Insurance Claim Rules in California – Camp and Woolsey Fires 2018
NOTE: This publication was created specifically for those affected by the 2018 California Wildfires. Some laws have since changed. There is an updated version of this publication in the California State by State Help Page.
Your insurance company, and its employees, are required to follow California law when handling your property damage claim. Some laws are triggered by a declared disaster; they change how claims are paid, and extend the timeframes that apply to those losses. Adjusters, especially those who come from out of state after a disaster, don’t always know or follow the rules, so it is often up to you to understand and enforce them. You can use the guidance and sample letters on our website to help you navigate this process.
Processing your claim
The insurance company must acknowledge that they have received your claim within 15 days after you give them notice. They must provide you with the forms you’re required to complete and explain how you’re supposed to complete them. Under the voluntary claim handling rules, insurance companies should accept your personal property inventory on a form of your choosing. They may provide you a form, but you do not have to use it if you prefer another format. They should also accept reduced itemization and grouping of categories of items, but don’t always do so.
Investigating your claim
The insurance company must begin any necessary investigation within 15 days of receiving your claim. They must provide you with additional written notification that the investigation is incomplete and the reasons it is incomplete every 30 days. Disasters often make these deadlines impossible to comply with, so they are routinely extended, but don’t accept “we need more time.” Ask them to be specific about what they are doing, and what they need to complete the claim.
Cash advances
Your insurance company should give you cash advances while processing/adjusting your claim. If your insurer is abiding by the CA Department of Insurance Voluntary Claims Handling Reform, they will pay you a 4-month advance on your Additional Living Expense (“ALE”) or Loss of Use benefits, and at least 25% of your Personal Property/Contents limits. Even if your insurance company didn’t sign on to this agreed set of reforms, they should abide by them if you ask them.
Communicating information to you
The insurance company must answer your questions and reply to your communications, including phone calls, emails, and letters within 15 days. The insurance company must explain to you all policy benefits, applicable coverages, and any proof of claim deadlines. They must also, upon written request, provide you with a complete copy of your policy and all claim-related documents in your claim file. When you request a complete and current copy of your policy, or your claim documents, your insurer has 30 days to get it to you. If, within a 6-month period, your insurer assigns a third (or more!) adjuster, they must provide you with a written status report. This report must include a summary of the claim, a summary of losses and payments made, the amount of coverage and whether they have hired any professionals to assist with the claim.
Paying or denying your claim
The insurance company must accept or reject your claim, in whole or in part, within 40 days. If they reject your claim, they must list all factual and legal bases for doing so with explanation of any applicable statute or other law. They must send you the specific policy language that applies. If the insurance company accepts your claim, they must pay the undisputed portion of the claim immediately but not later than 30 days.
Additional Living Expenses
In claims where the cause is declared a “disaster” by the State, insurers must provide at least 36 months worth of ALE (Additional Living Expenses) benefits, up to policy limits. [Cal Ins. Code2051] This coverage stops when you rebuild, replace or relocate permanently. Your insurer must give you, (upon request) a list of items normally classified as reimbursable ALE expenses. [Cal Ins. Code 2060] Typically ALE is paid via an advance to get you situated, then on an “as incurred” basis as you submit receipts and document expenses.
Fair Depreciation
Almost every policy allows an insurance company to depreciate your property to reflect the condition it was in at the time of the loss. They must consider both age and condition of the property. [Cal. Ins. Coe 2051(b)] You generally have the right to collect the difference between that depreciated amount and what it costs you to replace the property, depending on the policy language. You have the right to know how your insurance company calculated depreciation and how they calculated their settlement offer [Cal Ins Code 2071; CCR 2695.9] There is no “official” depreciation schedule, insurance companies are all over the map on these calculations, so you have to advocate for fair valuation of your property. This is highly negotiable, so speak up!
Collecting Replacement Cost
New legislation or a declared disaster, you have at least 36 months to collect full replacement benefits. [Cal. Ins. Code 2051.5(b)(1). Additional extensions of six months shall be provided to policyholders for good cause. CA law also allows you to use your full replacement benefits, including extended and code upgrade coverages to buy or rebuild in a new location. 2051.5(c).
Preserving your rights
Your insurance company must provide written notice to you within 60 days of deadlines that cut off your rights to collect additional benefits or file a lawsuit. The notice must clearly state the time limit and how it will impact your rights. Read your letters carefully and look for language that says “Suit Against Us” or similar, as this language starts the clock ticking.
Complaints, Attorneys & Litigation
Your insurance company cannot retaliate against you for making complaint to the California Department of Insurance, withhold payments until the complaint is withdrawn, or threaten or intimidate you to discourage you from making a complaint. [CCR 2695.7] An insurer cannot directly advise you against obtaining the services of an attorney. It is against the law for your insurer to unreasonably deny a claim, which in turn forces you to have to sue to recover benefits owed. [Cal Ins Code 790.03] Additionally, new legislation extends the time limit to sue from 12 months, to 24 months from the date your claim is paid (or denied.)
For more information, see: A Guide to Your Insurance Legal Rights in California.
The information presented in this publication is for general informational purposes, and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have a specific legal issue or problem, United Policyholders recommends that you consult with an attorney. Guidance on hiring professional help can be found in the “Find Help” section of www.uphelp.org. United Policyholders does not sell insurance or certify, endorse or warrant any of the insurance products, vendors or professionals identified at our website.