(a) Section 790.03(h) of the California Insurance Code enumerates sixteen claims settlement practices which, when either knowingly committed on a single occasion, or performed with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice, are considered to be unfair claims settlement practices and are, thus, prohibited by this section of the California Insurance Code. The Insurance Commissioner has promulgated these regulations in order to accomplish the following objectives: 

(1) To delineate certain minimum standards for the settlement of claims which, when violated knowingly on a single occasion or performed with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice shall constitute an unfair claims settlement practice within the meaning of Insurance Code Section 790.03(h); 

(2) To promote the good faith, prompt, efficient and equitable settlement of claims on a cost effective basis; 

(3) To discourage and monitor the presentation to insurers of false or fraudulent claims; and, 

(4) To encourage the prompt and thorough investigation of suspected fraudulent claims and ensure the prompt and comprehensive reporting of suspected fraudulent claims as required by Insurance Code Section 1872.4. 

(b) These regulations are not meant to provide the exclusive definition of all unfair claims settlement practices; other methods, act(s), or practices not specifically delineated in this set of regulations may also be a violation of California Insurance Code Section 790.03(h) pursuant to the provisions of California Insurance Code Section 790.06. These regulations are applicable to the handling or settlement of claims brought under all classes of insurance except as specifically provided below: 

(1) Workers' compensation insurance; 

(2) Liability insurance for the professional malpractice of health care providers as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 364(f)(1); 

(3) Self insured or self funded plans which are bona fide Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") plans which are not also multiple employer welfare arrangements, to the extent that these ERISA plans are not covered by insurance; 

(4) Any other self funded or self insured plan, to the extent it is not covered by insurance, which is lawfully conducting business in this state. 

(c) These regulations recognize the unique relationship which exists under a surety bond between the insurer, the obligee or beneficiary, and the principal. In contrast to other classes of insurance, surety insurance involves a promise to answer for the debt, default or miscarriage of a principal who has the primary duty to pay the debt or discharge the obligation and who is bound to indemnify the insurer. Therefore, only sections 2695.1 through 2695.6, inclusive, section 2695.10, and sections 2695.12, 2695.13 and 2695.14, inclusive, shall apply to the handling or settlement of claims brought under surety bonds. 

(d) These regulations shall not apply to the handling or settlement of claims brought under Workers' Compensation insurance policies. 

(e) The regulations contained in this subchapter shall not apply to liability insurance for the professional malpractice of health care providers as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 364(f)(1). 

(f) All licensees, as defined in these regulations, shall have thorough knowledge of the regulations contained in this subchapter. 

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 790.10, 1871.1, 12340 - 12417, inclusive, 12921 and 12926 of the California Insurance Code and Sections 11342.2 and 11152 of the California Government Code. Reference: Section 790.03(h) of the California Insurance Code. 

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Section 2695.2. Definitions 

As used in these regulations: 

(a) "Beneficiary" means: 

(1) for the purpose of life and disability claims, the party or parties entitled to receive the proceeds or benefits occurring under the policy in lieu of the insured; or, 

(2) for the purpose of surety claims, a person who is within the class of persons intended to be benefitted by the bond; 

(b) "Calendar days" means each and every day including Saturdays, Sundays, Federal and California State Holidays, but if the last day for performance of any act required by these regulations falls on a Saturday, Sunday, Federal or State Holiday, then the period of time to perform the act is extended to and including the next calendar day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State holiday; 

(c) "Claimant" means a first or third party claimant as defined in these regulations, any person who asserts a right of recovery under a surety bond, an attorney, any person authorized by operation of law to represent the claimant, or any of the following persons properly designated by the claimant in the manner specified in subsection 2695.5(c): an insurance adjuster, a public adjuster, or any member of the claimant's family. 

(d) "Claims agent" means any person employed or authorized by an insurer, to conduct an investigation of a claim on behalf of an insurer or a person who is licensed by the Commissioner to conduct investigations of claims on behalf of an insurer. The term "claims agent", however, shall not include the following: 

1) an attorney retained by an insurer to defend a claim brought against an insured; or, 

2) persons hired by an insurer solely to provide valuation as to the subject matter of a claim. 

(e) "Extraordinary circumstances" means circumstances outside of the control of the licensee which severely and materially affect the licensee's ability to conduct normal business operations; 

(f) "First party claimant" means any person asserting a right under an insurance policy as a named insured, other insured or beneficiary under the terms of that insurance policy, and including any person seeking recovery of uninsured motorist benefits; 

(g) "Gross settlement amount" means the amount of the draft tendered plus the amount deducted as provided in the policy in the settlement of an automobile total loss claim; 

(h) "Insurance agent" means: 

(1) the term "insurance agent" as used in section 31 of the California Insurance Code; or, 

(2) the term "life agent" as used in section 32 of the California Insurance Code; or, 

(3) any person who has authority or responsibility to notify an insurer of a claim upon receipt of a notice of claim by a claimant; or, 

(4) an underwritten title company. 

(i) "Insurer" means a person licensed to issue or that issues an insurance policy or surety bond in this state, or that otherwise transacts the business of insurance in the state, including reciprocal and interinsurance exchanges, fraternal benefit societies, stock and mutual insurance companies, risk retention groups, California county mutual fire insurance companies, grants and annuities societies, entities holding certificates of exemption, non-profit hospital service plans, multiple employer welfare arrangements holding certificates of compliance pursuant to Article 4.7 of the Insurance Code, and motor clubs, to the extent that they transact the business of insurance in the State. The term insurer, for purposes of these regulations includes non-admitted insurers, the California FAIR Plan, and those persons licensed to issue or that issue an insurance policy pursuant to an assignment by the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan, and shall not include insurance agents and brokers, surplus line brokers and special lines surplus line brokers. 

(j) "Insurance policy" or "policy" means the written instrument in which any certificate of group insurance, contract of insurance, or non-profit hospital service plan is set forth. For the purposes of these regulations the terms insurance policy or policy do not include "surety bond" or "bond". For the purposes of these regulations the term insurance policy or policy includes any written instrument in which any certificate of insurance or contract of insurance is set forth that is issued pursuant to the California Automobile Assigned Risk or the California FAIR plan; 

(k) "Investigation" means all activities of an insurer or its claims agent related to the determination of coverage, liabilities, or nature and extent of damages afforded by an insurance policy, obligations or duties under a bond, and other obligations or duties arising from an insurance policy or bond. 

(l) "Knowingly committed" means performed with actual, implied or constructive knowledge, including, but not limited to, that which is implied by operation of law. 

(m) "Licensee" means any person that holds a license or Certificate of Authority from the Insurance Commissioner, or any other entity for whom the Insurance Commissioner's consent is required before transacting business in the State of California or with California residents. The term "licensee" for purpose of these regulations does not include an underwritten title company if the underwriting agreement between the underwritten title company and the title insurer affirmatively states that the underwritten title company is not authorized to handle policy claims on behalf of the title insurer. 

(n) "Notice of claim" means any written or oral notification to an insurer or its agent that reasonably apprises the insurer that the claimant wishes to make a claim against a policy or bond issued by the insurer and that a condition giving rise to the insurer's obligations under that policy or bond may have arisen. For purposes of these regulations the term "notice of claim" shall not include any written or oral communication provided by an insured or principal solely for informational or incident reporting purposes. 

(o) "Notice of legal action" means notice of an action commenced against the insurer with respect to a claim, or notice of action against the insured received by the insurer, or notice of action against the principal under a bond, and includes any arbitration proceeding; 

(p) "Obligee" means the person named as obligee in a bond; 

(q) "Person" means any individual, association, organization, partnership, business, trust, corporation or other entity; 

(r) "Principal" means the person whose debt or other obligation is secured or guaranteed by a bond and who has the primary duty to pay the debt or discharge the obligation; 

(s) "Proof of claim" means any documentation in the claimant's possession submitted to the insurer which provides any evidence of the claim and that supports the magnitude or the amount of the claimed loss. 

(t) "Remedial measures" means those actions taken by an insurer to correct or cure any error or omission in the handling of claims on the part of its insurance agent as defined in subsection 2695.2(h), including, but not limited to: 

(1) written notice to the insurance agent that he/she is in violation of the regulations contained in this subchapter; 

(2) transmission of a copy of the regulations contained in this subchapter and instructions for their implementation; 

(3) reporting the error or omission in the handling of claims by the insurance agent to the Department of Insurance; 

(u) "Replacement crash part" means a replacement for any of the nonmechanical sheet metal or plastic parts which generally constitute the exterior of a motor vehicle, including inner and outer panels; 

(v) "Single act" for the purpose of determining any penalty pursuant to California Insurance Code Section 790.035 is any commission or omission which in and of itself constitutes a violation of California Insurance Code Section 790.03 or this subchapter; 

(w) "Surety bond" or "bond" means the written instrument in which a contract of surety insurance, as defined in California Insurance Code Section 105, is set forth; 

(x) "Third party claimant" means any person asserting a claim against any person or the interests insured under an insurance policy; 

(y) "Willful" or "Willfully" when applied to the intent with which an act is done or omitted means simply a purpose or willingness to commit the act, or make the omission referred to in the California Insurance Code or this subchapter. It does not require any intent to violate law, or to injure another, or to acquire any advantage; 

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 132(d), 790.10, 12340 - 12417, inclusive, 12921 and 12926 of the California Insurance Code and Sections 11342.2 and 11152 of the California Government Code. Reference: Sections 31, 32, 101, 106, 675.5(b), (c) and (d), 676.6, 790.03(h) and 10082 of the California Insurance Code. 
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Section 2695.3. File and Record Documentation 

(a) Every licensee's claim files shall be subject to examination by the Commissioner or by his or her duly appointed designees. These files shall contain all documents, notes and work papers (including copies of all correspondence) which reasonably pertain to each claim in such detail that pertinent events and the dates of the events can be reconstructed and the licensee's actions pertaining to the claim can be determined; 

(b) To assist in such examination all insurers shall: 

(1) maintain claim data that are accessible, legible and retrievable for examination so that an insurer shall be able to provide the claim number, line of coverage, date of loss and date of payment of the claim, date of acceptance, denial or date closed without payment; this data must be available for all open and closed files for the current year and the four preceding years; 

(2) record in the file the date the licensee received, date(s) the licensee processed and date the licensee transmitted or mailed every material and relevant document in the file; and 

(3) maintain hard copy files or maintain claim files that are accessible, legible and capable of duplication to hard copy; files shall be maintained for the current year and the preceding four years. 

(c) The requirements of this section shall be satisfied where the licensee provides documentation evidencing inability to obtain data, nonexistence of data, or difficulty in obtaining clear documentary support for actions due to catastrophic losses, or other unusual circumstances providing the licensee establishes to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the circumstances alleged by the licensee do exist and have materially affected the licensee's ability to comply with this regulation. Any licensee that alleges an inability to comply with this section shall establish and submit to the Commissioner a plan for file and record documentation to be used by such licensee while the circumstances alleged to preclude compliance with this subsection continue to exist. 

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 790.10, 12340 - 12417, inclusive, 12921 and 12926 of the California Insurance Code and Sections 11342.2 and 11152 of the California Government Code. Reference: Section 790.03(h) of the California Insurance Code. 
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Section 2695.4. Representation of Policy Provisions and Benefits 

(a) Every insurer shall disclose to a first party claimant or beneficiary, all benefits, coverage, time limits or other provisions of any insurance policy issued by that insurer that may apply to the claim presented by the claimant. When additional benefits might reasonably be payable under an insured's policy upon receipt of additional proofs of claim, the insurer shall immediately communicate this fact to the insured and cooperate with and assist the insured in determining the extent of the insurer's additional liability. 

(b) No insurer shall conceal benefits, coverages or other provisions of the bond which may apply to the claim presented under a surety bond. 

(c) No insurer shall deny a claim on the basis of the claimant's failure to exhibit property, unless there is documentation in the file (1) of demand by the insurer, and unfounded refusal by the claimant, to exhibit property, or (2) of the breach of any policy provision providing for the exhibition of property. 

(d) Except where a time limit is specified in the policy, no insurer shall require a first party claimant under a policy to give notification of a claim or proof of claim within a specified time. 

(e) No insurer shall: 

(1) request that a claimant sign a release that extends beyond the subject matter which gave rise to the claim payment unless, prior to execution of the release the legal effect of the release is disclosed and fully explained by the insurer to the claimant in writing. For purposes of this subsection, an insurer shall not be required to provide the above explanation or disclosure to a claimant who is represented by an attorney at the time the release is presented for signature; 

(2) be precluded from including in any release a provision requiring the claimant to waive the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, provided that prior to execution of the release the legal effect of the release is disclosed and fully explained by insurer to the claimant in writing. For purposes of this subsection, an insurer shall not be required to provide the above explanation or disclosure to a claimant who is represented by an attorney at the time the release is presented for signature. 

(f) No insurer shall issue checks or drafts in partial settlement of a loss or claim that contain or are accompanied by language releasing the insurer, the insured, or the principal on a surety bond from total liability unless the policy or bond limit has been paid, or there has been a compromise settlement agreed to by the claimant and the insurer as to coverage and amount payable under the insurance policy or bond. 

(g) No insurer shall require a first party claimant or beneficiary to submit duplicative proofs of claim where coverage may exist under more than one policy issued by that insurer. 

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 790.10, 12340 - 12417, inclusive, 12921 and 12926 of the California Insurance Code and Sections 11342.2 and 11152 of the California Government Code. Reference: Section 790.03(h)(1), (3) and (4) of the California Insurance Code. 
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Section 2695.5. Duties upon Receipt of Communications 

(a) Upon receiving any written or oral inquiry from the Department of Insurance concerning a claim, every licensee shall immediately, but in no event more than twenty-one (21) calendar days of receipt of that inquiry, furnish the Department of Insurance with a complete written response based on the facts as then known by the licensee. A complete written response addresses all issues raised by the Department of Insurance in its inquiry and includes copies of any documentation and claim files requested. This section is not intended to permit delay in responding to inquiries by Department personnel conducting a scheduled examination on the insurer's premises. 

(b) Upon receiving any communication from a claimant, regarding a claim, that reasonably suggests that a response is expected, every licensee shall immediately, but in no event more than fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of that communication, furnish the claimant with a complete response based on the facts as then known by the licensee. This subsection shall not apply to require communication with a claimant subsequent to receipt by the licensee of a notice of legal action by that claimant. 

(c) The designation specified in subsection 2695.2(c) shall be in writing, signed and dated by the claimant, and shall indicate that the designated person is authorized to handle the claim. All designations shall be transmitted to the insurer and shall be valid from the date of execution until the claim is settled or the designation is revoked. A designation may be revoked by a writing transmitted to the insurer, signed and dated by the claimant, indicating that the designation is to be revoked and the effective date of the revocation. 

(d) Upon receiving notice of claim, every licensee or claims agent shall immediately transmit notice of claim to the insurer. Failure of the licensee or claims agent to immediately transmit notice of claim to the insurer shall constitute a separate and distinct violation of California Insurance Code Section 790.03(h)(3) and this subsection, where the insurer has provided the appointed licensee or claims agent with written instructions as to the proper handling of a notice of claim. Transmission of the notice of claim by the licensee or claims agent to the insurer in conformity with the written instructions received from the insurer shall satisfy the licensee's or claims agent's duty under this section to promptly transmit the notice of claim to the insurer. 

(e) Upon receiving notice of claim, every insurer, except as specified in subsection 2695.5(e)(4) below, shall immediately, but in no event more than fifteen (15) calendar days later, do the following unless the notice of claim received is a notice of legal action: 

(1) acknowledge receipt of such notice to the claimant unless payment is made within that period of time. If the acknowledgement is not in writing, a notation of acknowledgement shall be made in the insurer's claim file and dated. Failure of an insurance agent or claims agent to promptly transmit notice of claim to the insurer shall be imputed to the insurer except where the subject policy was issued pursuant to the California Automobile Assigned Risk Program. 

(2) provide to the claimant necessary forms, instructions, and reasonable assistance, including but not limited to, specifying the information the claimant must provide for proof of claim; 

(3) begin any necessary investigation of the claim. 

(4) Subsection 2695.5(e) shall not apply to claims arising from policies of disability insurance subject to Section 10123.13 of the Insurance Code or life insurance subject to Section 10172.5 of the Insurance Code. 

(f) An insurer may not require that the notice of claim under a policy be provided in writing unless such requirement is specified in the insurance policy or an endorsement thereto. 

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 790.10, 12340 - 12417, inclusive, 12921, 12926 of the California Insurance Code and Sections 11342.2 and 11152 of the California Government Code. Reference: Sections 790.03(h)(2) and (3) of the California Insurance Code. 
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Section 2695.6 Training and Certification 

(a) Every insurer shall adopt and communicate to all its claims agents written standards for the prompt investigation and processing of claims, and shall do so within ninety (90) days after the effective date of these regulations or any revisions thereto. 

(b) All licensees shall provide thorough and adequate training regarding these regulations to all their claims agents. Licensees shall certify that their claims agents have been trained regarding these regulations and any revisions thereto. However, licensees need not provide such training or certification to duly licensed attorneys. 

A licensee shall demonstrate compliance with this subsection by the following methods: 

(1) where the licensee is an individual, the licensee shall annually certify in writing under penalty of perjury that he or she has read and understands these regulations and any and all amendments thereto; 

(2) where the licensee is an entity, the annual written certification shall be executed, under penalty of perjury, by a principal of the entity as follows: 

(A) that the licensee's claims adjusting manual contains a copy of these regulations and all amendments thereto; and, 

(B) that clear written instructions regarding the procedures to be followed to effect proper compliance with this subchapter were provided to all its claims agents; 

(3) where the licensee retains independent adjusters, the licensee must provide training to the independent adjusters regarding these regulations and annually certify, in a declaration executed under penalty of perjury, that such training is provided. Alternately, the independent adjuster may annually certify in writing, under penalty of perjury, on an annual basis, that he or she has read and understands these regulations and all amendments thereto or has successfully completed a training seminar which explains these regulations; 

(4) a copy of the certification required by subsections 2695.6(b) (1), (2) or (3) shall be maintained at all times at the principal place of business of the licensee, to be provided to the Commissioner only upon request. 

(5) the annual certification required by this subsection shall be completed on or before September 1 of each calendar year. 

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 790.10, 12340 - 12417, inclusive, 12921 and 12926 of the California Insurance Code and Sections 11342.2 and 11152 of the California Government Code. Reference: Section 790.03(h)(3) of the California Insurance Code. 
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Section 2695.7. Standards for Prompt, Fair and Equitable Settlements 

(a) No insurer shall discriminate in its claims settlement practices based upon the claimant's race, gender, income, religion, language, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, or physical disability, or upon the territory of the property or person insured. 

(b) Upon receiving proof of claim, every insurer, except as specified in subsection 2695.7(b)(4) below, shall immediately, but in no event more than forty (40) calendar days later, accept or deny the claim, in whole or in part. 

(1) Where an insurer denies or rejects a first party claim, in whole or in part, it shall do so in writing and shall provide to the claimant a statement listing all bases for such rejection or denial and the factual and legal bases for each reason given for such rejection or denial which is then within the insurer's knowledge. Where an insurer's denial of a first party claim, in whole or in part, is based on a specific policy provision, condition or exclusion, the written denial shall include reference thereto and provide an explanation of the application of the provision, condition or exclusion to the claim. Every insurer that denies or rejects a third party claim, in whole or in part, or disputes liability or damages shall do so in writing. 

(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection 2695.7(k), nothing contained in subsection 2695.7(b)(1) shall require an insurer to disclose any information that could reasonably be expected to alert a claimant to the fact that the subject claim is being investigated as a suspected fraudulent claim. 

(3) Written notification pursuant to this subsection shall include a statement that, if the claimant believes the claim has been wrongfully denied or rejected, he or she may have the matter reviewed by the California Department of Insurance, and shall include the address and telephone number of the unit of the Department which reviews claims practices. 

(4) The time frame in subsection 2695.7(b) shall not apply to claims arising from policies of disability insurance subject to Section 10123.13 of the Insurance Code, life insurance subject to Section 10172.5 of the Insurance Code, or mortgage guaranty insurance subject to Section 12640.09(a) of the Insurance Code, and shall not apply to automobile repair bills arising from policies of automobile collision and comprehensive insurance subject to Section 560 of the Insurance Code. 

(c)(1) If more time is required than is allotted in subsection 2695.7(b) to determine whether a claim should be accepted and/or denied in whole or in part, then, every insurer shall provide the claimant, within the time frame specified in subsection 2695.7(b), with written notice of the need for additional time. This written notice shall specify any additional information the insurer requires in order to make a determination and state any continuing reasons for the insurer's inability to make a determination. Thereafter, the written notice shall be provided every thirty (30) calendar days until a determination is made or notice of legal action is served. If the determination cannot be made until some future event occurs, then the insurer shall comply with this continuing notice requirement by advising the claimant of the situation and providing an estimate as to when the determination can be made. 

(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection 2695.7(k), nothing contained in subsection 2695.7(c)(1) shall require an insurer to disclose any information that could reasonably be expected to alert a claimant to the fact that the claim is being investigated as a possible suspected fraudulent claim. 

(d) No insurer shall persist in seeking information not reasonably required for or material to the resolution of a claim dispute. 

(e) No insurer shall delay or deny settlement of a first party claim on the basis that responsibility for payment should be assumed by others, except as may otherwise be provided by policy provisions, statutes or regulations, including those pertaining to coordination of benefits. 

(f) Except where a claim has been settled by payment, every insurer shall provide written notice of any statute of limitation or other time period requirement upon which the insurer may rely to deny a timely claim. Such notice shall be given to the claimant not less than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date; except, if notice of claim is first received by the insurer within that sixty days, then notice of the expiration date must be given to the claimant immediately. With respect to a first party claimant in a matter involving an uninsured motorist, this notice shall be given at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date; except, if notice of claim is first received by the insurer within that thirty days, then notice of the expiration date must be given to the claimant immediately. This subsection shall not apply to a claimant represented by counsel on the claim matter. 

(g) No insurer shall attempt to settle a claim by making a settlement offer that is unreasonably low. The Commissioner shall consider any admissible evidence offered regarding the following factors in determining whether or not a settlement offer is unreasonably low: 

(1) the extent to which the insurer considered evidence submitted by the claimant to support the value of the claim; 

(2) the extent to which the insurer considered evidence made known to it or reasonably available; 

(3) the extent to which the insurer considered the advice of its claims adjuster as to the amount of damages; 

(4) the extent to which the insurer considered the advice of its counsel that there was a substantial likelihood of recovery in excess of policy limits; 

(5) the procedures used by the insurer in determining the dollar amount of property damage; 

(6) the extent to which the insurer considered the probable liability of the insured and the likely jury verdict or other final determination of the matter; 

(7) any other credible evidence presented to the Commissioner that demonstrates that the final amount offered in settlement of the claim by the insurer is below the amount that a reasonable person with knowledge of the facts and circumstances would have offered in settlement of the claim.