Did you know . . .

State law requires insurance companies to assist you, the policyholder, in determining the amount the insurer owes you? This includes disclosing to you all benefits, coverages, time limits or other provisions of your insurance policy that may apply to your claim.

Upon receiving any communication from a claimant that reasonably suggests that a response is expected, every insurance company claims adjuster or agent must furnish the claimant with a complete response within 15 days?

State law requires every insurance company, upon receiving notice of claim, acknowledge receipt of such notice, provide you with necessary forms and assistance for proof of claim, and begin any necessary investigation within 15 days?

It is illegal for any insurer to discriminate in its claims settlement practices based on your race, gender, income, income, religion, language, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, or physical disability, or upon the territory of the property or person insured?

State law provides that upon receipt of proof of claim (separately defined in the Regulations) every insurer shall accept or deny the claim or give written notice regarding additional information that is needed?

State law requires that upon acceptance of a claim and, when necessary, a properly executed release, the insurer shall tender payment of the undisputed amount within 30 calendar days?

State law prohibits an insurer from delaying or denying the settlement of a claim with its policyholder on the basis that the responsibility for payment should be assumed by someone else?

Insurance companies are prohibited from requiring you to use non-original equipment in the repairs of your vehicle unless the parts are equal to the original equipment with respect to kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance and the insurance company warrants the same?

If non-original equipment is used in the repairs of your vehicle, such parts must carry permanent, non-removable identification so as to identify the manufacturer?

When paying for the repairs or replacement of your automobile insurance companies are required to justify any deductions for betterment, depreciation or salvage? All adjustments must be discernable, measurable, itemized and specified as to dollar amount.

If your homeowners policy provides for replacement cost:

1. any consequential physical damage incurred in making the repair or replacement, not otherwise excluded by your policy, must be included; and
2. the insurer must replace all items in the damaged area so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance?

[The information above is from the California Code of Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7.5, entitled the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations (Amendments filed 1/10/97)]