single, reliable source of protection instead of a patchwork of limited coverages. It’s the difference between having a basic fire extinguisher and a full home security system.

Better Coverage for Your Belongings

One of the biggest limitations of the FAIR Plan is what it doesn't cover. A basic FAIR Plan policy will not protect you from common risks like theft, vandalism, or water damage from a burst pipe. More importantly, it offers no personal liability coverage. If a guest slips and injures themselves on your property, you would be personally responsible for their medical bills and any legal fees without that protection.

To fill these major gaps, you have to buy a separate Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy from a private insurer. A standard private homeowners policy bundles all of this together. It protects your house (the dwelling), your personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing), and your personal liability, all under one roof. This integrated approach ensures you aren’t left with surprise coverage gaps when you need help the most.

Find Potential Savings and Flexibility

Let’s be honest: finding affordable insurance in a high-risk area is tough, and a private policy isn't always cheaper than the FAIR Plan. However, when you add the cost of a separate DIC policy to your FAIR Plan premium, the total price can often be higher than a single, comprehensive private policy. Switching allows you to consolidate your costs and often get more value for your money.

Private insurance also offers more flexibility. You can work with an agent to customize your coverage limits, choose deductibles that fit your budget, and explore discounts for things like home security systems or bundling your auto insurance. To find the best fit, it’s a good idea to start looking for a new policy 60 to 90 days before your FAIR Plan is set to renew. This gives you enough time to compare your options without feeling rushed.

How to Assess Your Home's Insurability

Before a private insurer will offer you a policy, they need to understand the level of risk your home presents. Think of it like a home inspection, but for insurance. They’re looking at specific features of your property and its surroundings to predict the likelihood of a future claim, especially one related to wildfires. Understanding what they look for is the first step toward making your home more attractive to carriers.

The good news is that many of the key factors are within your control. While you can’t change your home’s location, you can make meaningful improvements to its structure and immediate surroundings that significantly lower its risk profile. By proactively assessing your home through the eyes of an underwriter, you can identify areas for improvement, make strategic upgrades, and build a stronger case for why a private carrier should cover you. This process puts you in the driver's seat, allowing you to move from a passive policyholder to an active participant in protecting your home.

Evaluate Your Wildfire Risk

The first thing an insurer will look at is your property's location and its associated wildfire hazard score. This score is determined by factors like vegetation, weather patterns, and the slope of your land. If you’re on the FAIR Plan, it’s almost certain you’re in an area with a high score. While you can't change your location, knowing your specific risk level helps you understand the challenge ahead. You can get a general sense of your area's risk by looking at resources like CAL FIRE's hazard maps. Understanding this baseline is crucial because it frames every other mitigation effort you make.

Inspect Your Roof and Building Materials

Your home’s construction materials play a huge role in its ability to withstand a wildfire. Embers can travel for miles and are a primary cause of homes catching fire. Your roof is the most vulnerable surface, so insurers want to see Class A fire-rated materials like asphalt shingles, metal, or tile. They’ll also inspect your home’s exterior siding, favoring non-combustible options like stucco, fiber cement, and brick over wood. Don’t forget about attachments like decks and fences—insurers prefer to see these built with fire-resistant materials like composite or metal to prevent fire from spreading directly to your house.

Review Defensible Space Requirements

Defensible space is a buffer you create between your home and the surrounding grass, trees, and wildland. This space is designed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protect your home from catching fire. California law requires homeowners in high-risk areas to maintain this space. Insurers will look for a clean and clear zone extending at least 30 feet from your foundation. This means removing all dead plants, dry leaves, and weeds. It also involves trimming trees to keep branches at least 10 feet from other trees and clearing any branches overhanging your roof. A well-maintained defensible space is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate that you are actively managing your wildfire risk.

Home Improvements That Help You Qualify

If you’re feeling stuck on the FAIR Plan, making strategic home improvements is one of the most powerful ways to regain control and make your property more attractive to private insurers. Think of it as a resume for your house—you’re highlighting its strengths and showing that you’re a responsible homeowner who actively manages risk. Insurance carriers want to see that you’ve taken concrete steps to protect your home from potential disasters, especially wildfires.

These upgrades aren’t just about checking a box on an application. They are tangible, effective measures that genuinely reduce your home’s vulnerability. By investing in fire-resistant features, you’re not only improving your chances of qualifying for a comprehensive private policy but also creating a safer environment for you and your family. It’s a win-win that can lead to better coverage, more peace of mind, and potentially lower long-term costs. Many insurers recognize these efforts and may offer better terms or even discounts for mitigation once you qualify. Let’s walk through some of the most impactful improvements you can make to show carriers you’re a partner in protection.

Create Defensible Space

One of the first things an insurer will look at is the area immediately surrounding your home. Creating defensible space means clearing a buffer zone that can slow or even stop a wildfire from reaching your house. This involves removing dead plants, dry leaves, and weeds within at least 30 feet of your foundation. It’s also important to trim tree branches so they don’t hang over your roof. In many parts of California, maintaining this space isn’t just a good idea—it’s the law. Following official guidelines from CAL FIRE shows carriers you’re serious about proactive fire prevention.

Install Fire-Resistant Materials

The materials your home is built with play a huge role in its ability to withstand a fire. If you have an older home with wood siding, upgrading to fire-resistant options can make a massive difference in your insurability. Materials like stucco, fiber cement, brick, and stone are far less likely to ignite when exposed to heat or embers. Don’t forget about other structures on your property, either. Replacing a wooden deck or fence with composite or metal alternatives can also significantly reduce your home’s overall risk.

Upgrade to Ember-Resistant Vents

During a wildfire, tiny, wind-blown embers are a primary cause of home ignition. These fiery particles can travel over a mile and easily enter your home through standard vents, setting your attic or foundation on fire from the inside. Installing ember-resistant vents is a critical upgrade that addresses this specific threat. These vents are designed with a fine mesh or a baffle system that blocks embers while still allowing for proper airflow. It’s a relatively small project that offers a major layer of protection, signaling to insurers that you understand and have addressed one of the most common wildfire vulnerabilities.

How to Find and Compare Private Insurance

Finding a private insurance policy after being on the FAIR Plan can feel like a huge task, especially when you’ve been told "no" before. But the market is always changing, and carriers are constantly re-evaluating risk. The key is to be strategic and persistent. It’s not just about finding any policy; it’s about finding the right one that offers comprehensive protection at a fair price. This means knowing where to look, who to talk to, and what questions to ask.

Think of this as a fresh start. You’ve likely made home improvements and created defensible space, making your property a much more attractive risk for private insurers. Now, it's time to present your home in the best possible light. Your search for private coverage is about more than just saving money—it's about securing peace of mind with a policy that covers things the FAIR Plan doesn't, like liability and theft. By taking a methodical approach, you can move from a last-resort plan to a first-rate policy that truly protects your home and family. The following steps will give you a clear roadmap for your search, helping you compare your options with confidence and find a carrier that recognizes the effort you've put into making your home safer.

Work with an Independent Agent

You don’t have to go through this process alone. Working with an experienced, independent insurance agent is one of the most effective ways to find coverage. Unlike captive agents who work for a single company, independent agents have access to multiple carriers. They know which companies are actively writing policies in your area and can match you with the best fit for your specific situation. An independent agent acts as your advocate, helping you present your home’s risk-reduction measures to underwriters and shopping the market on your behalf. This inside knowledge is invaluable, especially in a challenging market where carrier availability can change quickly.

Use Online Comparison Tools

While an agent provides personalized expertise, online tools can give you a great head start. These platforms allow you to see an up-to-date list of insurance companies that may be writing policies in your specific ZIP code. Think of them as a research tool to get a sense of the landscape and identify potential carriers to discuss with your agent. While they won’t replace the nuanced advice of a professional, they can help you feel more informed and prepared for the conversation. Using these tools can quickly show you that you have more options than you might have thought, providing a much-needed dose of optimism in your search.

Compare Coverage Details, Not Just Price

It’s tempting to grab the policy with the lowest price tag, but that can be a costly mistake. When you’re moving off the FAIR Plan, the goal is to get better, more complete protection. Don't just pick the cheapest option. Instead, look for a comprehensive policy that covers the full cost to rebuild your home, protects your personal belongings, and includes essential coverages like liability, theft, and water damage. A slightly higher premium for a policy that won’t leave you underinsured after a disaster is a smart investment. Carefully review what each quote includes and excludes to ensure you’re making a true apples-to-apples comparison of value, not just cost.

Understand Your Deductibles and Discounts

Your policy’s cost is determined by more than just the coverage limits. Two key factors to consider are your deductible and available discounts. A lower monthly payment (premium) often means you'll pay more out-of-pocket (deductible) if you file a claim, so it’s important to choose a deductible you can comfortably afford. At the same time, be sure to ask about every possible discount. Carriers often offer price breaks for things like installing a home security system, having a newer roof, being claim-free for several years, or even bundling your home and auto policies. Proactively asking about these potential savings can make a significant difference in your final premium.

Common Myths About Leaving the FAIR Plan

When you're trying to move off the FAIR Plan, it can feel like you're sorting through a mountain of conflicting advice. It’s a stressful situation, and misinformation only makes it harder to find a path forward. Let's clear up a few common misconceptions that might be holding you back from finding better, more comprehensive coverage for your home. Understanding the reality behind these myths is the first step toward making an informed decision and securing the protection your family deserves. By separating fact from fiction, you can approach your insurance search with confidence and clarity.

Myth: The FAIR Plan Is a Permanent Solution

It’s easy to start thinking of the FAIR Plan as a permanent fix, especially when other options seem out of reach. But it was never designed to be a long-term home for your insurance. The California FAIR Plan is officially the "insurer of last resort," created to be a temporary safety net for homeowners who can't find coverage in the traditional market. Its purpose is to provide basic fire protection while you take steps to improve your home's insurability and find a private carrier. Viewing it as a stepping stone, rather than a final destination, is the best way to approach your situation and work toward securing a more complete policy.

Myth: Private Insurance Is Always More Expensive

The fear that private insurance will break the bank is completely understandable, but it isn't always the case. When you look at your FAIR Plan bill, you're likely only seeing part of the picture. To get coverage for things like liability or theft, you need a separate "Difference in Conditions" (DIC) or wrap-around policy. When you add the cost of the basic FAIR Plan and the DIC policy together, the total premium can often be comparable to—or even higher than—a single, comprehensive policy from a private insurer. The key is to compare quotes from different carriers to see the full financial picture before assuming the FAIR Plan is your most affordable option.

Myth: All Policies Offer the Same Coverage

This is one of the most critical myths to bust. A standard FAIR Plan policy is extremely limited, typically only covering damage from fire, lightning, and smoke. That leaves major gaps in your protection. Common events like a burst pipe, a tree falling on your roof, theft, or someone getting injured on your property are not covered by the basic plan. To protect yourself from these risks, you need that additional wrap-around policy we mentioned. A private homeowners policy bundles all of this protection—property damage, personal liability, and more—into one straightforward package, giving you peace of mind that you’re truly covered.

How to Prepare for Your Switch

Switching from the FAIR Plan to a private policy is a significant step toward better protection, but a smooth transition requires a bit of planning. Getting organized ahead of time will save you headaches and help you present your home in the best possible light to potential insurers. By taking a few deliberate steps, you can confidently navigate the process and find the right coverage for your home and budget. Think of it as preparing for a big project—the more you do upfront, the better the outcome. Let's walk through the simple but crucial steps to get you ready for the switch.

Start Your Search 60-90 Days in Advance

Timing is everything. We recommend you start looking for a new private policy 60 to 90 days before your FAIR Plan is set to renew. This might seem early, but it gives you a comfortable buffer to explore your options without feeling rushed. You’ll have plenty of time to compare insurance quotes, ask questions, and complete any home improvements that could improve your eligibility. Rushing the process can lead to choosing a policy that isn’t the right fit or, worse, facing a gap in coverage. Give yourself the gift of time to make a confident and informed decision for your home.

Gather Your Essential Documents

To make the quoting process as efficient as possible, get your paperwork in order before you start reaching out to agents. Having your documents ready shows insurers you’re a prepared and responsible homeowner. You’ll want to gather your current FAIR Plan policy documents, including your declarations page, and any other policies you have, like a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy. You should also have key property information handy, such as your home's square footage, the year it was built, and details on any recent upgrades. Creating a home inventory is also incredibly helpful.

Keep Your FAIR Plan During the Transition

This is the most important rule of switching: Do not cancel your FAIR Plan policy until your new private policy is officially active. Think of your FAIR Plan as a safety net while you search. A lapse in coverage, even for a single day, leaves your home completely unprotected and can cause major issues with your mortgage lender. Once you’ve been approved for a new policy, confirm the exact start date. Only after you have the new policy in hand and it has taken effect should you contact the FAIR Plan to cancel your old coverage. This ensures a seamless transition without putting your greatest asset at risk.

Challenges You Might Face When Switching

Making the switch from the FAIR Plan to a private policy is a fantastic goal, but it’s smart to go in with your eyes open. The insurance market in California can be tricky, especially in high-risk areas. Knowing the potential hurdles ahead of time helps you prepare a solid game plan and gives you the best shot at finding the comprehensive coverage your home deserves. Let's walk through a few of the common challenges you might encounter.

Fewer Carriers in High-Risk Areas

It’s no secret that finding an insurer willing to write policies in wildfire-prone regions has gotten tougher. In recent years, several major insurance companies have limited new policies or even pulled out of certain California markets entirely. This is largely due to the increased risk of wildfires and state regulations that affect how they price their policies. This shrinking pool of options means you’ll have to be more strategic in your search, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. New, specialized insurers are entering the market, and working with an agent who understands the current insurance landscape is key.

Stricter Underwriting Standards

With fewer carriers in the market, the ones that remain have become much more selective. They use a process called underwriting to evaluate the specific risk your home presents before they agree to insure it. This means they’ll look very closely at factors like your home’s exact location, its construction materials, and the surrounding vegetation. This is why taking proactive steps to improve your home’s resilience is so important. Things like creating defensible space and installing fire-resistant vents aren't just for safety—they directly impact an underwriter's decision and can make the difference between a denial and an approval.

Market and Timing Considerations

Timing is everything when you’re looking to leave the FAIR Plan. You don’t want to wait until the last minute. A good rule of thumb is to start your search for a new private policy about 60 to 90 days before your current FAIR Plan policy is set to renew. This window gives you enough time to research your options, get quotes, and make any necessary home improvements without feeling rushed. It also helps ensure you can secure your new policy before the old one expires, preventing any dangerous gaps in your coverage. Even with perfect timing, the process can take a while, so patience and persistence are your best friends here.

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan to Switch

Making the move from the FAIR Plan to a private insurance policy can feel like a big project, but it’s entirely manageable when you break it down. Think of it less as a leap of faith and more as a series of deliberate, well-planned steps. This action plan will walk you through the process, ensuring you find the right coverage without leaving your home vulnerable. With a clear strategy, you can transition smoothly and confidently, securing the comprehensive protection your home deserves.

Secure New Coverage Before Canceling

The most important rule when switching insurance is to have your new policy locked in before you even think about canceling your old one. Start looking for a new private policy about 60 to 90 days before your FAIR Plan is set to renew. This timeframe gives you a comfortable buffer to compare options, get quotes from different carriers, and make any necessary home improvements without the pressure of a looming deadline. This proactive approach puts you in control, allowing you to find a policy that truly fits your needs rather than just grabbing the first available option.

Coordinate Policy Dates to Avoid Gaps

This is a step you absolutely cannot skip: Do not cancel your FAIR Plan policy until your new private policy is officially active. A lapse in coverage, even for a single day, leaves your home completely unprotected and can create major issues with your mortgage lender. Coordinate with your new insurance agent to set the start date of your private policy for the same day your FAIR Plan policy ends. This seamless transition ensures there is never a moment when your most valuable asset is uninsured. Once the new policy is in effect, you can then proceed with canceling the FAIR Plan.

Review Your New Policy in Detail

When you get a new quote, it’s tempting to just look at the price tag, but the cheapest option isn't always the best one. Take the time to review the policy documents carefully. A quality policy should offer comprehensive protection that covers the full cost to rebuild your home, protects your personal belongings, and includes liability coverage. Look closely at the types of coverage included, understand your deductibles, and ask about available discounts. A slightly more expensive policy that offers robust protection is a much better investment than a bare-bones plan that leaves you underinsured.

Related Articles

• Your Guide to Private Homeowners Insurance in California
• What is FAIR Plan Insurance in California?
• California FAIR Plan Insurance | 2025 Guide
• Why Is Homeowners Insurance Hard to Get in California?
• Your Step-by-Step Guide to a FAIR Plan Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FAIR Plan plus a "wrap-around" policy the same as private insurance? Not quite. While combining the FAIR Plan with a Difference-in-Conditions (DIC) or "wrap-around" policy is designed to fill the major coverage gaps, it isn't a perfect substitute for a single, comprehensive homeowners policy. With two separate policies, you have two premiums to pay, two sets of paperwork to manage, and potentially two different companies to deal with during a claim. A private policy integrates all your coverage—for your structure, belongings, and liability—into one streamlined plan, which is much simpler to manage.

If I make all the recommended home improvements, am I guaranteed to get a private policy? Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. However, making strategic improvements like creating defensible space and upgrading to fire-resistant materials dramatically improves your chances. Think of it as building the strongest possible case for your home. Insurers want to partner with homeowners who actively manage their risk, and these actions are the best way to demonstrate that you're a responsible partner in protecting your property. It's the most effective step you can take to make your home attractive to private carriers.

What's the single biggest risk of staying on the FAIR Plan long-term? The most significant risk is the complete lack of personal liability coverage in a basic FAIR Plan policy. This means if a guest, a delivery person, or even a neighbor is injured on your property, you are personally responsible for their medical bills and any potential legal action. A lawsuit could put your savings and other assets at risk. A standard private homeowners policy includes this essential protection, shielding your finances from that kind of devastating event.

How long does it actually take to switch from the FAIR Plan? You should plan on the process taking between 60 and 90 days from start to finish. This gives you enough time to work with an agent, gather multiple quotes, and allow for the insurance company's underwriting process, which can take several weeks on its own. Starting your search well before your FAIR Plan renewal date ensures you won't have to rush into a decision or risk a dangerous gap in your coverage.

Will I get a refund if I cancel my FAIR Plan policy after I find new coverage? Yes, you should receive a refund for the unused portion of your premium. When you cancel a policy mid-term, the insurer will calculate how much of the premium you haven't used and send it back to you. This is known as a pro-rated refund. It’s a standard practice, so you don’t have to worry about losing the money you’ve already paid once your new, better policy is officially in place.