Signed phased implementation · Source published · Event · Effective from
California’s new insurance laws address disaster recovery and smoke damage
Signing and implementation dates must remain separate.
The Department of Insurance’s late-September announcements describe new protections including SB 876, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, and AB 1795, concerning smoke-damage recovery. The package addresses claims handling and recovery after disasters.
For SB 876, the department identifies implementation phases beginning January 1, 2027, with further provisions in January 2028. A September signature therefore should not be presented as proof that every protection applies immediately to every existing claim. Homeowners and renters should preserve policies, claim correspondence and damage records, and use the final law and regulator guidance to determine which provisions apply. Exact coverage remains dependent on the policy, facts and applicable law.
Sources: California Insurance: Disaster Recovery Reform Act; California Insurance: Consumer-protection package