SB 1302 Summary

• Requires the California FAIR Plan Association to establish and maintain an Internet website in addition to its existing toll-free telephone number for persons seeking information and assistance with basic property insurance applications.

• Mandates the association include both the toll-free telephone number and Internet website address on all communications with applicants and insureds.

• Requires insurers to provide applicants denied coverage and policyholders whose policies are canceled or not renewed with both the website address and toll-free number beginning March 1, 2017.

• Eliminates the option for insurance agents and brokers to simply provide the toll-free number as an alternative; instead requires them to assist applicants by submitting applications, providing contact information, or placing applicants with insurers offering basic property insurance coverage.

• Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to provide consumer protections for homeowners in high-risk fire areas seeking FAIR Plan coverage.