The quench behavior of coated conductors (CCs) was simulated with a focus on the initial stage of quenches, and the current limiting behavior of superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) at DC faults was calculated. Since the fault current reaches the peak in several ms in DC lines due to capacitor discharge, it is necessary to understand the initial quench behavior well. Considered in the simulation are characteristics of CCs in the flux-flow state, current sharing, non-uniform critical current distribution in CCs, and heat transfer to surroundings. The simulation fit data well. Using the CC model developed in the simulation, the current limiting behavior of SFCLs made of CCs at DC faults was calculated. Critical current distribution and heat transfer were found to affect the current limiting behavior of SFCLs less at DC faults. The calculation will contribute to the effective design of SFCLs for applications in DC lines.