GUIDE 21 · Resolve a dispute · California / Colorado research starting points
Match the unresolved problem to the needed expertise: coverage interpretation, construction scope, structural safety, contamination or valuation. Ask about licensing, relevant experience, conflicts, fees and deliverables. Bring a concise file rather than a large unsorted message history. Ask counsel to assess deadlines early. A professional’s involvement does not by itself establish coverage or promise a recovery.
Gather these records
Policy; timeline; disputed amount; key evidence; deadlines; existing contracts.
Put the question in writing
What issue would you evaluate first, what would your work cost and what decisions would it help me make?
California authorities and application
Insurance Code §2071.1(a)(1)–(7) — An examination under oath must seek relevant, reasonably necessary information with reasonable notice, place and duration. The insured may have counsel, record it and obtain the transcript/recording under the statutory procedure.
Scope: Property policies within subsection (a); material unanswered questions can affect contract rights.
Insurance Code §2071(a), “Requirements in case loss occurs,” “Appraisal,” and “Suit” — The standard form addresses notice, preservation, proofs, claim-related documents, appraisal and suit conditions. Requested claim-related valuation documents generally must be supplied within 15 calendar days, with listed privilege/fraud exclusions.
Scope: Apply the issued policy and applicable statutes together. Disaster appraisal may be requested but not compelled. The form states 12 months to sue, extended to 24 for emergency-related losses; accrual, tolling and other doctrines require separate analysis.
Colorado authorities and application
C.R.S. §§10-3-1115(1)–(2), 10-3-1116(1), (4)–(6) — Covered first-party benefits may not be delayed or denied without a reasonable basis. An eligible claimant may seek the statutory civil remedies, including fees, costs and two times the covered benefit; the statute also addresses duplicative recovery and frivolous actions.
Scope: Coverage, first-party claimant status, exclusions and proof of unreasonable conduct matter. A denied claim does not automatically satisfy these requirements.
What these authorities do not decide
These citations explain examination and remedy contexts. They do not establish a referral relationship or an attorney’s licensing/fee requirements.
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
14 · Adjusters, contractors and public adjusters
18 · Delay, denial and bad faith
20 · Deadlines and preserving rights
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.