Governor Signs Senator Dodd’s Insurance Reform Bill

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will help victims of disasters such as wildfires recover losses from their insurance companies. 

“Despite heavy insurance industry lobbying, I’m proud to say we have a new law that will help people rebuild their homes quickly and help communities recover,” Senator Dodd said. “I fought for greater reforms and I will continue my efforts to prevent insurance companies from denying policyholders the coverage they’ve paid for and deserve.”

Senate Bill 894 allows people who suffered losses relating to a declared state of emergency to combine policy limits to rebuild their dwelling and other structures. It also extends to 36 months the time to receive living expenses. And it requires insurance companies to extend policy renewal offers for two years.

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, a sponsor of SB 894, said it brings relief to disaster survivors despite the insurance industry’s attempts to water it down.

“SB 894 will help wildfire survivors cut through the bureaucratic red tape and hassles of some insurers to get back on their feet after losing everything,” said Commissioner Jones. “I thank the Governor for signing this critical piece of legislation and Senator Dodd for fighting for this bill to help these families recover as quickly as possible.”

The bill was co-authored by Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.