Cal. Ins. Code § 10102

Current through the 2024 Legislative Session.

Section 10102 - Generally

(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 DISCLOSURE

This 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 COVERAGE

You 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 INSURANCE

AVOID 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.

Ca. Ins. Code § 10102

Amended by Stats 2020 ch 263 (AB 2756),s 2, eff. 1/1/2021.

Amended by Stats 2018 ch 75 (AB 2229),s 1, eff. 1/1/2019.

Added by Stats 2010 ch 589 (AB 2022),s 2, eff. 1/1/2011.