text: The Treasurer may from time to time enter into one or more credit facilities permitting the authority to draw an amount up to one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000) with payment, interest rate, indemnity, compensation, security, default, remedy, and other terms and conditions as determined by the authority. All drawings under these credit facilities shall be available as funding for the authority as provided in Section 10089.29.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 967, Sec. 19. Effective September 27, 1996.)


kind: section

code: INS

text: The authority shall have the power to pledge to the providers of credit facilities and to the owners of bonds the surcharges imposed or to be imposed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 10089.29 to secure payment of all obligations of the authority under those credit facilities and bonds, respectively. A pledge of those surcharges shall constitute a lien and security interest that shall immediately attach to the surcharges whether or not imposed or collected at the time the pledge is made, and shall be effective, valid, and binding and enforceable against the authority, the Treasurer, the beneficiaries of the basic residential earthquake insurance issued from time to time, and all others asserting rights in the surcharges to the extent set forth, and in accordance with, the terms of the pledge contained in the credit facilities or bonds, as the case may be, whether or not those parties have notice of the pledge and without the need for any physical delivery, recordation, filing, or further act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 944, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1996.)

division: 2. CLASSES OF INSURANCE

part: 1. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE

chapter: 8.6. California Earthquake Authority

path: 2. CLASSES OF INSURANCE > 1. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE > 8.6. California Earthquake Authority


text: Nothing in Section 10089.50 or 10089.51 is intended to limit the applicability to the authority of any provision of Section 5450 or subdivision (c) of Section 5922 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 967, Sec. 20. Effective September 27, 1996.)


text:
(a) Any insurer that withdraws from the authority under Section 10089.19 while bonds or other debt is outstanding shall impose annually a premium surcharge on each policy of residential earthquake insurance written by it equal in percentage amount, calculated as a percentage of the basic residential earthquake insurance premium, to the percentage amount of the surcharge being imposed in that year by the authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 10089.29. That insurer shall remit promptly all those surcharges collected by it to the trustee appointed pursuant to Section 10089.22. The surcharges shall be used solely to repay the bonded indebtedness or other debt issued pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 10089.29. If the sum of the surcharges remitted to the trustee pursuant to this section plus the amount of the surcharges imposed by the authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 10089.29 would exceed the amount authorized by that provision, then surcharges of the authority shall be reduced by an amount equal to that excess.

(b) Should the Legislature and Governor approve legislation that causes the authority to cease operation while bonds or other debt are outstanding, participating insurers shall impose annually a premium surcharge on each policy of residential earthquake insurance written by them equal in percentage amount, calculated as a percentage of the basic residential earthquake insurance premium, to the percentage amount of the surcharge being imposed in that year by the authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 10089.29. Those insurers shall remit promptly all these surcharges collected by them to the trustee appointed pursuant to Section 10089.22. The surcharges shall be used solely to repay the bonded indebtedness or other debt issued pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 10089.29. If the sum of the surcharges remitted to the trustee pursuant to this section plus the amount of the surcharges imposed by the authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 10089.29 would exceed the amount authorized by that provision, then surcharges of the authority shall be reduced by an amount equal to that excess.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 967, Sec. 21. Effective September 27, 1996.)


text:
(a) Unless authorized by a statute enacted subsequent to the effective date of this section, the authority shall cease writing new earthquake insurance policies 180 days after implementation by both the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association (“Freddie Mac”) of policies to require earthquake insurance for any single-family residential structure, other than a condominium unit or townhome, as a condition of purchasing a mortgage or trust deed secured by that structure. Notwithstanding this restriction, the authority shall continue to renew its existing earthquake insurance policies and shall accept applications for earthquake insurance from residential property insurance policyholders of participating insurers in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 10086.

(b) In the event that both the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association (“Freddie Mac”) have proposed to implement policies to require earthquake insurance for any single-family residential structure, other than a condominium unit or townhome, as a condition of purchasing a mortgage or trust deed secured by that structure, it is the intent of the Legislature that the Legislature should convene to consider whether the authority should continue to write new earthquake insurance policies, with or without modification, or to cease writing new earthquake insurance policies.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 969, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1997.)


text: The board shall conduct the affairs of the authority with respect to transacting earthquake insurance, including administering the California Earthquake Authority Fund. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 10089.6, the board has no authority to administer the Wildfire Fund. At every meeting of the board, the board shall post an agenda that clearly identifies the meeting as relating to the business of earthquake insurance.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 81, Sec. 6. (AB 111) Effective July 12, 2019.)


text:
(a) The department shall establish a program for the mediation of the disputes between insured complainants and insurers arising pursuant to any of the following:

(1) A claim that arises under a homeowners’ insurance policy and that involves loss due to a fire for which the Governor has declared a state of emergency pursuant to Section 8558 of the Government Code. The department may refer to mediation any dispute covered by this paragraph in which the parties to the contract wish to discuss possible payments beyond policy limits.

(2) A claim that arises under a policy covering earthquake damage and that involves loss due to an earthquake for which the Governor has declared a state of emergency pursuant to Section 8558 of the Government Code. With respect to disputes arising under this paragraph, the program shall apply only to personal lines of insurance related to residential coverage.

(3) A claim that arises under automobile collision coverage or automobile physical damage coverage, in a policy as defined in Section 660.

(b) The goal of the program shall be to favorably resolve a statistically significant number of disputes sent to mediation under the program. This section shall not apply to any dispute that turns on a question of major insurance coverage or a purely legal interpretation, or any dispute involving the actions of an agent or broker in which the insurer is not alleged to have been responsible for the conduct, or any complaint the commissioner finds to be frivolous, or any dispute in which a party is alleged to have committed fraud.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 447, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2006.)

chapter: 8.9. Insurance Mediation

path: 2. CLASSES OF INSURANCE > 1. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE > 8.9. Insurance Mediation


text: Any insured having a dispute with an insurer under a policy that qualifies for this program may file a written complaint with the department. The complaint shall indicate that the complainant has not been able to reach a satisfactory settlement of a claim with the insurer. The department shall, if deemed appropriate, notify the insurer against whom the complaint is made of the nature of the complaint, may request appropriate relief for the complainant, and may meet and confer with the complainant and the insurer in order to attempt resolution of the dispute.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 357, Sec. 3. Effective August 30, 2004.)


text:
(a) If, after the department’s intervention, the insurer and the insured do not reach agreement, the department may notify the insurer that in order to avoid referral to mediation, the insurer shall have 28 calendar days to resolve the dispute, unless the department, for good cause, extends the period by an additional 7 calendar days.

(b) The department may not refer a claim or dispute to mediation unless the amount claimed by the insured exceeds seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) and the amount in dispute exceeds two thousand dollars ($2,000).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 357, Sec. 4. Effective August 30, 2004.)


text: If the dispute is not resolved within the time period prescribed by Section 10089.72, the insurer shall notify the department of the failure, and may include the reason for the failure. The insurer shall, within the time period prescribed by Section 10089.72, notify the department of its position if it believes that the dispute is not eligible for the mediation program.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 727, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text:
(a) If the insurer notifies the department of the failure to resolve the dispute, the department shall notify the insured of the insured’s ability to request mediation and ask the insured whether the insured requests mediation. If the insured responds affirmatively, the department shall refer the dispute to mediation.

(b) If the insurer fails to give the required notice to the department prior to the expiration of the time limits set forth in Section 10089.72, the department shall notify the insured of the insured’s ability to request mediation and ask the insured whether the insured requests mediation. If the insured responds affirmatively, the department shall refer the dispute to mediation. The department may not refer a dispute to mediation if the matter turns upon any of the reasons or conditions set forth in Section 10089.70, relative to applicability, or if for other good cause the commissioner determines that mediation of the dispute is inappropriate.

(c) If the insured has filed a civil complaint, the insurer is excused from mediating under this chapter any claims or disputes involved in the civil action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 727, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text:
(a) Any insurer may inform an insured who has filed a complaint with the department concerning a dispute that qualifies for this program of the existence of the mediation program and may ask the insured to seek mediation under this chapter jointly with the insurer. Any insurer may notify the department of any dispute arising out of a qualifying event that it believes may be appropriately resolved through the mediation program. The department, with respect to that notification, shall proceed as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 10089.74.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 10089.82, if the commissioner makes a finding that an individual insurer has engaged in unreasonable or arbitrary refusals to mediate, the commissioner shall have the authority to require that insurer to participate in mediation in all cases deemed by the commissioner appropriate for mediation under this chapter.

(c) Any insurer who has been ordered to participate in mediation on a mandatory basis may seek a review of the order by filing in a court of competent jurisdiction within 30 calendar days of the order. The commissioner’s order to participate in mediation, however, may not be stayed during the pendency of any judicial proceeding for any period beyond 60 calendar days after the initial date of the order to participate. The basis for the commissioner’s decision to require an insurer to participate in the mediation program shall not be made public unless review is sought. The commissioner’s decision not to require an insurer to participate, including the basis for the decision, shall be made public.

(d) Any insured whose request to mediate his or her claim under this chapter was declined by an insurer may request the commissioner to require the insurer to participate in the mediation program and may seek review in a court of competent jurisdiction of the commissioner’s decision not to require the insurer to participate in the mediation program. The review shall be required to be sought within 30 calendar days after the commissioner’s decision.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 727, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text: Upon referral of a complaint to mediation, the department shall immediately transfer all necessary information concerning the claim, including the name and address of the insured and the insurer, to a mediator.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 848, Sec. 1. Effective October 13, 1995.)


text:
The department shall contract with a diverse pool of mediators for the provision of mediation services. The contractors shall be qualified mediators who meet standards established by the commissioner. The commissioner shall establish standards in consultation with consumer groups, policyholder groups, mediators, alternative dispute resolution groups, insurers, and the State Bar. These standards shall include:

(a) Mandatory training that may be provided by the department, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal rules for insurance policy interpretation and the rights of insureds under California law, and methods of determining costs of construction and reconstruction and costs of automobile repair in given geographical areas.

(b) A requirement that no mediator participating in this program may have business, familial, contractual, or other affiliation with, or financial interest in, the insured, or in any insurer, insurance agent, or agency. For purposes of this subdivision, an investment in a mutual fund that holds insurer stocks is not a financial interest. Financial interest does not include prior representation of, or an employment or contractual relationship with a law firm or lawyer who represents, one or more insurers or who represents insurance agents in connection with their business affairs, provided the law firm or lawyer has not previously represented any of the parties to the mediation.

However, any prior representation, employment, or contractual relationship shall be disclosed to the parties to the mediation. If any party objects to the mediator because of the prior representation, employment, or contractual relationship, the department shall dismiss that mediator and select a new mediator. An objection under this subdivision does not limit a party’s right to object once under subdivision (d).

(c) A requirement that no mediator participating in this program may be either a lawyer or an employee of a lawyer or law firm that has represented any party to the mediation in the previous 36 months, or a person who has a business, familial, contractual, or other affiliation with a lawyer or law firm that has represented any party to the mediation in a lawsuit against the insurer in the last 36 months.

(d) Each party to the mediation may object once to the mediator assigned by the department. If a party objects to the mediator, the department shall dismiss the mediator and assign another mediator.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 727, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text: Upon receipt of a complaint, the mediation service, to the extent possible, shall issue a notice to the insured and the insurer setting a date and time within 21 calendar days of the date of the notice for commencement of a mediation conference. The mediator shall make all reasonable efforts to schedule the mediation at a time agreeable to both parties. The notice shall inform the parties that the cost of mediation will be borne by the insurer, except to the extent provided in Section 10089.81. The notice shall also state that in the event of a proposed settlement the insured may have three business days in which to rescind the agreement, as specified in subdivision (c) of Section 10089.82.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 727, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text:
(a) The costs of mediation shall be reasonable, and shall be borne by the insurer, except as provided in Section 10089.81. The commissioner may set a fee not to exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for each homeowners’ or earthquake coverage dispute mediated pursuant to this chapter, and seven hundred dollars ($700) for each automobile coverage dispute mediated pursuant to this chapter.

(b) The administrative expenses for the mediation program shall be paid from existing resources available to the department. If additional resources are required by the department, those resources shall be made available by an annual appropriation in the Budget Act.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 447, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text:
(a) The representatives of the insurer shall know the facts of the case and be familiar with the allegations of the complainant. The insurer or the insurer’s representative shall produce at the settlement conference a copy of the policy and all documents from the claims file relevant to the degree of loss, value of the claim, and the fact or extent of damage. For disputes mediated pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 10089.70, the department shall refer to mediation issues related to the settlement of the claim. The insured and insurer shall produce, to the extent available, documents relevant to the successful mediation of the claim, including documents related to the degree of loss, the value of the claim, and the fact or extent of damage.

The mediator may also order production of other documents that the mediator determines to be relevant to the issues under mediation. If a party declines to comply with that order, the mediator may appeal to the commissioner for a determination of whether the documents requested should be produced. The commissioner shall make a determination within 21 days. However, the party ordered to produce the documents shall not be required to produce while the issue is before the commissioner in this 21-day period. If the ruling is in favor of production, any insurer that is subject to an order to participate in mediation issued under subdivision (a) of Section 10089.75 shall comply with the order to produce. Insureds, and those insurers that are not subject to an order to participate in mediation, shall produce the documents or decline to participate further in the mediation after a ruling by the commissioner requiring the production of those other documents. Declination of mediation by the insurer under this section may be considered by the commissioner in exercising authority under subdivision (a) of Section 10089.75.

The mediator shall have the authority to protect from disclosure information that the mediator determines to be privileged, including, but not limited to, information protected by the attorney-client or work-product privileges, or to be otherwise confidential.

(b) The mediator shall determine prior to the mediation conference whether the insured will be represented by counsel at the mediation. The mediator shall inform the insurer whether the insured will be represented by counsel at the mediation conference. If the insured is represented by counsel at the mediation conference, the insurer’s counsel may be present. If the insured is not represented by counsel at the mediation conference, then no counsel may be present.

(c) Section 703.5 and Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1115) of Division 9 of the Evidence Code apply to a mediation conducted under this chapter.

(d) The statements made by the parties, negotiations between the parties, and documents produced at the mediation are confidential. However, this confidentiality shall not restrict the access of the department to documents or other information the department seeks in order to evaluate the mediation program or to comply with reporting requirements. This subdivision does not affect the discoverability or admissibility of documents that are otherwise discoverable or admissible.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 447, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text: All parties to the mediation proceeding shall negotiate in good faith and shall have the authority to immediately settle claims. An insurer that fails to appear for a scheduled mediation conference or meeting for which the consumer appears shall pay the consumer for his or her actual expenses incurred in attending the conference plus the value of lost wages. An insured who has good cause for a failure to appear may reschedule one time, at a time set by the mediator. If an insured fails to demonstrate good cause for the first failure to appear or subsequent failures to appear, that insured loses his or her right to mediate the claim under this chapter and shall pay all costs charged by the mediator up to the time of the failure to appear that terminates the mediation.


text:
(a) An insured may not be required to use the department’s mediation process. An insurer may not be required to use the department’s mediation process, except as provided in Section 10089.75.

(b) Neither the insurer nor the insured is required to accept an agreement proposed during the mediation.

(c) If the parties agree to a settlement agreement, the insured will have three business days to rescind the agreement. Notwithstanding Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1115) of Division 9 of the Evidence Code, if the insured rescinds the agreement, it may not be admitted in evidence or disclosed unless the insured and all other parties to the agreement expressly agree to its disclosure. If the agreement is not rescinded by the insured, it is binding on the insured and the insurer, and acts as a release of all specific claims for damages known at the time of the mediation presented and agreed upon in the mediation conference. If counsel for the insured is present at the mediation conference and a settlement is agreed upon that is signed by the insured’s counsel, the agreement is immediately binding on the insured and may not be rescinded.

(d) This section does not affect rights under existing law for claims for damage that were undetected at the time of the settlement conference.

(e) All settlements reached as a result of department-referred mediation shall address only those issues raised for the purpose of resolution. Settlements and any accompanying releases are not effective to settle or resolve any claim or dispute not addressed by the mediator for the purpose of resolution, nor any claim that the insured may have related to the insurer’s conduct in handling the claim. However, for mediations conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 10089.70, the insurer and insured may agree to a complete settlement and release of all disputes related to the claim, including any claim the insured may have related to the insurer’s conduct in handling the claim, provided the legal effect of the release is disclosed and fully explained to the claimant by the mediator.

Referral to mediation or the pendency of a mediation under this article is not a basis to prevent or stay the filing of civil litigation arising in whole or in part out of the same facts. Any applicable statute of limitations or limitation on the insured’s right to sue as set forth in Section 2071 is tolled for the number of days beginning from the notification date to the insurer pursuant to Section 10089.72, until the date on which the mediation is either completed or declined, or the date on which the insured fails to appear for a scheduled mediation for the second time, or, in the event that a settlement is completed, the expiration of any applicable three-business-day cooling off period.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 448, Sec. 3.5. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text:
(a) On or before August 1 of each year in which this program is in effect, the commissioner shall report to the Governor, the Legislature, and to the committees of the Senate and Assembly having jurisdiction over insurance on the status of the program in the prior year, including statistics about the number of cases suitable for mediation, the number sent to mediation, and the number accepted, as well as declined, by the insurers, and other similar information concerning the operation of the program in the annual report submitted pursuant to Section 12922.

(b) At six-month intervals, the department shall collect from the mediators with which it contracts for this service the following information: the number of persons to whom mediation was offered, the number of insurers that accepted and declined mediation, the number of settlements, and of those settlements, the number rejected within the three business day cooling off period. For each settlement, the mediation service shall also report the amount initially claimed by the consumer and the amount agreed to be paid, if any, by the insurer or other party.

(c) The department may adopt regulations, including reporting requirements, in the commissioner’s discretion, to implement this chapter. The regulations shall be adopted as emergency regulations pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The adoption of the regulations is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, or general welfare.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 405, Sec. 8. Effective September 22, 2006. Operative January 1, 2007, by Sec. 14 of Ch. 405.)


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that there exists the California Residential Mitigation Program, also known as the CRMP, a joint powers authority created in 2012 by agreement between the California Earthquake Authority and the Office of Emergency Services.

(b) Any funds appropriated by the Legislature for the purpose of funding the CRMP’s implementation of the grant program described in this section shall be to the department, which shall provide the funds to the California Earthquake Authority’s Earthquake Loss Mitigation Fund, pursuant to subdivision (k) of Section 10089.7 and according to the terms of an agreement negotiated by the department and the authority. The authority, the prime funder of the CRMP, shall then transfer the funds from its Earthquake Loss Mitigation Fund to the CRMP for further implementation and expansion of the CRMP’s Earthquake Brace and Bolt program, upon actions by the respective governing boards of the authority and the CRMP, authorizing and accepting that transfer. The CRMP shall, pursuant to the requirements of this section, implement the grant program and make grants that assist a qualifying owner of a single-family residential structure by defraying the owner’s costs of seismic retrofitting of the structure.

(c) The CRMP may make a grant to an applicant who satisfies all of the following:

(1) The applicant is an owner of record of, and lives in, the structure to be retrofitted.

(2) The structure is a single-family, detached, residential building composed of one to four dwelling units.

(3) The structure meets structural requirements established pursuant to subdivision (e).

(4) The structure is located in a high-risk earthquake area, based on criteria established pursuant to subdivision (e).

(5) The retrofit work qualifies as work for which the applicant may receive a grant, based on criteria established pursuant to subdivision (e).

(d) Subject to the policies, procedures, and criteria adopted pursuant to subdivision (e), a grant shall not exceed the lesser of 75 percent of the cost of the qualifying retrofit work, or three thousand dollars ($3,000).

(e) The governing board of the CRMP shall adopt policies and procedures to implement this section, including, but not limited to, establishing structural eligibility requirements for structures that will receive a grant for seismic retrofit work, defining criteria for determining whether a structure is located in a high-earthquake-risk area, and defining criteria for seismic retrofit work that qualifies as work eligible for receipt of a grant, which may be awarded in amounts of greater or lesser than the amounts established by subdivision (d). In adopting those policies and procedures, the governing board shall provide notice and opportunity for public review and comment, publish the policies and procedures on the CRMP’s Internet Web site, and otherwise make the policies and procedures available to the public.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 25, Sec. 41. (SB 84) Effective June 24, 2015.)


text:
(a) In administering the Earthquake Brace and Bolt program pursuant to Section 10089.395, the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) shall do both of the following:

(1) Provide outreach to low-income households to increase awareness of the Earthquake Brace and Bolt program in those communities where the program is offered.

(2) Set aside at least 10 percent of the funds available each year for the program pursuant to Section 10089.395 to provide supplemental grants to homeowners in low-income households who were selected to receive grants pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 10089.395.

(A) A homeowner in a low-income household may apply for a supplemental grant, which shall be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis until the funding set aside for supplemental grants is exhausted.

(B) The supplemental grant shall be in an amount as necessary to provide the homeowner in the low-income household with 90 percent of the retrofit costs remaining after payment of the grant awarded to that homeowner pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 10089.395.

(C) Any unexpended supplemental grant funding shall be available to provide grants to other eligible applicants on the waiting list.

(b) For purposes of this section, “low-income household” means a household that has an income at or below 80 percent of the median household income in California.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 219, Sec. 1. (AB 548) Effective January 1, 2020.)


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares that there exists the California Residential Mitigation Program, also known as the CRMP, a joint powers authority created in 2012 by agreement between the California Earthquake Authority and the Office of Emergency Services.

(b) Any funds appropriated by the Legislature for the purpose of funding the CRMP’s implementation of the grant program described in this section shall be to the department, which shall provide the funds to the California Earthquake Authority’s Earthquake Loss Mitigation Fund, pursuant to subdivision (k) of Section 10089.7 and according to the terms of an agreement negotiated by the department and the authority. The authority, the prime funder of the CRMP, shall then transfer the funds from its Earthquake Loss Mitigation Fund to the CRMP for further implementation and expansion of the CRMP’s Earthquake Brace and Bolt program, upon actions by the respective governing boards of the authority and the CRMP, authorizing and accepting that transfer. The CRMP may, pursuant to the requirements of this section, implement the grant program and on or after July 1, 2015, make grants that assist a qualifying owner of a multiunit residential structure by defraying the owner’s cost of seismic retrofitting of the structure.

(c) The CRMP may make a grant to an applicant who satisfies all of the following:

(1) The applicant is an owner of record of the structure to be retrofitted and has secured the written consent of all other owners of the structure to make a grant application.

(2) The structure is a residential building of not fewer than two, but not more than 10, dwelling units.

(3) The dwelling units in the structure are occupied by tenants who are members of “lower income households,” as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code.

(4) The structure meets structural requirements established pursuant to subdivision (d).

(5) The structure is located in a high-risk earthquake area, based on criteria established pursuant to subdivision (d).

(6) The retrofit work qualifies as work for which the applicant may receive a grant, based on criteria established pursuant to subdivision (d).

(d) The governing board of the CRMP shall adopt policies and procedures necessary to implement this section, including, but not limited to, establishing the means by which the applicant may satisfy the tenant-related economic eligibility criteria for the program, establishing structural eligibility requirements for a structure that will receive seismic retrofit work, defining criteria for determining whether a structure is located in a high-risk earthquake area, defining criteria for seismic retrofit work that qualifies as work eligible for receipt of a grant, and defining criteria for the determination of the amount of a grant awarded pursuant to the program created by this section. In adopting those policies and procedures, the governing board shall provide notice and opportunity for public review and comment, publish the policies and procedures on the CRMP’s Internet Web site, and otherwise make the policies and procedures available to the public.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 25, Sec. 42. (SB 84) Effective June 24, 2015.)


text:
The purposes of this chapter are to do all of the following:

(a) To assure stability in the property insurance market for property located in the State of California.

(b) To assure the availability of basic property insurance as defined by this chapter.

(c) To encourage maximum use, in obtaining basic property insurance, of the normal insurance market provided by admitted insurers and licensed surplus line brokers.

(d) To provide for the equitable distribution among admitted insurers of the responsibility for insuring qualified property for which basic property insurance cannot be obtained through the normal insurance market by the establishment of a FAIR Plan (fair access to insurance requirements), an industry placement facility and a joint reinsurance association.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 649.)

path: 2. CLASSES OF INSURANCE > 1. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE > 9. Basic Property Insurance Inspection and Placement Plan


text:
Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this chapter:

(a) “Association,” “industry placement facility,” or “facility,” means a joint reinsurance association, the California FAIR Plan Association, formed by insurers licensed to write and engaged in writing basic property insurance within this state to assist persons in securing basic property insurance and to formulate and administer a program for the equitable apportionment among insurers of basic property insurance.

(b) “Commissioner” means the Insurance Commissioner of this state.

(c) (1) “Basic property insurance” means insurance against direct loss to real or tangible personal property at a fixed location in those geographic or urban areas, as designated by the commissioner, from perils insured under the standard fire policy and extended coverage endorsement, from vandalism and malicious mischief, and includes other insurance coverages as may be added with respect to that property by the industry placement facility with the approval of the commissioner or by the commissioner. “Basic property insurance” includes insurance for manufactured homes and mobilehomes under the same terms and conditions as basic property insurance sold for other residential dwellings. “Basic property insurance” does not include insurance on automobile risks, commercial agricultural commodities or livestock, or equipment used to cultivate or transport agricultural commodities or livestock.

(2) For the purposes of earthquake coverage that is provided as a component of basic property insurance, the association shall sell only the policy described in Section 10089. In force policies of basic property insurance that include earthquake coverage shall be renewed with the coverage specified in Section 10089, and the association shall comply with the notice requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 10086.

(d) “Inspection bureau” means the organization or organizations designated by the association with the approval of the commissioner to make inspections to determine the condition of the properties for which basic property insurance is sought and to perform other duties as may be authorized by the association.

(e) “Premiums written” means gross direct premiums charged with respect to property in this state on all policies of basic property insurance and the basic property insurance premium components of all multiperil policies, less return premiums, dividends paid or credited to policyholders, or the unused or unabsorbed portions of premium deposits.

(f) “Insurer” means a person who undertakes to indemnify another against loss, damage, or liability arising from a contingent or unknown event, and shall include reciprocals and interinsurance exchanges.

(g) “Manufactured home” shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.

(h) “Mobilehome” shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 18008 of the Health and Safety Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 476, Sec. 1. (SB 525) Effective January 1, 2026.)

chapter: 9. Basic Property Insurance Inspection and Placement Plan


text: This chapter shall not apply to county mutual fire insurers nor to fraternal fire insurers.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1968, Ch. 574.)


text:
(a) Any person having an insurable interest in real or tangible personal property who, after diligent effort, has been unable to obtain basic property insurance through normal channels from an admitted insurer or a licensed surplus line broker, shall be entitled upon application to the facility to an inspection of the property by representatives of the inspection bureau. Such inability to obtain such insurance after diligent effort through normal channels may, in the discretion of the association, be demonstrated by a signed general statement to that effect on a form prescribed by the association.

(b) The manner and scope of the inspection and the form of the inspection report shall be prescribed by the facility with the approval of the commissioner. The inspection shall include, but need not be limited to, pertinent structural and occupancy features as well as the general condition of the building and surrounding structures. A representative photograph of the property may be taken as part of the inspection.

(c) Promptly after the request for inspection is received, an inspection shall be made and an inspection report filed with the company or companies designated by the facility. A copy of the completed inspection report shall be sent to the facility and to the applicant upon request.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1970, Ch. 633.)


text:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this chapter, with the approval of the commissioner, all insurers licensed to write and engaged in writing in this state, on a direct basis, basic property insurance or any component of basic property insurance in multiperil policies, shall establish an industry placement facility, the California FAIR Plan Association, to formulate and administer a program for the equitable apportionment among insurers of basic property insurance that may be afforded to persons having an interest in real or tangible personal property who, after diligent effort, as specified in subdivision (a) of Section 10093, are unable to procure insurance through normal channels from an admitted insurer or a surplus line broker. Each insurer, as a condition of its authority to transact those kinds of insurance in this state, shall participate in an industry placement facility program in accordance with rules to be established by a governing committee, composed of nine insurers annually elected in the manner to be provided in the program. The governing committee shall also have as nonvoting members one representative of insurance agents, one representative of insurance brokers, one representative of surplus line brokers, and one representative of the public, each to be appointed by the Governor. The Speaker of the Assembly and the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Rules shall serve as nonvoting, ex officio members of the governing committee, and each may name a designee to serve in their place.

(b) The governing committee may establish separate classifications of written premiums for the purpose of equitable distribution, but shall not include premiums from automobile risks, commercial agricultural commodities or livestock, or equipment used to cultivate or transport agricultural commodities or livestock.

(c) The program may provide, with the approval of the commissioner, for assessment of all members in amounts sufficient to operate the facility, and may establish maximum limits of liability to be placed through the program, reasonable underwriting standards for determining insurability of a risk, and commission to be paid to the licensed producer designated by the applicant.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 474, Sec. 1. (AB 234) Effective October 9, 2025.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (c) of Section 10095, the facility shall, pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner, provide for a method whereby insurers who voluntarily write basic property insurance on risks located in areas designated at the beginning of the policy period as brush hazard areas by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) or designated at the beginning of the policy period as high or very high fire hazard severity zones as determined and mapped by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or very high fire hazard severity zones as determined and mapped by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code will, to that extent, be proportionately relieved of the liability to participate in a plan adopted pursuant to this chapter. The facility shall, pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner, provide for a method whereby insurers who voluntarily write basic property insurance or business owners package insurance on risks located in areas designated as inner-city areas by the commissioner will, to that extent, be proportionately relieved of the liability to participate in a plan adopted pursuant to this chapter. This chapter does not preclude adoption of a plan or plans to allow proportionate credit for voluntary writings in other areas or for other classes of insurance.

(b) (1) The facility shall prepare and submit a report to the Governor, the commissioner, and the committees of the Senate and the Assembly having jurisdiction over insurance, identifying the credit for voluntary writings submitted by licensees in the high and very high fire hazard severity zones as determined and mapped by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the very high fire hazard severity zones as determined and mapped by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, in order to determine whether or not the designations are sufficient to effectuate the purposes of this section.

(2) The facility shall prepare and submit the report required by this subdivision three times, with the first report due on or before July 1, 2023, the second report due on or before July 1, 2025, and the third report due on or before July 1, 2027.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 833, Sec. 3. (AB 1816) Effective October 12, 2019.)


text: Within 90 days following the effective date of this section, the association shall file a new or amended rate application with the commissioner consistent with paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 10091.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 128, Sec. 3. (SB 11) Effective July 23, 2021.)


text:
(a) Within 30 days following the effective date of this chapter, the association shall submit to the commissioner, for the commissioner’s review, a proposed plan of operation, consistent with this chapter, creating an association consisting of all insurers licensed to write and engaged in writing in this state, on a direct basis, basic property insurance or any component of basic property insurance in homeowners or other dwelling multiperil policies. An insurer described in this subdivision shall be a member of the association and shall remain a member as a condition of its authority to transact those kinds of insurance in this state.

(b) The proposed plan shall authorize the association to assume and cede reinsurance on risks written by insurers in conformity with the program.

(c) Under the plan, an insurer shall participate in the writings, expenses, profits, and losses of the association in the proportion that its premiums written during the second preceding calendar year bear to the aggregate premiums written by all insurers in the program, excluding that portion of the premiums written attributable to the operation of the association. Premiums written on a policy of basic residential earthquake insurance issued by the California Earthquake Authority pursuant to Section 10089.6 shall be attributed to the insurer that writes the underlying policy of residential property insurance.

(d) The plan shall provide for administration by a governing committee under rules to be adopted by the governing committee with the approval of the commissioner. Voting on administrative questions of the association and facility shall be weighted in accordance with each insurer’s premiums written during the second preceding calendar year as disclosed in the reports filed by the insurer with the commissioner.

(e) The plan shall provide for a plan to encourage persons to secure basic property insurance through normal channels from an admitted insurer or a licensed surplus line broker by informing those persons what steps they must take in order to secure the insurance through normal channels.

(f) The plan shall be subject to the approval of the commissioner and shall go into effect upon the tentative approval of the commissioner. The commissioner may, at any time, withdraw tentative approval or the commissioner may, at any time after giving final approval, revoke that approval if the commissioner feels it is necessary to carry out the purposes of the chapter. The withdrawal or revocation of that approval shall not affect the validity of any policies executed before the date of the withdrawal. If the commissioner disapproves or withdraws or revokes their approval to all or any part of the plan of operation, the association shall, within 30 days, submit for review an appropriately revised plan or part of a revised plan, and, if the association fails to do so, or if the revised plan is unacceptable, the commissioner shall promulgate a plan of operation or part of a plan as the commissioner may deem necessary to carry out this chapter.

(g) The association may, on its own initiative or at the request of the commissioner, amend the plan of operation, subject to approval by the commissioner, who shall have supervision of the inspection bureau, the facility, and the association. The commissioner, or any person designated by the commissioner, shall have the power of visitation of and examination into the operation and free access to all the books, records, files, papers, and documents that relate to operation of the facility and association, and may summon, qualify, and examine as witnesses all persons having knowledge of those operations, including officers, agents, or employees thereof.

(h) An insurer member of the plan shall provide to an applicant who is denied coverage, or a policyholder whose policy is canceled or not renewed, the internet website address and statewide toll-free telephone number for the plan established pursuant to Section 10095.5 for the purpose of obtaining information and assistance in obtaining basic property insurance.

(i) To reduce the association’s concentration and number of policies, and to encourage maximum use of the normal insurance market consistent with subdivision (c) of Section 10090, the association shall develop and implement a clearinghouse program on or before July 1, 2021, to help reduce the number of existing FAIR Plan policies and provide the opportunity for admitted insurers to offer homeowners’ insurance policies to FAIR Plan policyholders. An insurer that participates in the clearinghouse program shall sign an agreement with the association that sets forth the terms and conditions for the insurer to offer homeowners insurance through the policy’s listed agent or broker of record, if any. The clearinghouse program may include a provision to include nonadmitted insurers if admitted insurers have the first option.

(j) To reduce the association’s concentration and number of commercial policies, and to encourage maximum use of the normal insurance market consistent with subdivision (c) of Section 10090, the association shall develop and implement a commercial insurance policy clearinghouse program on or before July 1, 2024, to help reduce the number of existing FAIR Plan commercial policies and provide the opportunity for admitted insurers to offer commercial insurance policies to FAIR Plan policyholders. An insurer that participates in the commercial policy clearinghouse program shall sign an agreement with the association that sets forth the terms and conditions for the insurer to offer commercial insurance through the policy’s listed agent or broker of record, if any. The commercial policy clearinghouse program may include a provision to include nonadmitted insurers if admitted insurers have the first option.

(k) (1) With respect to the clearinghouse programs referenced in subdivisions (i) and (j), the association shall comply with the Insurance Information and Privacy Protection Act (Article 6.6 (commencing with Section 791) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 1) and regulations on the Privacy of Nonpublic Personal Information (Subchapter 5.9 (commencing with Section 2689.1) of Chapter 5 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations).

(2) The association shall provide all policyholders with notice of each of the following:

(A) The manner in which the association shall share policyholders’ personal information to facilitate offers of private insurance through the clearinghouse programs.

(B) A method to opt out of the sharing of policyholders’ personal information in connection with the clearinghouse programs.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 180, Sec. 1. (SB 505) Effective January 1, 2024.)


text:
(a) The association shall establish and maintain an Internet Web site and a statewide toll-free telephone number through which a person may receive information and assistance in applying for insurance through the plan. The association shall cause the toll-free telephone number to be published in all general distribution telephone directories in the state and shall include the toll-free telephone number and Internet Web site address on all communications with an applicant or insured.

(b) An insurance agent or broker transacting basic property insurance shall assist a person seeking his or her help in obtaining basic property insurance coverage by any one of the following methods:

(1) Making an application for insurance through the plan by submitting an application at the person’s request.

(2) Providing the person with the California FAIR Plan’s Internet Web site address and the toll-free telephone number.

(3) Making an application for insurance, at the person’s request, and placing that person with or through an insurer that offers, or a surplus line broker that procures, basic property insurance coverage.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 543, Sec. 3. (SB 1302) Effective September 23, 2016.)


text:
(a) The commissioner shall establish the California Home Insurance Finder on the department’s Internet Web site. The purpose of the finder is to connect homeowners in need of insurance assistance to an insurance agent or broker to assist in finding residential property insurance.

(1) The department shall annually survey licensed insurance agents, licensed insurance brokers, and admitted insurers in California regarding inclusion on the finder.

(2) On or before July 1, 2020, and at least annually thereafter, the department shall update the finder with the names, addresses, phone numbers, and Internet Web site links, if the licensee has an Internet Web site address, of the licensed insurance agents and brokers and admitted insurers for inclusion in the finder. The information shall be aggregated by ZIP Code within which the insurance agent, broker, or insurer maintains an office or sells policies, as well as by the languages in which the insurance agent, broker, or insurer may transact insurance.

(3) The department shall use social media and other appropriate tools to make consumers aware of the California Home Insurance Finder. The department shall develop materials in the most common languages used in the state to facilitate access to the finder for non-English-speaking consumers.

(b) On and after July 1, 2020, an insurer shall provide to an applicant who is denied coverage, or to a policyholder whose policy is canceled or not renewed, information regarding the department’s California Home Insurance Finder. This disclosure may be provided jointly with the disclosure required by subdivision (h) of Section 10095.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 629, Sec. 1. (AB 1875) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text:
(a) On or before April 1, 2026, the association shall create an automatic payment system and accept automatic payments for premiums from policyholders.

(b) A policy shall not be canceled or nonrenewed solely because the policyholder is not enrolled in automatic payments.

(c) If a policyholder fails to timely pay any outstanding installment premium, the policyholder shall have a period to pay the outstanding installment premium, in accordance with Section 677.4.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 475, Sec. 1. (AB 290) Effective January 1, 2026.)


text:
(1) Any applicant or affected insurer shall have the right of appeal from any act or decision of either the facility or the association to the governing committee. A decision of the committee may be appealed to the commissioner within 30 days after such decision. Upon such appeal the commissioner may make any order to implement the purposes of the chapter and the plan.

(2) All orders or decisions of the commissioner made pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to judicial review.


text: There shall be no liability on the part of, and no cause of action of any nature shall arise against the insurers, the inspection bureau, the facility, the association, the governing committee, their agents or employees, or the commissioner or his authorized representatives, with respect to any inspections required to be undertaken by this chapter or for any acts or omissions in connection therewith, or for any statements made in any reports and communications concerning the insurability of the property, or in the findings required by the provisions of this chapter, or at the hearings conducted in connection therewith. The reports and communications of the inspection bureau, the facility, the association, and the records of the governing committee shall not be considered public documents.


text: Acceptance of risks assigned under this chapter and performance of any act required by this chapter is a condition of the right to continue to hold a certificate of authority to transact insurance business in this state. All insurers, on and after the effective date of this chapter, by continuing to hold a certificate of authority to transact insurance business shall be deemed to have consented to the responsibilities imposed by this chapter.


text: In addition to any powers conferred upon him by this or any other law, the commissioner is authorized to do all things necessary to enable the State of California and any insurer participating in any program approved by the commissioner to fully participate in any federal program of reinsurance which may be hereafter enacted for purposes similar to the purposes of this chapter.


text: The commissioner may require such reports from insurers concerning risks insured under any program approved pursuant to this chapter as he shall deem necessary to effect the purposes of this chapter.


text: The facility, subject to the approval of the Insurance Commissioner, may provide for the equitable distribution of risks provided for in this chapter by means of assignment to individual members of such facility or by a pool or association of insurers participating in such facility.


text:
(a) (1) Rates for the FAIR Plan shall not be excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, and shall be actuarially sound so that premiums are adequate to cover expected losses, expenses and taxes, and shall reflect investment income of the plan. If the plan returns premiums to members annually, the rates shall not include any component relating to surplus enhancements.

(2) If the FAIR Plan policy of a property owner would be subject to a brush surcharge solely because of an adjacent property owner’s failure to comply with applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations regarding brush clearance requirements, the surcharge shall instead be imposed on the policy of the adjacent property owner if the adjacent property is also insured through the FAIR Plan.

(b) Rates for a policy of earthquake property insurance issued by the association shall be established based on the best available scientific information for assessing the risk of earthquake loss. Factors that the association shall consider in adopting rates include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Location of the insured property and its proximity to earthquake faults and to other geological factors affecting the risk of earthquake.

(2) The soil type upon which the insured dwelling is built.

(3) Construction type of the insured dwelling.

(4) The presence of earthquake hazard reduction factors as defined in Section 10089.2.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 10097, all information considered by the association in establishing rates shall be public records.

(d) The classification system established by the association for policies of earthquake property insurance shall not be adjusted or tempered in any manner to provide rates lower than are justified for classifications presenting a high risk of loss, or higher than are justified for classifications presenting a low risk of loss.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 323, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2001.)


text:
(a) If granted prior approval from the commissioner, the association may do all of the following:

(1) Request the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank to issue bonds from time to time to finance all or any portion of the costs of claims or to increase liquidity and claims-paying capacity, pursuant to Section 63049.75 of the Government Code.

(2) Enter into loan agreements with the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, pursuant to Section 63049.75 of the Government Code.

(3) Enter into line of credit agreements with one or more entities for the purpose of financing the costs of claims or to increase liquidity and claims-paying capacity and to refund lines of credit previously incurred for that purpose.

(4) Secure those loan agreements, line of credit agreements, or agreements described in paragraph (5) by a pledge of, and the grant of a lien and security interest in, collateral, which may include premiums, revenues, receivables, assessments, and any other assets of the association. That pledge, lien, and security interest is subject to Division 9 (commencing with Section 9101) of the Commercial Code.

(5) Enter into any other agreement or take any other action necessary or convenient to the execution and delivery of bonds, loan agreements, or line of credit agreements.

(b) (1) If the bonds, loan agreements, or lines of credit described in subdivision (a) have received the prior approval of the commissioner as provided in subdivision (a), and if the association is otherwise unable to timely and fully meet its repayment obligation, the association shall assess members in the amounts and at the times necessary to timely pay in full all obligations of the association with respect to those bonds, loan agreements, lines of credit, and all obligations of the association under agreements entered into pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a).

(2) The FAIR Plan shall not act pursuant to this subdivision without the prior review and approval of the commissioner.

(c) (1) Once approved by the commissioner, specific repayment terms shall not be altered by subsequent amendment to the plan of operation, and amendments to the plan of operation shall not impair the timely payment in full of any obligations of the association with respect to those bonds, loan agreements, lines of credit, and all obligations of the association under agreements entered into pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a).

(2) The state shall not alter, amend, or restrict the provisions of this section in a manner adverse to the rights and interests of bondholders, credit providers, or other parties who have entered into bonds, line of credit agreements, or other agreements pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), for so long as the bonds, lines of credit, or other agreements pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) remain outstanding. This subdivision does not preclude altering, amending, or restricting this section if it expressly applies only to agreements issued or entered into on or after the effective date of that alteration, amendment, or restriction.

(3) The association may include the terms of paragraph (2) in an agreement relating to bonds, lines of credit, or other agreements entered into pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a).

(d) (1) The bonds, loan agreements, lines of credit, and agreements described in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) may be secured by a statutory lien on all collateral in favor of the bond trustee, line of credit providers, and lenders, as applicable, to secure the payment and performance of all obligations of the association. This shall be a continuous lien on collateral effective from the time the first bond is issued, or the first line of credit agreement is executed and delivered, whether or not a particular item of collateral exists at the time of the issuance or execution and delivery.

(2) The statutory lien shall be valid, effective, prior, perfected, binding, and enforceable without the need for notification, physical delivery, recordation, filing, or further action.

(3) For purposes of this subdivision, the beneficiary of the statutory lien becomes entitled to enforce the lien in accordance with the statute under which it was created if a payment default occurs in connection with a lien.

(e) As long as a bond, loan agreement, or line of credit is outstanding, the association shall not be subject to Article 14 (commencing with Section 1010) or Article 14.3 (commencing with Section 1064.1) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 1.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 473, Sec. 3. (AB 226) Effective October 9, 2025.)


text:
(a) A policy of residential property insurance shall not be issued or renewed in this state by an insurer unless the named insured is provided a copy of the California Residential Property Insurance Disclosure pursuant to Section 10102 and a copy of the California Residential Property Insurance Bill of Rights described in Section 10103.5.

(b) On or after July 1, 2020, a tenant’s policy, a renter’s policy, or a policy insuring individually owned condominium units, when those policies do not provide dwelling structure coverage, shall not be issued or renewed in this state by an insurer unless the named insured is provided a copy of the California Residential Property Insurance Bill of Rights described in Section 10103.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 151, Sec. 1. (SB 508) Effective January 1, 2020.)

path: 2. CLASSES OF INSURANCE > 1. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE > 10. California Residential Property Insurance Disclosure


text:
(a) The disclosure required by Section 10101 shall be in no less than 10-point type and shall be provided prior to or concurrent with, the application for a policy of residential property insurance. In the event that an application is made by telephone, an insurer that mails a copy of the disclosure within three business days shall be in compliance with this section. For policies issued on or after July 1, 1993, the agent or insurer shall obtain the applicant’s signature acknowledging receipt of the disclosure form within 60 days of the date of the application. When the insurer or agent establishes delivery of the disclosure form by obtaining the signature of the applicant or insured, or when an insurer or agent provides the applicant with the disclosure form and the applicant does not return a signed acknowledgment of receipt within 60 days of the date it was provided, there shall be a conclusive presumption that the insurer or agent has complied with the disclosure requirement of this chapter. The insurer or agent shall have the burden of demonstrating in accordance with California Rules of Evidence that the disclosure was provided to the applicant or insured. A signature shall not be required at the time of renewal.

If the disclosure is mailed to the named insured or applicant, it shall be mailed to the mailing address shown on the policy of residential property insurance or to the address requested by the applicant. First-class mail shall be deemed adequate for proof of mailing. The insurer shall have the burden of demonstrating in accordance with California Rules of Evidence that the disclosure was mailed to the applicant or insured.

The disclosure shall contain the following language: “NOTICE TO CONSUMERS — CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL INSURANCE DISCLOSUREThis disclosure is required by Section 10102 of the California Insurance Code. This form provides general information related to residential property insurance and is not part of your residential property insurance policy. Only the specific provisions of your policy will determine whether a particular loss is covered and the amount payable. The information provided does not preempt existing California law.PRIMARY FORMS OF RESIDENTIAL DWELLING COVERAGEYou have purchased the coverage(s) checked below. NOTE: Actual Cash Value Coverage is the most limited level of coverage listed. Guaranteed Replacement Cost is the broadest level of coverage.______  ACTUAL CASH VALUE COVERAGE for either a total or partial loss to the structure or its contents pays the amount it would cost you to repair, rebuild, or replace the thing lost or injured, less a fair and reasonable deduction for physical depreciation based upon its condition at the time of the injury or the policy limit, whichever is less. A deduction for physical depreciation applies only to components of a structure that are normally subject to repair and replacement during the useful life of that structure.______  REPLACEMENT COST COVERAGE is intended to provide for the cost to repair or replace the damaged or destroyed dwelling, without a deduction for physical depreciation. Many policies pay only the dwelling’s actual cash value until the insured has actually begun or completed repairs or reconstruction on the dwelling. Coverage only pays for replacement costs up to the limits specified in your policy.______  EXTENDED REPLACEMENT COST COVERAGE is intended to provide for the cost to repair or replace the damaged or destroyed dwelling without a deduction for physical depreciation. Many policies pay only the dwelling’s actual cash value until the insured has actually begun or completed repairs or reconstruction on the dwelling. Extended Replacement Cost provides additional coverage above the dwelling limits up to a stated percentage or specific dollar amount. See your policy for the additional coverage that applies.______  GUARANTEED REPLACEMENT COST COVERAGE covers the full cost to repair or replace the damaged or destroyed dwelling for a covered peril regardless of the dwelling limits shown on the policy declarations page.______  BUILDING CODE UPGRADE COVERAGE, also called Ordinance and Law coverage, covers additional costs to repair or replace a dwelling to comply with the building codes and zoning laws in effect at the time of loss or rebuilding. These costs may otherwise be excluded by your policy. Meeting current building code requirements can add significant costs to rebuilding your home. Refer to your policy or endorsement for the specific coverage provided and coverage limits that apply.READ YOUR POLICY AND POLICY DECLARATIONS PAGE CAREFULLY: The policy declarations page shows the specific coverage limits you have purchased for your dwelling, personal property, separate structures such as detached garages, and additional living expenses. The actual policy and endorsements provide details on extensions of coverage, limitations of coverage, and coverage conditions and exclusions. The amount of any claim payment made to you will be reduced by any applicable deductibles shown on your policy declarations page. It is important to take the time to consider whether the limits and limitations of your policy meet your needs. Contact your agent, broker, or insurance company if you have questions about what is covered or if you want to discuss your coverage options.INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RESIDENTIAL DWELLING INSURANCEAVOID BEING UNDERINSURED: Insuring your home for less than its replacement cost may result in your having to pay thousands of dollars out of your own pocket to rebuild your home if it is completely destroyed. Contact your agent, broker, or insurance company immediately if you believe your policy limits may be inadequate.THE RESIDENTIAL DWELLING COVERAGE LIMIT: The coverage limit on the dwelling structure should be high enough so you can rebuild your home if it is completely destroyed. Please note:◼ The cost to rebuild your home is almost always different from the market value.◼ Dwelling coverage limits do not cover the value of your land.◼ The estimate to rebuild your home should be based on construction costs in your area and should be adjusted to account for the features of your home. These features include, but are not limited to, the square footage, type of foundation, number of stories, and the quality of the materials used for items such as flooring, countertops, windows, cabinetry, lighting, and plumbing.◼ The cost to rebuild your home should be adjusted each year to account for inflation.◼ Coverage limits for contents, separate structures, additional living expenses, and debris removal are usually based on a percentage of the limit for the dwelling. If your dwelling limit is too low, these coverage limits may also be too low.You are encouraged to obtain a current estimate of the cost to rebuild your home from your insurance agent, broker, or insurance company or an independent appraisal from a local contractor, architect, or real estate appraiser. If you do obtain an estimate of replacement value and wish to change your policy limits, contact your insurance company. While not a guarantee, a current estimate can help protect you against being underinsured.DEMAND SURGE: After a widespread disaster, the cost of construction can increase dramatically as a result of the unusually high demand for contractors, building supplies, and construction labor. This effect is known as demand surge. Demand surge can increase the cost of rebuilding your home. Consider increasing your coverage limits or purchasing Extended Replacement Cost coverage to prepare for this possibility.CHANGES TO PROPERTY: Changes to your property may increase its replacement cost. These changes may include the building of additions, customizing your kitchen or bathrooms, or otherwise remodeling your home. Failure to advise your insurance company of any significant changes to your property may result in your home being underinsured.EXCLUSIONS: Not all causes of damage are covered by common homeowners or residential fire policies. You need to read your policy to see what causes of loss or perils are not covered. Coverage for landslide is typically excluded. Some excluded perils such as earthquake or flood can be purchased as an endorsement to your policy or as a separate policy. Contact your agent, broker, or insurance company if you have a concern about any of the exclusions in your policy.CONTENTS (PERSONAL PROPERTY) COVERAGE DISCLOSURE: This disclosure form does not explain the types of contents coverage provided by your policy for items such as your furniture or clothing. Contents may be covered on either an actual cash value or replacement cost basis depending on the contract. Almost all policies include specific dollar limitations on certain property that is particularly valuable, such as jewelry, art, or silverware. Contact your agent, broker, or insurance company if you have any questions about your contents coverage. You should create a list of all personal property in and around your home. Pictures and video recordings also help you document your property. The list, photos, and video should be stored away from your home.CONSUMER ASSISTANCE: If you have any concerns or questions, contact your agent, broker, or insurance company. You are also encouraged to contact the California Department of Insurance consumer information line at (800) 927-HELP (4357) or at www.insurance.ca.gov for free insurance assistance.”(b) The agent or insurer shall indicate on the disclosure form which coverages the applicant or insured has selected or purchased.

(c) The disclosure statement may contain additional provisions not conflicting with, annulling, or detracting from the foregoing.

(d) Following the issuance of the policy of residential property insurance, the insurer shall provide the disclosure statement to the insured on an every-other-year basis at the time of renewal. The disclosure required by this section may be transmitted with the material required by Section 10086.1.

(e) A policy of residential property insurance shall not be initially issued as guaranteed replacement cost coverage if it contains any maximum limitation of coverage based on any set dollar limits, percentage amounts, construction cost limits, indexing, or any other preset maximum limitation for covered damage to the insured dwelling. The limitations referred to in this section are solely applicable to dwelling structure coverages. Endorsements covering additional risks to the insurer’s dwelling structure coverage may have internal limits as long as those endorsements are not called guaranteed replacement cost coverage.

(f) A policy of residential property insurance shall not be renewed as guaranteed replacement cost coverage if it contains any maximum limitation of coverage based on any set dollar limits, percentage amounts, construction cost limits, indexing, or any other preset maximum limitation for covered damage to the insured dwelling. The limitations referred to in this section are solely applicable to dwelling structure coverages. Endorsements covering additional risks to the insurer’s dwelling structure coverage may have internal limits as long as those endorsements are not called guaranteed replacement cost coverage.

(g) Coverage provided for building code upgrades by a policy of residential property insurance shall be applicable to building codes, ordinances, standards, or laws only to the extent that those codes, ordinances, standards, or laws do not impose stricter standards on the property on the basis of the level of insurance coverage applicable to the property.

(h) The disclosure required by Section 10101 shall also be provided to the mortgagor in the event that a policy is forced placed by an insurer at the request of a mortgagee. In those cases, neither the insurer nor the mortgagee shall be required to obtain a signature from the mortgagor. A disclosure shall not be required to be provided with respect to blanket policies issued to a mortgagee, and designed to provide interim coverage for losses occurring before the mortgagee has knowledge of the lapse of the policy and before placement of a policy on behalf of the mortgagor.

(i) A disclosure required by Section 10101 that is provided on and after January 1, 2020, shall include any fire safety-related discounts offered by the insurer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 263, Sec. 2. (AB 2756) Effective January 1, 2021.)

chapter: 10. California Residential Property Insurance Disclosure


text:
(a) A policy of residential property insurance shall not be issued or renewed in this state unless it provides the following information on the declarations page of the policy:

(1) The limits of liability for the structure.

(2) The following statement regarding the valuation of the structure:“The limit of liability for this structure (Coverage A) is based on an estimate of the cost to rebuild your home, including an approximate cost for labor and materials in your area, and specific information that you have provided about your home.”

(3) Limits of liability for personal property.

(4) Deductibles.

(5) For a residential property insurance policy that provides replacement cost coverage, a statement that the policy provides building code upgrade coverage for the increased costs of repairing or replacing damage to the insured dwelling caused by a covered loss because of building ordinances or laws regulating the repair or replacement. Building code upgrade coverage is provided based on the increased costs associated with building ordinances or laws in effect at the time of loss or rebuilding, up to policy limits for this coverage. The policy may denote restrictions, if any, on coverage for compliance with applicable building codes that take effect after the date of loss, but before the issuance of required building permits.

(b) If the policy includes building code upgrade coverage, it shall do both of the following:

(1) State it includes building code upgrade coverage on the declaration page in no less than 10-point type, state any applicable limits on the amount of coverage, and, if the policy contains other terms, conditions, or restrictions for coverage, disclose on the declarations page that those terms, conditions, or restrictions are identified on a separate disclosure form attached to the declarations page.

(2) If the building code upgrade coverage is subject to any terms, limits, conditions, or restrictions, state the terms, limits, conditions, or restrictions on a separate disclosure form attached to the declarations page. The separate disclosure form shall be printed in no less than 10-point type.

(c) An open policy of residential property insurance that provides replacement cost coverage shall not be issued or renewed unless it provides additional building code upgrade coverage of no less than 10 percent of the dwelling coverage policy limits. The building code upgrade coverage required by this subdivision shall be additional coverage, and use of this coverage shall not reduce or deplete the dwelling coverage policy limits for the insured property. This subdivision does not prohibit an insurer from offering building code upgrade coverage of greater than 10 percent of the dwelling coverage policy limits, in addition to providing the minimum coverage of 10 percent of the dwelling coverage policy limits.

(d) The provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), and (5) of subdivision (a), subdivision (b), and subdivision (c) are not required for policies purchased by tenants or unit owners that do not cover the structure of the premises.

(e) (1) The requirements of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), subdivision (b), and subdivision (c) do not apply to a policy of residential property insurance that provides actual cash value coverage and does not provide replacement cost coverage or building code upgrade coverage.

(2) The requirements of subdivision (c) do not apply to a policy of residential property insurance that is an apartment policy, a tenant’s policy, a renter’s policy, a mobilehome policy, or a policy insuring individually owned condominium units, if the policy of residential property insurance does not provide dwelling structure coverage. The requirements of subdivision (c) also do not apply to a policy covering all or part of a commercial or farm operation, including a policy covering a structure or dwelling unit on commercial or farm property, regardless of whether the structure or dwelling unit is owner occupied or rented for individual residential purposes.

(3) A policy of residential property insurance that does not provide building code upgrade coverage shall include on the declarations page of the policy in no less than 10-point type the following statement: “THIS POLICY DOES NOT INCLUDE BUILDING CODE UPGRADE COVERAGE.”

(f) The amendments to this section made by the act adding this subdivision shall be operative for any policy issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2021, except that an insurer that files a complete rate application, including, without limitation, a form change application or rule filing, by no later than April 1, 2021, in order to comply with the provisions of this act, shall begin issuing and renewing policies in compliance with this section within 75 days following the commissioner’s prior approval of that complete rate application, including, without limitation, a form change application or rule filing.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 263, Sec. 3. (AB 2756) Effective January 1, 2021.)


text:
(a) On and after July 1, 2020, upon an offer of a policy of residential property insurance, a disclosure shall be provided to the applicant that states policies offering extended replacement cost coverage of at least 50 percent may be available for that property and that includes the internet website address of the department’s Homeowners Coverage Comparison Tool, pursuant to the following conditions:

(1) If an insurer does not offer at least 50 percent above the residential dwelling coverage limit to the applicant, the insurer shall provide the disclosure.

(2) If an insurer, utilizing an agent or broker, does not offer an applicant at least 50 percent above the residential dwelling coverage limit to the applicant, the insurer, agent, or broker shall provide the disclosure.

(3) If an agent or broker provides quotes to a consumer from multiple insurers, but none of the offers include coverage at least 50 percent above the residential dwelling coverage limit, the agent or broker shall provide the disclosure.

(b) (1) If an insurer offers at least 50 percent above the residential dwelling coverage limit to the applicant, the insurer is not required to make a disclosure pursuant to subdivision (a).

(2) If an agent or broker provides quotes to a consumer from multiple insurers, and at least one of the insurers offers 50 percent above the residential dwelling coverage limit, the insurer, agent, or broker is not required to make a disclosure pursuant to subdivision (a).

(c) An insurer that offers policies of residential property insurance shall notify the department on or before February 1 of each year of the amount of extended replacement cost coverage offered by the insurer for each policy or product it sells in California if the amount is different than what was reported in the previous year. The department shall use this information to annually update the Homeowners Coverage Comparison Tool on the department’s internet website.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 201, Sec. 11. (AB 1813) Effective January 1, 2020.)


text:
(a) An insurer that provides replacement cost coverage in accordance with Section 10102, except an insurer that satisfies the requirements of subdivision (b), shall, on an every other year basis, at the time an offer to renew a policy of residential property insurance is made to the policyholder, provide an estimate of the cost necessary to rebuild or replace the insured structure that complies with Sections 2695.180 to 2695.183, inclusive, of Article 1.3 of Subchapter 7.5 of Chapter 5 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations, as those sections provided on January 1, 2018.

(b) An insurer that satisfies either of the following is not subject to subdivision (a):

(1) The policyholder has requested, within the two years prior to the offer to renew the policy, and the insurer has provided, coverage limits greater than the previous limits that the policyholder had selected.

(2) The insurer has, in connection with its annual offer to renew the policy, done both of the following:

(A) Offers, on an every other year basis, the policyholder the right to have a new estimate of the replacement cost for the insured dwelling, that is compliant with Sections 2695.180 to 2695.183, inclusive, of Article 1.3 of Subchapter 7.5 of Chapter 5 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations, as those sections provided on January 1, 2018, provided the policyholder provides the necessary, requested information.

(B) Offered the renewal of the policy and the dwelling coverage limit in the renewal offer is based on an inflation factor that reflects the cost of construction in the policyholder’s geographic area. This paragraph applies whether or not the policyholder has elected to accept that coverage limit.

(c) This section shall not be deemed to limit or preclude an insurer and insured from agreeing to provide coverage for a policy limit that is greater or lesser than the estimate of replacement value provided in accordance with subdivision (a).

(d) This section is not intended to change existing law with respect to the duty of the policyholder or applicant to select the coverage limits for a policy of residential property insurance.

(e) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2019.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 205, Sec. 1. (AB 1797) Effective January 1, 2019. Section operative July 1, 2019, by its own provisions.)


text:
(a) Every California Residential Property Insurance Disclosure shall be accompanied by a California Residential Property Insurance Bill of Rights. If the insurer provides the insured with an electronic copy of a policy, the bill of rights may also be transmitted electronically.

(b) The California Residential Property Insurance Bill of Rights shall be plainly prepared in no less than 10-point type. The Bill of Rights shall contain the following:“California Residential Property Insurance Bill of RightsA consumer is entitled to receive information regarding residential property insurance. The following is a limited overview of information that your insurance company can provide:•The insurance company’s customer service telephone number for

underwriting, rating, and claims inquiries.•A written explanation for any cancellation or nonrenewal of your policy.•A copy of the insurance policy.•An explanation of how your policy limits were established.•In the event of a claim, an itemized, written scope of loss report prepared

by the insurer or its adjuster within a reasonable time period.•In the event of a claim, a copy of the Unfair Practices Act and, if requested,

a copy of the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations.•In the event of a claim, notification of a consumer’s rights with respect to

the appraisal process for resolving claims disputes.•An offer of coverage and premium quote for earthquake coverage, if eligible.A consumer is also entitled to select a licensed contractor or vendor to repair, replace, or rebuild damaged property covered by the insurance policy.The information provided herein is not all inclusive and does not negate or preempt existing California law. If you have any concerns or questions, contact your agent, broker, insurance company, or the California Department of Insurance consumer information line at (800) 927-HELP (4357) or at www.insurance.ca.gov for free insurance assistance.”(c) (1) The bill of rights shall be distributed by all insurers licensed to sell residential property insurance in this state.

(2) If the insurer under a personal lines residential property insurance policy reports claims history or loss experience of insureds under those policies to an insurance-support organization, the insurer shall include the following disclosure in the California Residential Property Insurance Bill of Rights: “This insurer reports claim information to one or more claims information databases. The claim information is used to furnish loss history reports to insurers. If you are interested in obtaining a report from a claims information database, you may do so by contacting:

(Insert the name, toll-free telephone number, and, if applicable, internet website address of each claims information database to which the insurer reports the information covered by this section)” (d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2020.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 2) and added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 151, Sec. 3. (SB 508) Effective January 1, 2020. Section operative July 1, 2020, by its own provisions.)


text:
(a) If an insurer issues a new residential property insurance policy on or after July 1, 2021, that does not provide coverage for the peril of fire, the insurer shall, on or before the date of issuance of the policy, obtain a signed acknowledgment from the applicant or insured stating that the newly issued policy does not provide coverage for the peril of fire. If the applicant or insured does not sign the required acknowledgment on or before the issuance of the policy, the insurer shall obtain the signed acknowledgment from the applicant or insured within 60 days of the date of issuance of the policy. For purposes of this subdivision, a new or newly issued policy does not include renewal of an existing policy, including a renewal that contains different terms than the preceding policy periods.

(b) If an insurer issues or renews a residential property insurance policy on or after July 1, 2021, that does not provide coverage for the peril of fire, the insurer shall prominently disclose both of the following on the declarations page of the policy:

(1) The following statement in bold, uppercase letters in no less than 12-point type: THIS POLICY DOES NOT COVER THE PERIL OF FIRE. THERE ARE OTHER RESOURCES FOR FINDING FIRE COVERAGE, INCLUDING USING THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE’S HOME INSURANCE FINDER OR PURCHASING COVERAGE FROM THE CALIFORNIA FAIR PLAN ASSOCIATION. (2) Information on the California FAIR Plan, as required by subdivision (h) of Section 10095, and the information on the California Home Insurance Finder, as required by subdivision (b) of Section 10095.7.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 263, Sec. 4. (AB 2756) Effective January 1, 2021.)


text:
(a) In the event of a covered loss relating to a state of emergency, as defined in Section 8558 of the Government Code, an insured under a residential property insurance policy shall be permitted to combine payments for claims for losses up to the policy limits for the primary dwelling and other structures, for any of the covered expenses reasonably necessary to rebuild or replace the damaged or destroyed dwelling, if the policy limits for coverage to rebuild or replace the primary dwelling are insufficient. Any claims payments for losses pursuant to this subdivision for which replacement cost coverage is applicable shall be for the full replacement value of the loss without requiring actual replacement of the other structures. Claims payments for other structures in excess of the amount applied towards the necessary cost to rebuild or replace the damaged or destroyed dwelling shall be paid according to the terms of the policy.

(b) (1) In the event of a covered total loss of a primary dwelling under a residential property insurance policy resulting from a state of emergency, as defined in Section 8558 of the Government Code, if the residence was furnished at the time of the loss, the insurer shall offer a payment under the contents (personal property) coverage in an amount no less than 60 percent of the policy limit applicable to the personal property covered under the policy, up to a maximum of three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000), without requiring the insured to file an itemized claim.

(2) After receiving the payment described in paragraph (1), the insured may recover additional amounts up to the policy limit for contents coverage by filing a claim pursuant to the terms of the policy for the loss of contents that exceeds the value of the payment provided pursuant to paragraph (1).

(3) When an insured files a claim relating to a state of emergency, as defined in Section 8558 of the Government Code, the insurer shall notify the insured of the option to receive payment for loss of contents pursuant to paragraph (1) and of the insured’s option to subsequently file a full itemized claim pursuant to paragraph (2).

(4) This subdivision does not affect payment under the policy for scheduled personal property.

(5) As a condition of receiving the advance payment made pursuant this subdivision, an insurer may require the insured sign an attestation form. The attesting form may request that the insured acknowledge the residence was furnished and that the insured reasonably believes the personal property damaged or destroyed had a value that equates or exceeded the amount of the advance payment. The attestation form shall not contain any misleading or inaccurate information. The commissioner may issue a bulletin or promulgate a regulation that describes the parameters of an attestation form.

(6) This section does not prohibit an insurer from restricting payment in cases of suspected fraud.

(c) On and after July 1, 2026, all policy forms issued or renewed by an insurer shall comply with this section in its entirety, including the changes made to this section by the act that added this paragraph.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 542, Sec. 3. (SB 495) Effective January 1, 2026.)


text:
(a) As used in this chapter, “policy of residential property insurance” shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 10087, except that it shall not include a tenant’s policy, a policy covering individually owned mobilehomes and their contents, a renter’s policy, or a policy insuring individually owned condominium units, when those policies do not provide dwelling structure coverage. If a policy insuring an individually owned condominium or an individually owned mobilehome does provide dwelling structure coverage, an insurer is required to provide the named insured with a copy of the documents described in subdivision (a) of Section 10101.

(b) As used in this chapter, “insurer” has the same meaning as defined in Section 10091.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 151, Sec. 4. (SB 508) Effective January 1, 2020.)


text: Nothing in this chapter is intended to expand, contract, modify, or otherwise affect the coverage provided under any policy of residential property insurance issued and in effect prior to July 1, 1993. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to those policies upon the first renewal of those policies following January 1, 1994.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 11, Sec. 4. Effective May 5, 1993.)


text: The Insurance Commissioner may modify a disclosure statement as contained in Section 10102, 10103, or 10103.5 only upon request of an insurer. The modification shall only be for the purpose of adding new or clarifying existing language describing any form of dwelling coverage offered by an insurer. The commissioner’s authority to modify the disclosure statement shall be limited solely to determining the clarity and accuracy of the information provided in the disclosure to ensure that the disclosure accurately reflects a new or existing product. It is the intent of the Legislature that the disclosure form be kept as brief as clarity and accuracy permit. Any modification to the disclosure statement shall be approved in writing by the commissioner.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 448, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2006.)


text: Except as provided in subdivisions (e) and (i) of Section 10102, this chapter shall apply to all policies newly issued on or after July 1, 1993, and to all policies renewed after January 1, 1994.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 11, Sec. 5. Effective May 5, 1993. Note: This section prescribes dates of applicability for Chapter 10, commencing with Section 10101.)


text:
(a) The commissioner shall develop a pamphlet which provides information to small business owners and others on the key features of, and suggested ways of, purchasing commercial property insurance. The commissioner may develop this pamphlet with the assistance of an advisory panel consisting of persons representing small business owners, insurers, consumer organizations, and other persons deemed necessary by the commissioner.

(b) The pamphlet shall be completed by July 1, 1995, and to the extent feasible, copies shall be made available to persons operating small businesses, business groups, chambers of commerce, and other persons and groups.

(c) The pamphlet shall provide information on the key features of commercial property insurance and recommend steps for purchasing this insurance. The pamphlet shall include, but not be limited to, providing information on the following:

(1) Various types of commercial insurance.

(2) Limits of liability in policies, including that for the following:

(A) Structures.

(B) Personal property.

(C) Inventory.

(D) Business interruption.

(3) Deductibles.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 316, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995.)

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