Living in Fairfield means you're part of Solano County's largest city, home to Travis Air Force Base, and situated in a unique corner of the Bay Area where housing costs are more reasonable but insurance challenges are very real. Whether you're a military family stationed at Travis, a longtime resident, or someone drawn here by the relatively affordable median home price of $585,000, understanding your home insurance options isn't just smart—it's necessary.
Here's what makes Fairfield different: you're in earthquake country with the Hayward and San Andreas faults nearby, you face moderate wildfire exposure that's increasing with climate change, and you're navigating a California insurance market that's been in upheaval. Let's break down what you actually need to know.
Understanding Fairfield's Risk Profile
The first thing to understand about home insurance in Fairfield is that your standard policy doesn't cover everything you might assume it does. California sits on some of the most seismically active land in the country, and Fairfield is no exception. You're in moderate-to-high earthquake territory, which means ground shaking is a matter of when, not if.
Standard homeowners insurance explicitly excludes earthquake damage. If a quake cracks your foundation, topples your chimney, or damages your home's structure, you're paying out of pocket unless you have separate earthquake coverage through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) or a private carrier. Given that repair costs can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars, this isn't coverage you want to skip.
Then there's wildfire risk. Fairfield isn't in the highest-danger wildfire zones like foothill communities, but that doesn't mean you're immune. About 90% of Solano County properties face wildfire risk over the next 30 years. Seasonal dry conditions, nearby grasslands, and the reality of California's fire seasons mean your policy needs solid coverage for fire damage—and you need to understand what triggers that coverage.
What Home Insurance Actually Costs Here
California home insurance costs have been climbing steadily, and Fairfield residents aren't immune to the trend. While exact 2025-2026 rates vary significantly by carrier, home age, coverage level, and individual risk factors, you're generally looking at anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 or more annually for a standard policy. That's before adding earthquake coverage, which can add another $800 to $2,000 depending on your home's construction, age, and the deductible you choose.
Why so much variation? Insurers are getting pickier about what they'll cover in California. Several major carriers have reduced their exposure or stopped writing new policies altogether due to wildfire losses and regulatory constraints. This means fewer options, higher premiums, and the need to shop around aggressively. If you're buying a home in Fairfield, expect insurance shopping to take longer than it used to—and budget accordingly.
One insider tip: don't just compare premium prices. Look at the coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. A policy that's $300 cheaper might leave you underinsured when it matters most. Pay special attention to replacement cost coverage—the amount your insurer will pay to rebuild your home from scratch. With construction costs fluctuating, you want enough coverage to actually rebuild, not just collect a check that falls short.
Special Considerations for Military Families
Travis Air Force Base is a massive presence in Fairfield, and military families face unique insurance situations. If you're living in on-base privatized housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, your housing provider typically carries the property insurance, but you'll still need renters insurance for your personal belongings and liability coverage. Don't assume the base housing insurance covers your stuff—it doesn't.
If you're buying a home off-base in Fairfield, Suisun City, or Vacaville, you're dealing with the same insurance market as civilian homeowners, but with added complexity. Military families move frequently, which means you need a policy that's easy to transfer or cancel without penalty. Some insurers offer military-specific discounts or flexible terms—USAA is the obvious name that comes up, but don't assume they're always the cheapest or best option. Compare at least three quotes.
One thing military buyers sometimes overlook: if you're purchasing a home and know you'll PCS out in a few years, you might rent it out. Make sure your policy allows for rental property or can be converted to a landlord policy. Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover rental situations, and you don't want to find that out after you've already moved and have tenants in place.
How to Actually Get Coverage in a Tough Market
California's insurance market is in flux, and Fairfield residents need to be strategic. Start shopping for insurance as soon as you're serious about buying a home—not a week before closing. Some buyers have been shocked to find that traditional carriers won't write a policy for their specific address or home type.
If you're struggling to find coverage through standard carriers, the California FAIR Plan exists as a last-resort option. It provides basic fire coverage, though it's typically more expensive and offers less comprehensive protection than traditional policies. You'll often need to pair FAIR Plan coverage with a separate policy for additional perils like theft, liability, and water damage.
Here's a practical approach: get quotes from at least three carriers or work with an independent agent who represents multiple insurers. Ask specifically about discounts for things like home security systems, fire-resistant roofing, earthquake retrofitting, and bundling with auto insurance. These can knock hundreds off your annual premium. Also ask about payment plans—annual payments often come with a discount compared to monthly installments.
Getting Started With the Right Coverage
The best time to get home insurance right is before you need it. That sounds obvious, but too many Fairfield homeowners realize they're underinsured only after filing a claim. Take the time upfront to understand what you're buying, what's excluded, and what additional coverage makes sense for your specific situation.
Document your home and belongings now. Take photos, keep receipts for major purchases, and store this information somewhere safe (ideally off-site or in the cloud). If you ever need to file a claim, you'll be grateful you did. And review your policy annually—not just when it renews. Home values change, construction costs fluctuate, and your coverage needs to keep pace.
Whether you're stationed at Travis, raising a family in Fairfield's diverse neighborhoods, or drawn by the more accessible housing costs compared to the broader Bay Area, protecting your home is non-negotiable. Get multiple quotes, ask hard questions about coverage gaps, and don't be afraid to push back if something doesn't make sense. This is your home—make sure your insurance actually has your back when you need it.
