Insurance Claims in California

The California Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies in California and handles consumer complaints. Contact them if your insurer is not responding properly to your claim.

Claim Filing Deadlines

These are the statute of limitations — the legal deadlines by which you must file a lawsuit if your claim is denied. Your insurer's policy may require you to report the claim much sooner. Always check your policy's notification requirements.

What Your Insurer Must Do

California law requires insurance companies to follow these timelines when handling your claim.

• Insurers must acknowledge receipt of a claim within 15 calendar days (10 CCR § 2695.5(e); see also Cal. Ins. Code § 790.03(h))

• Insurers must accept or deny claims within 40 calendar days after receiving proof of loss (10 CCR § 2695.7(b); see also Cal. Ins. Code § 790.03(h))

• Policyholders have the right to receive a written explanation of any claim denial, including the specific policy provisions relied upon (10 CCR § 2695.7(b)(1))

Consumer Protections

Key laws and regulations that protect California policyholders during the claims process.

• California Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations (10 CCR §§ 2695.1–2695.12) set detailed insurer conduct standards

• Insurers are prohibited from canceling homeowners policies solely because of a claim filed in a state-declared disaster area