The homeowners and dwelling forms, their coverages, conditions and exclusions are covered in the national Homeowners and Dwelling guides. This guide covers Ohio rules that affect residential property insurance: the Ohio FAIR Plan, mine subsidence coverage, notice rules and fire-loss settlement. General cancellation and claims rules are in the Ohio Property and Casualty Basics guide.

Notice rules

• Homeowners, dwelling fire, tenant and personal umbrella policies may be canceled for nonpayment on at least 10 days' notice (R.C. 3937.47).
• For risks eligible for the FAIR Plan, member insurers give at least 30 days' written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal (except for nonpayment, incendiarism or misrepresentation) and explain how to apply to the FAIR Plan. This doesn't apply to binders of 30 days or less (O.A.C. 3901-1-18(D)).

The Ohio FAIR Plan (R.C. 3929.41 to 3929.47; O.A.C. 3901-1-18)

• A person with an insurable interest in property at a fixed location who can't get basic property or homeowners insurance may apply (R.C. 3929.44(A)).
• The applicant certifies that at least two insurers were contacted and coverage wasn't available, and that there are no unpaid taxes or assessments on the property. Code violations must be disclosed, and coverage may be issued on condition that a correction plan is carried out (R.C. 3929.44).
• The plan can't consider the condition of surrounding properties outside the applicant's control (R.C. 3929.43(C)).
• Coverage is capped at $2,000,000 per location (O.A.C. 3901-1-18(F)).
• Coverage starts no earlier than the day after the association receives the application (R.C. 3929.43(F)).
• A licensed agent must help an owner apply on request, but can't bind coverage or claim to be the association's agent (O.A.C. 3901-1-18(E)).
• Every insurer writing basic property insurance in Ohio is a member (R.C. 3929.43(A)). Board decisions can be appealed to the Superintendent within 30 days (R.C. 3929.47).

Mine subsidence (R.C. 3929.50 to 3929.59)

• Mine subsidence is damage from the collapse of underground coal, clay, limestone or salt mines. It doesn't include earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption or collapse of strip mines, drains or tunnels.
• In 26 listed counties (Belmont is one), mine subsidence coverage must be included in every basic property and homeowners policy. In other listed counties (Summit is one), it must be offered as an option unless the county commissioners require it.
• The deductible is between $250 and $500, and the association reinsures up to $300,000 of insured value. Insurers cede 100% of the coverage to the association, and in optional counties keep 30% of the premium as a ceding commission.
• It covers one- to four-family dwellings and other structures described in the mine subsidence form.

Fire loss settlement

• A total loss by fire or lightning is paid at the full amount stated in the policy, absent fraud or an unconsented increase in risk (R.C. 3929.25).
• For a fire claim over $5,000, part of the payment is held to secure or remove the damaged structure (R.C. 3929.86). See the Ohio Property and Casualty Basics guide.

Common exam traps

• FAIR Plan: two declinations, $2 million cap per location, no binding by agents.
• Mine subsidence is mandatory in 26 counties and optional in others.
• Mine subsidence deductible: $250 to $500; limit $300,000.
• 30 days' notice with FAIR Plan instructions for FAIR-eligible risks.