(a) At a minimum, an offer of coverage of loss or damage caused by the peril of earthquake pursuant to Section 10081 shall include the following coverages: (1) dwelling, not including outbuildings, appurtenant structures, swimming pools, masonry fences and walls not necessary for the structural integrity of the dwelling, walkways and patios not necessary for regular ingress or egress from the dwelling, awnings or other patio coverings, decorative or artistic features including plaster if other covering would be more cost-effective, landscaping, or masonry chimneys, provided that the policy covers replacement of a damaged masonry chimney with a nonmasonry, earthquake resistant chimney. An insurer that provides earthquake coverage for the dwelling that is narrower than coverage provided under the policy of residential property insurance shall, upon approval of the commissioner, establish the premium for the earthquake coverage in a manner that reflects the exclusion of those items not covered by the earthquake policy, rider, or endorsement; (2) contents coverage either in an amount not less than 10 percent of the amount of the covered dwelling loss, or in an amount not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), provided that if the underlying policy of residential property insurance does not cover structural loss, the amount of contents coverage after deductible shall be not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The insurer shall elect at the time the insurer files its rate application with the commissioner which of the two contents coverages it will use to satisfy the requirements of this chapter. Upon election, the option shall be required to be offered to every policyholder who receives an offer of earthquake coverage pursuant to this chapter. In the case of either coverage, the insurer may exclude from coverage glassware, china, porcelain, or ceramic items, artwork, or other decorative items; and (3) additional living expenses of an amount no less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to cover expenses while the residential dwelling remains uninhabitable due to physical loss or damage from the peril of earthquake.
(b) Coverages provided in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) shall not contain a deductible of more than 15 percent of coverage provided for the dwelling.
(c) The commissioner may approve rate applications that allow the insurer to offer policies providing coverage other than the coverage specified in this section provided that at least one coverage offered meets the criteria provided in this section.
(d) In the case of a residential dwelling which is not owner occupied, the minimum coverage for additional living expenses may be waived by the applicant or policyholder, provided the insurer gives notice to the applicant or policyholder that coverage for additional living expenses is offered but may be waived, and the waiver is in writing.
(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 939, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1996.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018