GUIDE 08 · Understand coverage · California / Colorado research starting points
Identify every potentially relevant policy and the source of the physical damage. Flood and earthquake may require separate insurance. Do not assume a homeowner policy claim also provides notice under another contract. Keep separate claim numbers, conditions, proofs and calendars. Federal flood insurance can involve federal rules and procedures; a state complaint is not a substitute for complying with them.
Gather these records
Separate policies; renewal records; water-source evidence; claim acknowledgments; notices.
Put the question in writing
Which policy covers this cause of loss, and what separate notice, proof and dispute requirements apply?
California authorities and application
10 CCR §2695.4(a), (c)–(g) — Insurers must disclose potentially applicable benefits and time limits; the rule also addresses property exhibition, proof requirements, broad releases, partial-payment checks and duplicative proof.
Scope: Subsection-specific conditions and represented-claimant exceptions apply.
Colorado authorities and application
C.R.S. §10-4-110.8(9)–(10) — Policy copies must be made available within three business days of a request; a certified copy is due within 30 calendar days after a written request reaches the registered agent. The certified-copy provision includes a $50-per-day penalty and enforcement fees/costs under its conditions.
Scope: Do not confuse ordinary requests with the registered-agent service required for the certified-copy remedy.
What these authorities do not decide
These state authorities do not replace the Standard Flood Insurance Policy or establish earthquake coverage. Separate NFIP/federal rules, proofs and suit requirements still require analysis.
Source text checked October 21, 2026. Citations link to the issuer’s text or official regulatory publisher. The linked edition and loss/policy dates must be matched; this is a source verification, not a case-specific legal opinion.
Continue with the related issue
01 · Read your policy and endorsements
07 · Water damage, leaks and mold
23 · Cross-state and federal coverage issues
All 23 guides · Claim record templates
Public-interest legal education. The policy, applicable law and facts control. This library does not create an attorney-client relationship or accept a claim for representation. Draft prepared October 21, 2026; final legal and editorial review pending.