Yes.
But here’s some info you should know.
Your Relationship With Your Insurance Company
Many people have used the same insurance company for years. That doesn’t mean your insurance company thinks of you as an old friend.
Your relationship with your insurance company is contractual. It is based on contract, and the contract is the insurance policy. The policy sets forth the duties of both you and the insurance company. Most important is the insurance company’s duty to pay you for damage to your home caused by a covered peril.
Most insurance policies are for one year. Once that year is up, the insurance company has no more duties to you.
Does My Insurance Company Have To Renew My Policy?
No, the insurance company does not have to renew the policy.
Remember, most policies are for one year, and once that year is up the contractual relationship ends.
What California Laws Apply To Nonrenewal Of Insurance?
Insurance Code § 678(c)(1) says an insurance company must “deliver the notice of nonrenewal” to you at least 75 days before the policy expires. If the insurance company doesn’t do that, however, the existing policy remains in effect for 75 days from the date that the notice of nonrenewal is sent.
That law also says what information must be included in the notice of nonrenewal.
Are There Exceptions?
Possibly, but few. Some insurance companies have a guaranteed renewal provision. Hopefully yours does. If not, check out Insurance Code § 675.1.
Insurance Code § 675.1 states:
- If your home was completely destroyed and not rebuilt by the time the policy could renew, the insurance company “shall adjust the limits and coverages, write an additional policy, or attach an endorsement to that policy that reflects the change, if any” to your exposure to loss. The insurance company can’t leave you hanging.
- The insurance company cannot cancel your policy when your home is being rebuilt, except for limited reasons (non-payment of premium, fraud). The insurance company “shall not” use the fact that your home is completely destroyed “as the sole basis for a decision to cancel.”
- Except for the limited reasons (non-payment of premium, fraud), the insurance company “shall offer” to renew the policy at least once for the next two renewal periods, but not less than 2 years of coverage from the date of loss if the total loss was caused by a “disaster.” CC § 1689,14 defines “disaster.”
- In areas affected by wildfires, insurance companies cannot cancel or refuse to renew insurance policies for one year state a state of emergency is declared.
