The ContractConsumer Complaints

Section § 510

Explanation

When a new insurance policy or bail bond is issued in California, insurance companies must include a written notice with the Department of Insurance's contact information. This includes their name, address, toll-free phone number, and website, ensuring consumers know where to turn for help. This information must be presented clearly and prominently.

The notice must also include the insurance company's or agent's contact details, like their address and customer service number. It emphasizes that the Department of Insurance should be contacted only after trying to resolve issues directly with the insurer or their agent. If the policy was issued through an agent, the notice should instruct the insured to contact their agent first.

(a)CA Insurance Code § 510(a) Whenever a policy of insurance specified in Section 660 or 675, a policy of life insurance as defined in Section 101, a policy of disability insurance as defined in Section 106, or a certificate of coverage as defined in Section 10270.6, is first issued to or delivered to a new insured or a new policyholder in this state, or when a bail bond as defined in Section 1800.4 is first executed or delivered, the insurer shall include a written disclosure containing the name, address, toll-free telephone number, and internet website of the unit within the Department of Insurance that deals with consumer affairs. The telephone number shall be the same as that provided to consumers under Section 12921.1. The disclosure shall be printed in large, boldface type.
(b)CA Insurance Code § 510(b) The disclosure described in subdivision (a) shall also contain the address and customer service telephone number of the insurer, or the address and customer service telephone number of the agent or broker of record, or all of those addresses and telephone numbers. All addresses and telephone numbers for the insurer or the agent or broker of record shall be prominently displayed, in boldfaced type. The disclosure shall also contain a statement that the Department of Insurance should be contacted only after discussions with the insurer, or its agent or other representative, or both, have failed to produce a satisfactory resolution to the problem. If the policy or certificate was issued or delivered by an agent or broker, the disclosure shall specifically advise the insured to contact their agent or broker for assistance.
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