reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 4 - The Policy › ARTICLE 4 - Warranties › Section 446.

446. When, before the time arrives for the performance of a warranty relating to the future, a loss insured against happens, or performance becomes unlawful at the place of the contract, or impossible, the omission to fulfill the warranty does not avoid the policy.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 4 - The Policy › ARTICLE 4 - Warranties › Section 447.

447. The violation of a material warranty or other material provision of a policy, on the part of either party thereto, entitles the other to rescind.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 4 - The Policy › ARTICLE 4 - Warranties › Section 448.

448. Unless the policy declares that a violation of specified provisions thereof shall avoid it, the breach of an immaterial provision does not avoid the policy.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 4 - The Policy › ARTICLE 4 - Warranties › Section 449.

449. A breach of warranty without fraud merely exonerates an insurer from the time that it occurs, or where the warranty is broken in its inception, prevents the policy from attaching to the risk.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 4 - The Policy › ARTICLE 5 - Inception Hours › Section 460.

460. On and after January 1, 1972, every printed form of an insurance contract, including every policy, endorsement, rider, or any amendment thereof issued in this state by any insurer or issued for delivery in this state by any insurer shall state an inception hour for coverage of 12:01 a.m. of the date upon which it is to be dated. However, the contract may provide that the inception time shall not be prior to the time applied for. Unless a specific provision of this code otherwise prescribes or permits, the hour prescribed shall be standard time at the residence within this state, or the principal place of business within this state, of the insured.
This section shall not prohibit an insurer, directly or through an agent, from issuing a binder, whether it be oral or typed by insertions in blanks in a printed form, specifying an inception or termination hour other than 12:01 a.m. on the date upon which the coverage is to commence, or end, as specified in the standard form or forms issued as the normal policy. Such binder shall not be subject to Section 382 nor have the technical meaning therein ascribed to “covering notes.”
This section shall not prohibit an insurer from issuing any policy or contract on a normal printed form which contains a provision extending the period of coverage for either 12 hours preceding, or following, the effective hour otherwise required by this section.
This section shall not apply to:
(1) Life insurance as defined in Section 101 or such supplemental disability insurance as is defined in Sections 10271 and 10292.
(2) Marine insurance as defined in Section 103.
(3) Title insurance as defined in Section 104.
(4) Mortgage insurance as defined in Section 107.
(5) Mortgage guarantee insurance as defined in Section 119.
(6) Surety insurance, as defined in Section 105, or disability insurance, as defined in Section 106, unless, until, and to the extent following:
The commissioner, on or after the effective date of the amendment of this section at the 1969 Regular Session of the Legislature, from time to time, as to specific types, classes, or categories of such insurance, declares, by rules and regulations promulgated as provided by law, that this section shall apply. Such rules or regulations shall provide that no policy or other form required by law to be approved by the commissioner need be refiled for approval if the only change from a previously approved form is the inclusion or change of the inception or termination hour.
(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 656, Sec. 1.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 481.1.

481.1. (a) In the event any conditional receipt, binder, or other evidence of temporary or implied insurance, except ocean marine insurance as defined in Section 481 and those classes of insurance as defined in Sections 101, 104, and 106, is canceled, rejected, or surrendered by the insurer, the coverage thereby extended shall terminate 10 days after written notice to the named insured is deposited, properly addressed with postage prepaid, with the United States Postal Service.
(b) Any conditional receipt, binder, or other evidence of temporary or implied insurance described in subdivision (a) shall remain in force for a period of at least 30 days from the date of its issuance unless sooner canceled, rejected, or surrendered pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (a).
(Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 404.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 482.

482. Except as provided by section 481, or by the insurance contract, if a peril insured against has existed, and the insurer has been liable for any period, however short, the insured is not entitled to return of premiums, so far as that particular risk is concerned.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 483.

483. A person insured is entitled to a return of the premium:
(a) When the contract is voidable, on account of the fraud or misrepresentation of the insurer.
(b) When the contract is voidable on account of facts, of the existence of which the insured was ignorant without his fault.
(c) When, by any default of the insured other than actual fraud, the insurer did not incur any liability under the policy.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 484.

484. An acknowledgment in a policy of the receipt of premium is conclusive evidence of its payment, so far as to make the policy binding. Notwithstanding such acknowledgment, a policy may be canceled effective at such times as otherwise permitted by law for nonpayment of all or any portion of the premium which is actually unpaid if such cancellation right is reserved to the insurer in the policy.
(Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 536.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 485.

485. In case of an overinsurance by several insurers, the insured is entitled to a ratable return of the premium, proportioned to the amount by which the aggregate sum insured in all the policies exceeds the insurable value of the subject at risk.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 486.

486. When an overinsurance is effected by simultaneous policies, the insurers contribute to the premium to be returned in proportion to the amount insured by their respective policies.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 487.

487. When an overinsurance is effected by successive policies, those only contribute to a return of the premium who are exonerated by prior insurance from the liability assumed by them, and in proportion as the sum for which the premium was paid exceeds the amount for which, on account of prior insurance, they could be made liable.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 488.

488. No insurer shall, in issuing or renewing a private passenger automobile insurance policy, increase the premium on that policy for the reason that the insured or applicant for insurance has been convicted for traffic violations committed while operating a motor vehicle for compensation during the hours of his employment if, with respect to a conviction, the employee or applicant has submitted to the insurer a written declaration made by the employee under penalty of perjury that the applicant or insured was, at that time, operating a motor vehicle for compensation during the hours of his or her employment. This section applies only to those individuals whose specific duties include driving their employer’s motor vehicles or individuals who have authority in their name from the Public Utilities Commission to operate as a highway carrier and who are the registered owners or lease operators of the motor vehicle used in the operation as a highway carrier.
This section does not apply to an insured or applicant for insurance convicted of any of the following:
(a) Homicide or assault arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle for compensation during the hours of employment.
(b) A violation while operating a motor vehicle for compensation during the hours of employment of any of the following sections or section subdivisions of the Vehicle Code:
(1) Subdivision (a) of Section 14601.
(2) Subdivision (a) of Section 14601.1.
(3) Subdivision (a) of Section 14601.2.
(4) Section 20001 or 20002.
(5) Subdivision (a) of Section 20008.
(6) Section 23103, 23104, 23105, 23152, or 23153.
(c) This section shall not apply to a person insured under the California assigned risk plan prescribed by Article 4 (commencing with Section 11620) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 2.
(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 682, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 488.5.

488.5. (a) An insurer shall not, in issuing or renewing a private automobile insurance policy to a peace officer, member of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, or firefighter, with respect to his or her operation of a private passenger motor vehicle, increase the premium on that policy for the reason that the insured or applicant for insurance has been involved in an accident while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in subdivision (a) or (f) of Section 165 of the Vehicle Code or in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 165 of the Vehicle Code, or any employer-leased vehicle or employer-rented vehicle, in the performance of his or her duty during the hours of his or her employment, or was involved in an accident while operating his or her private passenger motor vehicle in the performance of his or her duty at the request or direction of an employer.
(b) An insurer shall not, in issuing or renewing a private automobile insurance policy to a federal officer or federal customs agent, with respect to his or her operation of a private motor vehicle, increase the premium on that policy for the reason that the insured or applicant for insurance has been involved in an accident while operating an official government vehicle in the performance of his or her duty during the hours of his or her employment.
(c) As used in this section:
(1) “Peace officer” means every person defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.
(2) “Policy” shall have the same meaning as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 660.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 823, Sec. 1. (AB 2298) Effective January 1, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 489.

489. (a) Upon issuance of a policy of insurance described in Section 660, the insurer or its agent shall deliver to the named insured a notice explaining the manner in which the insurer’s rating plan provides for an increase in the premium based upon accidents or convictions within the meaning of Sections 13103 and 13105 of the Vehicle Code.
Every insurer or its agent, not less than 20 days prior to renewal of a policy covered by this section, shall inform the named insured of the named insured’s right to be informed, upon request, of any increase in the premium, in whole or in part, charged the named insured by virtue of the involvement in any accident, or conviction within the meaning of Section 13103 and 13105 of the Vehicle Code, by the insured or any operator of the motor vehicle.
(b) Every insurer shall, after March 1, 1977, as part of the first offer required by Section 663, deliver to everyone who was a named insured under a policy of insurance described in Section 660 on March 1, 1977, a notice explaining the manner in which the insurer’s rating plan provides for an increase in the premium, based upon accidents or convictions within the meaning of Sections 13103 and 13105 of the Vehicle Code. The provisions of this subdivision shall expire on March 1, 1978.
(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1240.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5 - The Premium › Section 491.

491. The rating plan of a motor vehicle liability insurer shall not provide for an increase in the premium if based upon an accident in which the insured is not at fault, in any manner, as determined by either the accident report or the insurer. In the event the insurer determines that its insured is at fault contrary to an accident report’s specific finding that the insured is not at fault, the insurer shall reach its conclusion only after an investigation.
(Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 470, Sec. 1.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5.2 - Renewal Notices › Section 500.

500. Whenever any insurer has, as a regular course of conduct, sent renewal premium notices to an insured, and intends to discontinue that practice, it shall notify such insured of its intention not to send such notices.
(Added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 357.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5.3 - Consumer Complaints › Section 510.

510. (a) Whenever a policy of insurance specified in Section 660 or 675, a policy of life insurance as defined in Section 101, a policy of disability insurance as defined in Section 106, or a certificate of coverage as defined in Section 10270.6, is first issued to or delivered to a new insured or a new policyholder in this state, or when a bail bond as defined in Section 1800.4 is first executed or delivered, the insurer shall include a written disclosure containing the name, address, toll-free telephone number, and internet website of the unit within the Department of Insurance that deals with consumer affairs. The telephone number shall be the same as that provided to consumers under Section 12921.1. The disclosure shall be printed in large, boldface type.
(b) The disclosure described in subdivision (a) shall also contain the address and customer service telephone number of the insurer, or the address and customer service telephone number of the agent or broker of record, or all of those addresses and telephone numbers. All addresses and telephone numbers for the insurer or the agent or broker of record shall be prominently displayed, in boldfaced type. The disclosure shall also contain a statement that the Department of Insurance should be contacted only after discussions with the insurer, or its agent or other representative, or both, have failed to produce a satisfactory resolution to the problem. If the policy or certificate was issued or delivered by an agent or broker, the disclosure shall specifically advise the insured to contact their agent or broker for assistance.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 424, Sec. 3. (SB 1242) Effective January 1, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 5.4 - Proof of Coverage Disclosure › Section 515.

515. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law, an insurer issuing policies of automobile liability insurance or motor vehicle liability insurance shall, upon request of either the named insured or the Department of Motor Vehicles, promptly issue to that person or the department written verification as to the existence of that coverage.
(2) Upon the request of the insured, an insurer may issue the verification as to the existence of that coverage in an electronic format to a mobile electronic device to the extent available. This section does not require an insurer to provide the verification of coverage in an electronic format in real time.
(b) For purposes of this section, “mobile electronic device” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (f) of Section 16028 of the Vehicle Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 236, Sec. 1. (AB 1708) Effective January 1, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 1 - Transfer of Interest After Loss › Section 520.

520. An agreement not to transfer the claim of the insured against the insurer after a loss has happened, is void if made before the loss except as otherwise provided in Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 2 of this code.
(Amended by Stats. 1947, Ch. 904.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 2 - Causes of Loss › Section 530.

530. An insurer is liable for a loss of which a peril insured against was the proximate cause, although a peril not contemplated by the contract may have been a remote cause of the loss; but he is not liable for a loss of which the peril insured against was only a remote cause.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 2 - Causes of Loss › Section 530.5.

530.5. If a loss or damage results from a combination of perils, one of which is a landslide, mudslide, mudflow, or debris flow, coverage shall be provided if an insured peril is the efficient proximate cause of the loss or damage and coverage would otherwise be provided for the insured peril. Coverage shall be provided under the same terms and conditions as would be provided for the insured peril.
(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 620, Sec. 1. (SB 917) Effective January 1, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 2 - Causes of Loss › Section 531.

531. An insurer is liable:
(a) Where the thing insured is rescued from a peril insured against, and which would otherwise have caused a loss, if, in the course of such rescue, the thing is exposed to a peril not insured against, and which permanently deprives the insured of its possession, in whole or in part.
(b) If a loss is caused by efforts to rescue the thing insured from a peril insured against.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 2 - Causes of Loss › Section 532.

532. If a peril is specially excepted in a contract of insurance and there is a loss which would not have occurred but for such peril, such loss is thereby excepted even though the immediate cause of the loss was a peril which was not excepted.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 2 - Causes of Loss › Section 533.

533. An insurer is not liable for a loss caused by the wilful act of the insured; but he is not exonerated by the negligence of the insured, or of the insured’s agents or others.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 2 - Causes of Loss › Section 533.5.

533.5. (a) No policy of insurance shall provide, or be construed to provide, any coverage or indemnity for the payment of any fine, penalty, or restitution in any criminal action or proceeding or in any action or proceeding brought pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17200) of Part 2 of, or Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17500) of Part 3 of, Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code by the Attorney General, any district attorney, any city prosecutor, or any county counsel, notwithstanding whether the exclusion or exception regarding this type of coverage or indemnity is expressly stated in the policy.
(b) No policy of insurance shall provide, or be construed to provide, any duty to defend, as defined in subdivision (c), any claim in any criminal action or proceeding or in any action or proceeding brought pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17200) of Part 2 of, or Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17500) of Part 3 of, Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code in which the recovery of a fine, penalty, or restitution is sought by the Attorney General, any district attorney, any city prosecutor, or any county counsel, notwithstanding whether the exclusion or exception regarding the duty to defend this type of claim is expressly stated in the policy.
(c) For the purpose of this section, “duty to defend” means the insurer’s right or obligation to investigate, contest, defend, control the defense of, compromise, settle, negotiate the compromise or settlement of, or indemnify for the cost of any aspect of defending any claim in any criminal action or proceeding or in any action or proceeding brought pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17200) of Part 2 of, or Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17500) of Part 3 of, Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code in which the insured expects or contends that (1) the insurer is liable or is potentially liable to make any payment on behalf of the insured or (2) the insurer will provide a defense for a claim even though the insurer is precluded by law from indemnifying that claim.
(d) Any provision in a policy of insurance which is in violation of subdivision (a) or (b) is contrary to public policy and void.
(Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1195, Sec. 4.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 2 - Causes of Loss › Section 533.7.

533.7. Notwithstanding any other law, an insurer may defend a duly licensed physician or surgeon against any cause of action involving the performance of any act for which a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate is required.
(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 489, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 3 - Notice and Proofs of Loss › Section 550.

550. In case of loss upon an insurance against fire, an insurer is exonerated if notice thereof is not given to him without unnecessary delay by an insured or some person entitled to the benefit of the insurance.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 3 - Notice and Proofs of Loss › Section 551.

551. Except in the case of life, marine, or fire insurance, notice of an accident, injury, or death may be given at any time within twenty days after the event, to the insurer under a policy against loss therefrom. In such a policy, no requirement of notice within a lesser period shall be valid.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 3 - Notice and Proofs of Loss › Section 552.

552. When preliminary proof of loss is required by a policy, the insured is not bound to give such proof as would be necessary in a court of justice; but it is sufficient for him to give the best evidence in his power at the time.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 3 - Notice and Proofs of Loss › Section 553.

553. All defects in a notice of loss, or in preliminary proof thereof, which the insured might remedy, and which the insurer omits to specify to him, without unnecessary delay, as grounds of objection, are waived.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 3 - Notice and Proofs of Loss › Section 554.

554. Delay in the presentation to an insurer of notice or proof of loss is waived, if caused by an act of his, or if he omits to make objection promptly and specifically upon that ground.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 3 - Notice and Proofs of Loss › Section 555.

555. If a policy requires, by way of preliminary proof of loss, the certificate or testimony of a person other than the insured or beneficiary, there is sufficient compliance with the requirement if the insured or the beneficiary (a) uses reasonable diligence to procure the certificate or testimony, and (b) in case of refusal to give it to him, furnishes reasonable evidence to the insurer that the refusal was not induced by just grounds of disbelief in the facts necessary to be certified or testified.
(Amended by Stats. 1941, Ch. 876.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 3 - Notice and Proofs of Loss › Section 557.

557. It is a misdemeanor for any person alone or in concert to prepare or make any bid or other writing which falsely purports to be a bona fide offer to repair a damaged motor vehicle or any other damaged property, with the intent that the same be used for the purpose of fraudulently leading an automobile liability insurer to believe:
(a) That a bid of some other person represents an offer made in open competition; or
(b) That the policy provisions of such insurer governing bids for the repair of vehicles or other property insured under the policy have been complied with in good faith.
(Added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 1907.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 4 - Payment of Automobile Collision Repairs › Section 560.

560. (a) An insurer that issues a policy providing automobile collision coverage, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 660, or automobile physical damage coverage, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 660, shall, if a covered automobile is damaged by collision or otherwise and the insurer knows that the automobile will be repaired by the repairer, make payment by check or draft, payable to the repairer or to the named insured and the repairer, jointly, or, with the consent of the repairer, by an electronic funds transfer to the repairer, not later than 10 days subsequent to receipt of an itemized bill or invoice covering repairs authorized by the insurer which have been satisfactorily completed. This section applies if the insured has received actual notice that the repairer is doing work pursuant to a contract approved by the insurance company and, in that case, the payment shall include the name of the repairer.
(b) (1) This section does not limit the right of an insured to select, or prohibit an insured from selecting, the auto body repair shop or other repair facility to repair the damaged vehicle, as described in Section 758.5, nor does it limit the right of an insured to decide, or prohibit an insured from deciding, not to have the vehicle repaired. If the insured decides not to have the vehicle repaired, the insurer shall not withhold the payment of reasonable repair cost benefits that are otherwise payable under the policy.
(2) This section does not prohibit an insurer from restricting payment in cases of suspected fraud or from including a named loss payee or lienholder as an additional payee on the claims payment check or draft, to the degree the insurance policy permits the loss payee or lienholder to be added as additional payee on the claims payment check or draft.
(3) This section does not prohibit an insurer from requiring that a damaged vehicle be repaired as a condition for payment if the damage to the vehicle is sufficiently serious that safety features that are part of the vehicle’s operating systems are compromised.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 132, Sec. 1. (AB 1538) Effective January 1, 2020.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 5 - Certain Insurance Covering Real Property › Section 570.

570. Except in the event that the insurer has previously obtained a release on a loss, each insurer which issues, amends, or renews, on or after January 1, 1975, a policy of insurance covering repair or reconstruction work on commercial, industrial, or residential real property and appurtenances thereon, shall, in the event of covered work being performed by a licensee under the Contractors License Law (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code), make payment by check or draft directly to the contractor performing the work, or, with the consent of the contractor, by an electronic funds transfer to the contractor performing the work, and not to the owner of the property, in every case in which all of the following conditions are present and the insurer has actual knowledge thereof:
(a) The property owner of record has, in a writing signed by him and transmitted to the insurer, stated all of the following:
(1) The work completed meets with his satisfaction.
(2) The insurer, upon direct payment to the contractor, is released from liability.
(3) The writing was not completed or signed by him until after all work was completed.
(b) The property owners of record, the named insured, and any loss payee have consented in writing to such direct payment and release from liability.
(c) The completed work has been certified by the appropriate public agency or authority as conforming to existing building, electrical, and construction codes.
(d) Each subcontractor of the contractor, and each materialman, to whom direct payment is to be made by the insurer has executed, and filed of record, releases of any and all claims, including, but not limited to, mechanic’s liens, which the subcontractor and materialman might have against the property or any appurtenance thereof, the property owners of record, the named insured, and any loss payee named in the policy, for any work the subcontractor performed, or material the materialman furnished, upon the property under the contract for which such payment is being made. The property owner or the contractor, as the case may be, shall submit to the insurer proof, satisfactory to it, of such execution and filing prior to the insurer’s making any direct payment provided for by this article.
(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 433, Sec. 5. (AB 328) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 5 - Certain Insurance Covering Real Property › Section 571.

571. Where the insurer has authorized the work and its liability is not in dispute, the direct payment provided for by Section 570 shall be made to the contractor performing the work not later than 30 days after the insurer has actual knowledge that the conditions of subdivisions (a) through (d) of Section 570 have been completed.
(Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 281.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 5 - Certain Insurance Covering Real Property › Section 572.

572. As used in this article, the term “loss payee” shall include, but not be limited to, any mortgagee of the insured real property.
(Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 281.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 6 - Loss › ARTICLE 6 - Electronic Payment of Claims › Section 580.

580. Every insurer required to make payment for a loss, may, with the consent of the insured, make payment by an electronic funds transfer. An insurer may not require an insured to consent to payment by an electronic funds transfer.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 433, Sec. 6. (AB 328) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 7 - Double Insurance › Section 591.

591. In case of double insurance, the several insurers are liable to pay losses thereon as follows:
(a) In fire insurance, each insurer shall contribute ratably, without regard to the dates of the several policies.
(b) In marine insurance, the liability of the several insurers for a total loss, whether actual or constructive, where the policies are not simultaneous, is in the order of the dates of the several policies. No liability attaches to a second or other subsequent policy, except as to the excess of the loss over the amount of all previous policies on the same interest. If two or more policies bear the same date, they are deemed to be simultaneous, and each insurer on simultaneous policies shall contribute ratably. The insolvency of any of the insurers does not affect the proportionate liability of the other insurers.
All insurers on the same marine interest shall contribute ratably for a partial or average loss.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 8 - Reinsurance › Section 620.

620. A contract of reinsurance is one by which an insurer procures a third person to insure him against loss or liability by reason of such original insurance.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 8 - Reinsurance › Section 622.

622. Where an insurer obtains reinsurance, he must communicate all the representations of the original insured, and also all the knowledge and information he possesses, whether previously or subsequently acquired, which are material to the risk.
(Enacted by Stats. 1935, Ch. 145.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 9 - Rescission › Section 650.

650. Whenever a right to rescind a contract of insurance is given to the insurer by any provision of this part such right may be exercised at any time previous to the commencement of an action on the contract. The rescission shall apply to all insureds under the contract, including additional insureds, unless the contract provides otherwise.
(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 389, Sec. 1.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 9 - Rescission › Section 651.

651. Whenever an insurer gives notice of rescission of an automobile liability policy, upon request of the driver, the insurer, within 15 days of receipt of the request, shall furnish to the insured a statement setting forth the ground or grounds upon which the notice of rescission is based. There shall be no liability on the part of, and no cause of action shall arise against, any insurer or authorized representative, or its licensed investigative sources, for any statements made by them in a written notice required to be given pursuant to this section. If the insurer fails to comply with the provisions of this section, the insured may apply to the commissioner for a certificate of the facts or information desired. Any such request shall be made in accordance with Article 3 (commencing with Section 12950) of Chapter 2 of Division 3, and the commissioner shall exercise any power conferred upon him by that article as may be necessary to ensure compliance with this section.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 107, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2009.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 9.5 - Filing of Certificates › Section 655.

655. Every insurer issuing policies of motor vehicle liability insurance within the meaning of Section 16450 of the Vehicle Code, automobile liability insurance within the meaning of Section 16054 of that code, or any other liability insurance issued for vehicles with less than four wheels that meets the requirements of Section 16056 of that code shall also, as an incident thereto, complete and file the certificate or certificates provided for under Section 16431 of that code. The proof required by this section may be provided by the filing of a single certificate.
(Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1177, Sec. 1. Effective October 14, 1991.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 9.6 - Reasons for Denial of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance › Section 657.

657. (a) Where any admitted insurer, licensed to issue motor vehicle liability policies as defined in Section 16450 of the Vehicle Code, or any licensed insurance agent refuses to accept an application for such a policy or refuses to issue such a policy when a written application has been made, the refusing agent or refusing insurer shall furnish to the applicant for insurance a written statement explaining the reason or reasons relied upon for such action if within 30 days of such refusal the applicant requests in writing, from the agent or insurer who has refused to accept the application or to issue the policy, such a written explanation. Such statement shall be furnished within 30 days of receipt of such request.
(b) Any insurer or agent willfully violating any provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation thereof.
(c) There shall be no liability on the part of, and no cause of action of any nature shall arise against, the Insurance Commissioner or against any insurer, its authorized representative, its agents, its employees, or any firm, person or corporation furnishing to the insurer information as to the reasons for such a refusal, for any statement made by any of them in any written notice of reasons for refusing to accept the application or issue the policy or in any other communication, oral or written, specifying the reasons for such action or the providing of the information pertaining thereto, or for statements made or evidence submitted in any hearings conducted in connection therewith.
(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1092, Sec. 177. Effective September 27, 1983. Operative January 1, 1984, by Sec. 427 of Ch. 1092.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 9.6 - Reasons for Denial of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance › Section 658.

658. Where any admitted insurer, licensed to issue motor vehicle liability policies as defined in Section 16450 of the Vehicle Code, refuses to accept an applicant for a good driver discount policy as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1861.02 or refuses to issue a good driver discount policy when written application has been made, and where the applicant meets the criteria for purchase of a good driver discount policy, the refusing insurer shall furnish the applicant for insurance a written statement within 10 days of the refusal explaining the reason or reasons relied upon for denying insurance coverage. Notwithstanding Section 1633.3 of the Civil Code, the written statement explaining the reason or reasons for denying the coverage may not be electronically delivered to the applicant unless the application for the good driver discount was electronically delivered to the insurer.
(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 433, Sec. 7. (AB 328) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 10 - Cancellation or Failure to Renew › Section 661.

661. (a) A notice of cancellation of a policy shall be effective only if it is based on one or more of the following reasons:
(1) Nonpayment of premium.
(2) The driver’s license or motor vehicle registration of the named insured or of any other operator who either resides in the same household or customarily operates an automobile insured under the policy has been under suspension or revocation during the policy period or, if the policy is a renewal, during its policy period or the 180 days immediately preceding its effective date.
(3) Discovery of fraud by the named insured in pursuing a claim under the policy provided the insurer does not rescind the policy.
(4) Discovery of material misrepresentation of any of the following information concerning the named insured or any resident of the same household who customarily operates an automobile insured under the policy:
(A) Safety record.
(B) Annual miles driven in prior years.
(C) Number of years of driving experience.
(D) Record of prior automobile insurance claims, if any.
(E) Any other factor found by the commissioner to have a substantial relationship to the risk of loss.
Any insured who negligently misrepresents information described in this paragraph may avoid cancellation by furnishing corrected information to the insurer within 20 days after receiving notice of cancellation and agreeing to pay any difference in premium for the policy period in which the information remained undisclosed.
(5) A substantial increase in the hazard insured against.
(b) Modification of automobile physical damage coverage by the inclusion of a deductible not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) shall not be deemed a cancellation of the coverage or of the policy.
(c) This section shall not apply to nonrenewal.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 786, Sec. 5. (AB 2303) Effective January 1, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 10 - Cancellation or Failure to Renew › Section 662.

662. (a) A notice of cancellation of a policy shall not be effective unless mailed or delivered by the insurer to the named insured, lienholder, or additional interest at least 20 days prior to the effective date of cancellation; provided, however, that where cancellation is for nonpayment of premium, at least 10 days’ notice of cancellation accompanied by the reason for the cancellation shall be given. Unless the reason accompanies or is included in the notice of cancellation, the notice of cancellation shall state or be accompanied by a statement that upon written request of the named insured, mailed or delivered to the insurer not less than 15 days prior to the effective date of cancellation, the insurer will specify the reason for the cancellation.
(b) This section shall not apply to nonrenewal.
(c) Notices made to lienholders pursuant to this section may be done electronically with the consent of the lienholder.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 321, Sec. 2. (AB 1391) Effective January 1, 2014.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 10 - Cancellation or Failure to Renew › Section 662.1.

662.1. Proof of mailing or delivery of a notice of cancellation to a lienholder or an additional interest on a policy to which this chapter applies shall be sufficient to terminate the interest of the parties provided the notice is mailed or delivered at least the maximum number of days prior to termination of the parties’ interest as required by Section 662. For purposes of this section, “delivery” includes electronic transmittal or facsimile or personal delivery. No lienholder or additional interest shall require a more restrictive form of notice.
(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 401, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 10 - Cancellation or Failure to Renew › Section 663.

663. (a) Before policy expiration, an insurer shall deliver to or mail to the named insured, at the address shown on the policy, one of the following:
(1) At least 20 days before expiration, a written or verbal offer of renewal of the policy, contingent upon payment of premium as stated in the offer.
(2) At least 30 days before expiration, a written notice of nonrenewal of the policy, including the statement required by Section 666.
(b) (1) An insurer that delivers a verbal offer to renew that is declined by an insured shall, at least 20 days before expiration of the policy, deliver to or mail to the named insured, at the address shown on the policy, a written confirmation of the offer and rejection.
(2) An insurer that attempts to satisfy subdivision (a) with a verbal offer to renew, but is unable to contact the named insured directly at least 20 days before policy expiration, shall, at least 20 days before policy expiration, deliver to or mail to the named insured, at the address shown on the policy, a written offer to renew the policy, contingent upon payment of premium as stated in the offer.
(c) In the event that an insurer fails to give the named insured either an offer of renewal or notice of nonrenewal as required by this section, the existing policy, with no change in its terms and conditions, shall remain in effect for 30 days from the date that either the offer to renew or the notice of nonrenewal is delivered or mailed to the named insured. A notice to this effect shall be provided by the insurer to the named insured with the policy or the notice of renewal or nonrenewal. Notwithstanding the failure of an insurer to comply with this section, the policy shall terminate on the effective date of any other replacement or succeeding automobile insurance policy procured by the insured, or his agent or broker, with respect to any automobile designated in both policies.
(d) The insurer shall not be required to notify the named insured, or any other insured, of nonrenewal of the policy if the insurer has mailed or delivered a notice of expiration or cancellation, on or prior to the 30th day preceding expiration of the policy period.
(e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2019.
(Repealed (in Sec. 6) and added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 369, Sec. 7. (SB 251) Effective January 1, 2014. Section operative January 1, 2019, by its own provisions.)
2023 California Code › Insurance Code - INS › DIVISION 1 - GENERAL RULES GOVERNING INSURANCE › PART 1 - THE CONTRACT › CHAPTER 10 - Cancellation or Failure to Renew › Section 663.5.

663.5. (a) No insurer shall fail to renew a policy solely on the basis of the age of the insured.
(b) On and after January 1, 2000, no insurer shall fail to renew a policy solely on the grounds that a claim is pending under the policy. This subdivision shall not be construed to limit an insurer’s ability to nonrenew a policy based upon a directive from the commissioner for solvency or other financially related issues. This subdivision shall not be construed to limit an insurer’s right to cancel a policy pursuant to Section 676.
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 313, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2000.)