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California Property & Casualty Insurance — Requirements & Free Practice

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Casualty Broker-Agent

Casualty insurance authority, including agent, broker, and solicitor capacities.

Licensing authority: California Department of Insurance · Application information

Limited lines automobile licensee upgrading authority
California Casualty License Examination
Application
Apply for the target license and pass its qualifying examination under sections 1625.55(d) and 1676.
Education
Meet the applicable ethics/code education requirements; the statutory course is taken once.
Existing License
Hold a limited lines automobile insurance agent license.
Late renewal or reinstatement within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete applicable 24 hours including three in ethics and one of those in insurance fraud before renewal.
Deadline
File by the same month and day of the next succeeding year following expiration (section 1718(c)).
Late Fee
Pay the renewal fee and 50 percent late penalty under CDI renewal instructions.
New Authority Documents
File new insurer appointments, business-entity endorsements, or solicitor appointment where applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensing following military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Submit the application and fee; no examination or penalty is required.
Period
Apply during the statutory period continuing through the license year of release, but for not less than six months after release.
Service
Entered US military service while licensed; section 1722 continues the license during qualifying service.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident licensure subject to qualifying examination
California Casualty License Examination
Application
Submit the electronic application and fee; provide background information and fingerprint impressions under section 1652 and CDI instructions.
Authority To Transact
Before acting, obtain the applicable insurer appointment, business-entity endorsement, solicitor employment appointment, or broker bond under sections 1662 and 1704.
Ethics And Code Education
Complete 12 hours of study on ethics and the California Insurance Code, including one hour on insurance fraud; the course is taken once when applying for multiple covered license types (Cal. Ins. Code § 1749(a)). Certificates expire three years after completion.
Felony Consent
When applicable, obtain the Commissioner’s written consent for a dishonesty or breach-of-trust felony under section 1723.
Home License
Maintain appropriate resident-state authority under section 1639; a certificate may be accepted in lieu of examination under section 1679(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years, as stated in CDI licensing qualifications.
Passing Score Age
The qualifying examination must have been passed within the 12 months preceding issuance (Cal. Ins. Code § 1676(a)).
Residency
Nonresident applicant who does not qualify for the reciprocal examination waiver.
Nonresident business entity issuance with licensed endorsees
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Type
Nonresident legal entity holding corresponding resident-jurisdiction authority in good standing.
Application
Submit the entity application, fee, name approval and endorsements, and maintain applicable financial security and authority-to-transact documents.
Licensed Endorsees
Name all natural persons who may act under the license, including at least one licensed natural person from outside California; individual applicants satisfy their individual routes separately.
Reciprocity
Meet section 1638.5 reciprocal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident reciprocal licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the uniform nonresident application or equivalent request and fee; submit fingerprints unless a CDI exemption applies.
Authorization
Obtain the applicable insurer appointment, entity endorsement, solicitor appointment, or broker bond before transacting.
Home License
Hold the same applicable resident-state line or lines of authority in good standing.
Reciprocity
The home jurisdiction grants reciprocal nonresident producer licenses to California residents.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Proof of qualifications by examination after a hearing
California Casualty License Examination
Commissioner Order
The Commissioner may order the qualifying examination following a hearing establishing grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation.
Deadline
Sit the examination at the time fixed by the Commissioner; failure terminates affected licenses.
Reactivation of an unexpired inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authorization
File a new applicable appointment, endorsement, or broker bond under section 1704(b).
Unexpired License
The license must remain unexpired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Examination exempt application by recently licensed producer
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the required application, fee, and authority-to-transact documents.
Prior License
Licensed as a property broker-agent, casualty broker-agent, or surplus line broker during any part of the application license year or immediately preceding license year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

On time renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
24 hours including three in ethics and one of those in insurance fraud per license term for resident individuals, subject to the statutory exemptions.
Entity Endorsees
Business entities maintain their required licensed endorsees; nonresident entities maintain at least one non-California endorsee.
Examination Boundary
This is continuation of an existing license under sections 1718 and 1720, rather than an original application under section 1676.
Existing License
Existing permanent license; submit renewal application and fee on or before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident initial licensure by examination
California Casualty License Examination
Application
Submit the electronic application and fee; provide background information and fingerprint impressions under section 1652 and CDI instructions.
Authority To Transact
Before acting, obtain the applicable insurer appointment, business-entity endorsement, solicitor employment appointment, or broker bond under sections 1662 and 1704.
Ethics And Code Education
Complete 12 hours of study on ethics and the California Insurance Code, including one hour on insurance fraud; the course is taken once when applying for multiple covered license types (Cal. Ins. Code § 1749(a)). Certificates expire three years after completion.
Felony Consent
When applicable, obtain the Commissioner’s written consent for a dishonesty or breach-of-trust felony under section 1723.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years, as stated in CDI licensing qualifications.
Passing Score Age
The qualifying examination must have been passed within the 12 months preceding issuance (Cal. Ins. Code § 1676(a)).
Residency
California resident individual applying for this license type.
Resident business entity issuance with licensed endorsees
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Type
Legal entity rather than an individual; its governing documents permit the requested insurance activity.
Authority To Transact
File the applicable insurer appointment or broker bond before the entity transacts insurance.
Licensed Endorsees
Name at least one California resident natural person holding the applicable license or both license types for joint property/casualty authority. An unlicensed endorsee separately applies through the individual licensing route.
Limited Liability Company
An LLC provides and maintains financial security and annual certification under section 1647.5.
Name Approval
Obtain Department approval of the business name and submit the entity application, fee and endorsements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident licensure following relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Lines Window
The waiver extends to previously held additional lines if application is received within 12 months after cancellation.
Application Window
Application received within 90 days after cancellation of the previous resident license.
Education
Section 1749 requires the 12-hour ethics/code course when an existing California nonresident licensee becomes a resident.
Prior License
Currently licensed in the same lines of authority; NAIC database records show good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Authorization to act as an insurance solicitor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Capacity Restriction
Solicitor authority cannot be held at the same time as agent or broker authority (section 1640).
Employment
The employing insurance agent or broker appoints and agrees to employ the licensee within California.
Existing License
Hold this license type; obtaining the underlying license follows its own issuance route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted Casualty Broker-Agent

Restricted form issued after a hearing in lieu of revocation or denial; conditions are fixed by the Commissioner.

Licensing authority: California Department of Insurance · Application information

Restricted issuance following denial or discipline
California Casualty License Examination
Applicant Status
Original applicants satisfy applicable original-license standards; existing licensees may have statutory examination exemptions.
Commissioner Discretion
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license and impose reasonable conditions, including a qualification examination under section 1741.
Hearing
A hearing establishes grounds for denial of an unrestricted license or suspension/revocation.
Restrictions
No property right attaches to the restricted license; it may be suspended or revoked with or without a hearing or cause.
Late renewal of restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Satisfy the continuing education requirements of the underlying license and all Commissioner-imposed restrictions.
Existing Restricted License
Renew in the same manner, at the same time, under the same conditions and fees as the unrestricted underlying license.
Late Renewal
When late, the section 1718 one-year limit and delinquent fee apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of restricted inactive authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authorization
File the applicable appointment, endorsement, or broker bond and comply with all restrictions.
Unexpired License
Restricted license remains unexpired and has not been revoked or suspended.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Satisfy the continuing education requirements of the underlying license and all Commissioner-imposed restrictions.
Existing Restricted License
Renew in the same manner, at the same time, under the same conditions and fees as the unrestricted underlying license.
Late Renewal
When late, the section 1718 one-year limit and delinquent fee apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Personal Lines Broker-Agent

Limited personal insurance authority under section 1625.5.

Licensing authority: California Department of Insurance · Application information

Limited lines automobile licensee upgrading authority
California Personal Lines Agent License Examination
Application
Apply for the target license and pass its qualifying examination under sections 1625.55(d) and 1676.
Education
Meet the applicable ethics/code education requirements; the statutory course is taken once.
Existing License
Hold a limited lines automobile insurance agent license.
Late renewal or reinstatement within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete applicable 24 hours including three in ethics and one of those in insurance fraud before renewal.
Deadline
File by the same month and day of the next succeeding year following expiration (section 1718(c)).
Late Fee
Pay the renewal fee and 50 percent late penalty under CDI renewal instructions.
New Authority Documents
File new insurer appointments, business-entity endorsements, or solicitor appointment where applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensing following military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Submit the application and fee; no examination or penalty is required.
Period
Apply during the statutory period continuing through the license year of release, but for not less than six months after release.
Service
Entered US military service while licensed; section 1722 continues the license during qualifying service.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident licensure subject to qualifying examination
California Personal Lines Agent License Examination
Application
Submit the electronic application and fee; provide background information and fingerprint impressions under section 1652 and CDI instructions.
Authority To Transact
Before acting, obtain the applicable insurer appointment, business-entity endorsement, solicitor employment appointment, or broker bond under sections 1662 and 1704.
Ethics And Code Education
Complete 12 hours of study on ethics and the California Insurance Code, including one hour on insurance fraud; the course is taken once when applying for multiple covered license types (Cal. Ins. Code § 1749(a)). Certificates expire three years after completion.
Felony Consent
When applicable, obtain the Commissioner’s written consent for a dishonesty or breach-of-trust felony under section 1723.
Home License
Maintain appropriate resident-state authority under section 1639; a certificate may be accepted in lieu of examination under section 1679(a).
Minimum Age
At least 18 years, as stated in CDI licensing qualifications.
Passing Score Age
The qualifying examination must have been passed within the 12 months preceding issuance (Cal. Ins. Code § 1676(a)).
Residency
Nonresident applicant who does not qualify for the reciprocal examination waiver.
Nonresident business entity issuance with licensed endorsees
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Type
Nonresident legal entity holding corresponding resident-jurisdiction authority in good standing.
Application
Submit the entity application, fee, name approval and endorsements, and maintain applicable financial security and authority-to-transact documents.
Licensed Endorsees
Name all natural persons who may act under the license, including at least one licensed natural person from outside California; individual applicants satisfy their individual routes separately.
Reciprocity
Meet section 1638.5 reciprocal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonresident reciprocal licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the uniform nonresident application or equivalent request and fee; submit fingerprints unless a CDI exemption applies.
Authorization
Obtain the applicable insurer appointment, entity endorsement, solicitor appointment, or broker bond before transacting.
Home License
Hold the same applicable resident-state line or lines of authority in good standing.
Reciprocity
The home jurisdiction grants reciprocal nonresident producer licenses to California residents.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Personal lines licensure for an existing property or casualty licensee
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for the personal-lines license; section 1676(a) expressly removes the qualifying examination requirement for this applicant.
Existing License
Already licensed as a property broker-agent or casualty broker-agent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Proof of qualifications by examination after a hearing
California Personal Lines Agent License Examination
Commissioner Order
The Commissioner may order the qualifying examination following a hearing establishing grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation.
Deadline
Sit the examination at the time fixed by the Commissioner; failure terminates affected licenses.
Reactivation of an unexpired inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authorization
File a new applicable appointment, endorsement, or broker bond under section 1704(b).
Unexpired License
The license must remain unexpired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

On time renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
24 hours including three in ethics and one of those in insurance fraud per license term for resident individuals, subject to the statutory exemptions.
Entity Endorsees
Business entities maintain their required licensed endorsees; nonresident entities maintain at least one non-California endorsee.
Examination Boundary
This is continuation of an existing license under sections 1718 and 1720, rather than an original application under section 1676.
Existing License
Existing permanent license; submit renewal application and fee on or before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident initial licensure by examination
California Personal Lines Agent License Examination
Application
Submit the electronic application and fee; provide background information and fingerprint impressions under section 1652 and CDI instructions.
Authority To Transact
Before acting, obtain the applicable insurer appointment, business-entity endorsement, solicitor employment appointment, or broker bond under sections 1662 and 1704.
Ethics And Code Education
Complete 12 hours of study on ethics and the California Insurance Code, including one hour on insurance fraud; the course is taken once when applying for multiple covered license types (Cal. Ins. Code § 1749(a)). Certificates expire three years after completion.
Felony Consent
When applicable, obtain the Commissioner’s written consent for a dishonesty or breach-of-trust felony under section 1723.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years, as stated in CDI licensing qualifications.
Passing Score Age
The qualifying examination must have been passed within the 12 months preceding issuance (Cal. Ins. Code § 1676(a)).
Residency
California resident individual applying for this license type.
Resident business entity issuance with licensed endorsees
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant Type
Legal entity rather than an individual; its governing documents permit the requested insurance activity.
Authority To Transact
File the applicable insurer appointment or broker bond before the entity transacts insurance.
Licensed Endorsees
Name at least one California resident natural person holding the applicable license or both license types for joint property/casualty authority. An unlicensed endorsee separately applies through the individual licensing route.
Limited Liability Company
An LLC provides and maintains financial security and annual certification under section 1647.5.
Name Approval
Obtain Department approval of the business name and submit the entity application, fee and endorsements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident licensure following relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Lines Window
The waiver extends to previously held additional lines if application is received within 12 months after cancellation.
Application Window
Application received within 90 days after cancellation of the previous resident license.
Education
Section 1749 requires the 12-hour ethics/code course when an existing California nonresident licensee becomes a resident.
Prior License
Currently licensed in the same lines of authority; NAIC database records show good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Authorization to act as an insurance solicitor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Capacity Restriction
Solicitor authority cannot be held at the same time as agent or broker authority (section 1640).
Employment
The employing insurance agent or broker appoints and agrees to employ the licensee within California.
Existing License
Hold this license type; obtaining the underlying license follows its own issuance route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restricted Personal Lines Broker-Agent

Restricted form issued after a hearing in lieu of revocation or denial; conditions are fixed by the Commissioner.

Licensing authority: California Department of Insurance · Application information

Restricted issuance following denial or discipline
California Personal Lines Agent License Examination
Applicant Status
Original applicants satisfy applicable original-license standards; existing licensees may have statutory examination exemptions.
Commissioner Discretion
The Commissioner may issue a restricted license and impose reasonable conditions, including a qualification examination under section 1741.
Hearing
A hearing establishes grounds for denial of an unrestricted license or suspension/revocation.
Restrictions
No property right attaches to the restricted license; it may be suspended or revoked with or without a hearing or cause.
Late renewal of restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Satisfy the continuing education requirements of the underlying license and all Commissioner-imposed restrictions.
Existing Restricted License
Renew in the same manner, at the same time, under the same conditions and fees as the unrestricted underlying license.
Late Renewal
When late, the section 1718 one-year limit and delinquent fee apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of restricted inactive authority
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authorization
File the applicable appointment, endorsement, or broker bond and comply with all restrictions.
Unexpired License
Restricted license remains unexpired and has not been revoked or suspended.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of restricted license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Satisfy the continuing education requirements of the underlying license and all Commissioner-imposed restrictions.
Existing Restricted License
Renew in the same manner, at the same time, under the same conditions and fees as the unrestricted underlying license.
Late Renewal
When late, the section 1718 one-year limit and delinquent fee apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

California Casualty License Examination

Provider
California Department of Insurance; PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, with online remote proctoring available
Exam questions
75 scored questions
Passing score
60 percent
Examination outline
  • I. General Insurance (15%)
    • A.Basic Insurance Concepts and Principles 1.Be able to identify, recognize, or differentiate between: a.examples of insurance as defined in California Insurance Code section 22 b.the definition of risk c.a pure risk and a speculative risk d.the definition of peril e.the definition of hazard f.moral, morale, physical, and legal hazards g.the definition of the law of large numbers h.a definition or the correct usage of the terms loss and loss exposure (e.g., property loss, liability loss exposure) i.risk management techniques j.the requisites of an ideally insurable risk k.the definition of insurable events, California Insurance Code section 250 l.the definitions of insurable interest and indemnity, and be able to apply these terms to a given situation m.why insurers underwrite insurance applications n.the concepts of adverse selection and risk pooling o.the benefits and the costs of insurance to society (i.e., loss control, loss payments, securing credit, etc.) p.a correct explanation of the role of deductibles in insurance q.a definition of reinsurance, California Insurance Code section 620, and the purposes and benefits of reinsurance r.that the California Insurance Code: i.divides lines of insurance into classes, California Insurance Code section 100 ii.defines these classes, California Insurance Code sections 101 through 120
    • B.Contract Law 1.Be able to identify and compare contract law and tort law 2.Be able to identify the four major elements of a contract (competent parties, legal purpose, offer and acceptance, and consideration) 3.Be able to identify the meaning and effect of the following special characteristics of an insurance contract: aleatory conditional contract contract of adhesion indemnity personal contract unilateral utmost good faith 4.Be able to identify the term insurance policy, California Insurance Code section 380 5.Be able to identify the meaning and effect of each of the following on a contract: a.fraud, California Insurance Code sections 338 and 1871.2 b.concealment, California Insurance Code sections 330 through 339 be able to identify information that does not need to be communicated in a contract: California Insurance Code section 333 1)Those which the other knows 2)Those which, in the exercise of ordinary care, the other ought to know, and of which the party has no reason to suppose him ignorant 3)Those of which the other waives communication 4)Those which prove or tend to prove the existence of a risk excluded by a warranty, and which are not otherwise material 5)Those which relate to a risk excepted from insurance, and which are not otherwise material c.materiality, California Insurance Code section 334 i.know that the materiality of concealment is the rule used to determine the importance of a misrepresentation d.representations, California Insurance Code sections 350 through 361 a representation is false when the facts fail to correspond with its assertions or stipulations, California Insurance Code section 358 a representation cannot qualify an express provision in a contract of insurance but it may qualify an implied warranty, California Insurance Code section 354 know when a representation can be altered or withdrawn, California Insurance Code section 355 e.warranty, California Insurance Code sections 440 through 449 i.know that a warranty may be expressed or implied f.waiver and estoppel g.know that intentional or unintentional concealment entitles an injured party to rescission of a contract, California Insurance Code section 331 6.Be able to identify six required elements which must be specified in all insurance policies, California Insurance Code section 381 7.Be able to identify: a.the meaning of the term rescission b.when an insurer has the right of rescission, California Insurance Code sections 331, 338, 359, and 447 8.Given an insurance situation, be able to identify the following terms correctly: a.application, policy, endorsement b.cancellation, lapse, grace period c.rate, premium, earned and unearned premium 9.Be familiar with the grace period for premiums after a declared emergency, California Insurance Code section 2062
    • C.The Insurance Marketplace 1.Be able to identify different distribution systems that include, but are not limited to, the following: a.agency independent agent captive agent broker b.direct response c.online direct sales
    • C.The Insurance Marketplace 2.Producers. Be able to: a.understand the general rules of agency as they apply to an agent, broker, and insurance company i.differentiate between agents, California Insurance Code section 31, and brokers, California Insurance Code section 22 ii.the responsibilities and duties of each to insureds and insurers iii.the effect of the types of authority an agent may exercise (express, implied, or apparent) b.with regard to the underwriting of applicants and/or insureds: i.identify a producer’s responsibilities (e.g., “field underwriting”) ii.understand the insurers’ requirements c.define the following: i.property, California Insurance Code sections 31, 33, and 1625(a), (b) ii.casualty, California Insurance Code sections 33.5 and 1625(a), (c) iii.solicitor, California Insurance Code section 34 iv.personal lines licensee, California Insurance Code section 1625.5 v.surplus line broker, California Insurance Code sections 47 and 1765 d.define transact and understand why transacting insurance without a license is important, California Insurance Code sections 35, 1631, and 1633, and know the penalties for transacting without a license, California Insurance Code section 1633 e.understand written consent in regard to interstate commerce (prohibited persons in insurance), and be able to: i.identify what conduct is prohibited by Title 18 United States Code (18 USC) section 1033 ii.identify what civil and criminal penalties apply, 18 USC sections 1033 and 1034 f.recognize the differences between the authority of an agent and a solicitor, California Insurance Code section 1624 g.for insurance agent’s errors & omissions insurance, identify: i.the types of coverages available ii.the types of losses commonly covered and not covered iii.the need for the coverage iv.how errors & omissions insurance is applied h.identify prohibited acts involving nonadmitted insurers unless licensed as a surplus lines broker, California Insurance Code section 703 i.identify the prohibitions of free insurance, California Insurance Code section 777.1 j.identify the Code requirements for the following: i.an agency name, use of name, and prohibited words, California Insurance Code sections 1724.5,1729.5, and 10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2052.4 ii.change of address, California Insurance Code section 1729 iii.filing license renewal application, California Insurance Code section 1720 iv.printing license number on documents, California Insurance Code section 1725.5 v.internet advertisements, California Insurance Code section 1726(a) k.identify the Code specifications regarding producer application investigation, denial of applications, and suspension or revocation of license, California Insurance Code sections 1666, 1668 through 1669, and 1738 l.identify the importance and the scope of the Code regarding: i.the filing of a notice of appointment to transact insurance, California Insurance Code sections 1704 and 1705 ii.an inactive license, California Insurance Code section 1704(b) iii.surrender or cancellation of a license by the licensee, California Insurance Code section 1708 m.identify the scope and effect of the Code regarding termination of a (producer) license, including when producers dissolve a partnership, California Insurance Code sections 1708 through 1712.5 n.identify and apply: i.the definition of the term “fiduciary” ii.producer fiduciary duties described in the Code, California Insurance Code sections 1733 through 1735 o.identify the continuing education (CE) requirements for: i.an individual licensed as a property and/or casualty ii.know that all licensees must complete a 3-hour course in ethics as part of the required hours of CE prior to each license renewal p.identify the licensee’s duty for disclosure of the effective date of coverage, California Insurance Code section 1730.5 q. reporting of administrative actions and criminal convictions, California Insurance Code section 1729.2 i.know that an applicant or licensee shall notify the Commissioner when any of the background information set forth in California Insurance Code section 1729.2 changes after the application has been submitted or the license has been issued ii.notice is required within 30 days of any change in background information r.be able to identify apply the meaning of, and list concrete examples of, the following ethical mandates: i.place the customer's interest first ii.know your job and continue to increase your level of competence iii.identify the customer’s needs and recommend products and services that meet those needs iv.accurately and truthfully represent products and services v.avoid jargon; use layperson’s language when possible vi.stay in touch with customers and conduct periodic coverage reviews vii.maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of customer information using physical and electronic safeguards viii.keep informed of and obey all insurance laws and regulations ix.avoid unfair or inaccurate remarks about the competition s.be able to identify that the California Insurance Code and the Ca. Code Regs. identify many unethical and/or illegal practices, but they are NOT a complete guide to ethical behavior (i.e., California Insurance Code section 785) t.be able to provide examples of different types of ethical dilemmas that licensees might face u.be able to identify special ethical concerns that may occur regarding pretext interviews, California Insurance Code section 791.03
    • C. The Insurance Marketplace 3.Insurers a.be able to differentiate between: i.admitted and non-admitted insurers, California Insurance Code sections 24 through 25 ii.domestic, foreign, or alien insurers, California Insurance Code sections 26 through 27 and 1580 iiimutual and stock insurers, California Insurance Code section 11535.1 iv.regulation of an admitted insurer and non-admitted insurer, and the potential consequences for consumers, California Insurance Code sections 24, 25, and 1760 through 1780 v.be able to differentiate between mutual, stock, and fraternal insurers 1.Know that de-mutualization is a process whereby a mutual insurer becomes a stock company, California Insurance Code section 11535 b.be able to identify: i.the functions of the following major operating divisions of insurers: marketing/sales, underwriting, claims, actuarial ii.market conduct regulations as the state laws that regulate insurer practices regarding underwriting, sales, ratemaking, and claims handling iii.who may be an insurer, California Insurance Code section 150 iv.the penalty for unlawfully acting as an agent for a nonadmitted insurer or broker or aiding a nonadmitted insurer to transact business in this state for a home state insured, California Insurance Codes sections 703 and 1760.1(f) v.the distinctions between person, association, organization, partnership, business trust, limited liability company, or corporation, California Insurance Code section 19 vi.reciprocals and risk retention groups, and the limitations on state regulation of risk retention groups under the federal Liability Risk Retention Act, and the possible impact on consumers, California Insurance Code sections 125 through 140, and 15 USC section 3901
    • C. The Insurance Marketplace 4.Market Regulation – General a.be able to identify: the purpose of insurance regulation and the significance of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, 15 USC sections 1011 through 1015 the California Insurance Code and how it may be changed the 10 Cal Code of Regs., Chapter 5, and how it may be changed how the Insurance Commissioner is selected and the responsibilities of the position, California Insurance Code sections 12900 and 12921 the correct application of the Unfair Practices Article, including its prohibitions and penalties, California Insurance Code sections 790 through 790.10 b.be able to identify the privacy provisions of: i.the California Financial Information Privacy Act, California Insurance Code sections 4050 through 4060 ii.Insurance Information and Privacy Protection Act regarding practices, prohibitions, and penalties, California Insurance Code sections 791 through 791.26 iii.Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) iv.Privacy of Nonpublic Personal Information, 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2689.4 through 2689.22 v.California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 vi.California’s “Shine the Light” law (California Civil Code section 1798.83) c.be able to define an insolvent insurer, California Insurance Code section 985, and know: i.the definition of an insolvent insurer includes either: 1)Any impairment of minimum "paid-in capital" or "capital paid in," as defined in California Insurance Code section 36, required in the aggregate of an insurer by the provisions of this code for the class, or classes, of insurance that it transacts anywhere 2)An inability of the insurer to meet its financial obligations when they are due ii.an insurer cannot escape the condition of insolvency by merely being able to provide for all its liabilities and for reinsurance of all outstanding risks; an insurer must also be possessed of additional assets equivalent to such aggregate "paid-in capital" or "capital paid in" required by this code after making provision for all such liabilities and for such reinsurance, California Insurance Code sections 985(a)(1) and (2) iii.the definition of paid-in capital, California Insurance Code sections 36 and 985 iv.that it is a misdemeanor to refuse to deliver any books, records, or assets to the Commissioner once a seizure order has been executed in an insolvency proceeding, California Insurance Code section 1013 d.be able to identify i.the scope and correct application of the conservation proceedings described in the California Insurance Code sections 1011, 1013, and 1016 ii.the purpose and scope of the Code with regard to the California Insurance Guarantee Association, California Insurance Code sections 1063(a), (b), (c), and 1063.1(a), (b), (c)(1)(2) iii.common circumstances that suggest the possibility of fraud 1)know that if an insured signs a claim form for a claim which is fraudulent, the insured may be found guilty of perjury iv.efforts to combat fraud, California Insurance Code sections 1872, 1874.6, 1875.8, 1875.14, 1875.20, and 1877.3(b)(1) Be able to describe the steps a licensed agent should take when fraud is suspected v.the scope and correct application of the False and Fraudulent Claims Article of California Insurance Code sections 1871.1 through 1871.4(c) and 1872.5 vi.acts and practices prohibited by California Insurance Code sections 679.70 through 679.74 vii.the requirements for rates to be approved or remain in effect, California Insurance Code section 1861.05(a) viii.the types of rating regulations (prior approval, file & use, use & file, open competition) and the system used by the state of California to regulate rates for most property and casualty insurance written in California, California Insurance Code section 1861.05(c) ix.the distinctions between and uses of “shall” and “may,” California Insurance Code section 16 x.the requirements for notice by mail, California Insurance Code section 38 e.with regard to the Fair Claims Settlement Practices regulations, be able to identify: i.the sixteen claim practices that are prohibited by the regulations ii.how the regulations relate to California Insurance Code section 790.03 iii.a definition of each of the following: 1)claimant, 10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2695.2(c) 2)notice of legal action, 10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2695.2(o) 3)proof of claim, 10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2695.2(s) iv.file and record documentation, 10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2695.3 v.duties upon receipt of communications, 10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2695.5 vi.standards for prompt, fair, and equitable settlements, 10 Cal. Code Regs. sections 2695.7(a), (b), (c), (g), and (h) vii.additional standards applicable to first party residential and commercial insurance policies, 10 Cal. Code Regs. section 2695.9
    • CThe Insurance Marketplace 5.Excess and Surplus (E&S) Lines a.with regard to surplus lines, be able to identify: i.what the term "surplus lines" means ii.the marketplace needs met by surplus lines iii.the requirements to be met before a risk may be placed with a surplus lines insurer iv.how surplus lines and special lines surplus brokers interact with agents v.the absence of binding authority when placing business through excess and surplus lines brokers, California Insurance Code section 1764.2 vi.the non-standard nature of the coverages provided, and that: 1)An excess and surplus lines insurer writes standard coverages in a state where the insurer is unlicensed 2)A standard market insurer is an admitted insurer who offers rates for insurance coverage to insureds who have an average or better than average loss exposure vii.conditions that must be met before business may be obtained from these carriers, California Insurance Code section 1761 viii.what is the List of Approved Surplus Lines Insurers (LASLI)? The following link will provide access to this list: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0250-insurers/0300-insurers/0200-bulletins/eligible-surplus-line/index.cfm ix.what is the Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers issued by the NAIC’s International Insurers Department (“IID List”)? The following link will provide access to this list: https://www.naic.org/prod_serv/QLS-AS-230.pdf
    • D.Legal Concept: Tort Law 1.Be able to identify and/or recognize: a.torts are forms of civil wrongdoing, including: i.intentional torts ii. negligence iii. absolute/strict liability iv. vicarious liability b.the four essential elements of negligence i. duty ii.breach iii.injury (proximate cause) iv.(damages) c.the principles of “proximate cause” and “efficient proximate cause” d.legal defenses against “negligence” e.the purpose of absolute and strict liability doctrines, and to recognize situations where each would apply (e.g., employee injured at work (absolute) or dog bite (strict)) f.examples of intentional torts (e.g., libel, slander, false arrest) g.definitions of gross negligence and vicarious liability h.various types of damages available under tort law: i.compensatory, which includes special and general damages ii.punitive i.the difference between comparative and contributory negligence doctrines, and know which one applies under California tort law i.be able to compute a loss payment applying the doctrines of: a)comparative negligence b)contributory negligence j.the assumption of the risk doctrine, and know: i. how it applies to strict liability ii.that it may be asserted as a legal defense
  • II. Casualty Insurance (15%)
    • A.Casualty 1.Basics. Be able to identify a.the major services provided by the following organizations: i.Insurance Services Office (ISO) ii.ACORD (Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development) iii.California Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau, California Insurance Code section 11750.3 iv.understand that there are other rating organizations out of state (e.g., National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCCI)) b.AM Best, Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard and Poor’s are examples of independent rating organizations, and know what their ratings indicate c.the principal risk management methods used to identify loss exposures, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method d.the difference between direct and indirect (consequential) property losses e.common indirect loss exposures f.the terms expense ratio, loss ratio, and combined ratio g.and differentiate between the terms: i.short rate/flat rate/pro-rata cancellation ii.cancellation/non-renewal/ apse iii.unearned/earned premium and be able to identify their correct computation iv.“judgment rating,” “merit rating,” and “manual rating” v.first party claimant, third party claimant, subrogation, and arbitration “loss reserves” and “statutory reserves” vii.property and liability (casualty) insurance coverages h.be able to identify: i.the requirements to be met to assign a policy from one insured to another ii.the requirement for an insurable interest to exist, California Insurance Code sections 280 through 287 iii.that contingent or expectant interests are not insurable, California Insurance Code section 283
    • B.Policies 1.Be able to identify: a.the major components of insurance policies (e.g., declarations, insuring agreements, definitions, conditions, exclusions, endorsements) b.the provisions or exclusions related to microbial matter c.the Code requirements pertaining to policy cancellation/failure to renew, California Insurance Code sections 481.5, 660 through 669.5, 670, 673, and 675 through 679.6
    • C.Classes of Insurance, California Insurance Code section 100 through 124 1.Have basic familiarity with the coverages a property and casualty may be appointed to transact: a.fire b.ocean marine/inland marine c.surety d.plate glass e.liability f.workers’ compensation g.common carrier liability h.boiler and machinery i.burglary j.credit k.sprinkler l.team and vehicle m.automobile n.aircraft
  • III. Personal Lines Insurance (35%)
    • A.Insurance on a Residence 1.Liability coverage – be able to identify and/or differentiate between: a. property damage liability and bodily injury liability coverages provided in homeowners’ and dwelling policies b.common liability loss exposures and know which are typically covered or excluded in residential policies c.who is and is not covered by “medical payments to others” d.the vehicles most commonly insured and/or excluded under a homeowners’ policy form e.an “insured location” and a “residence premises” f.losses covered under the homeowners’ watercraft endorsement
    • A.Insurance on a Residence 2.Liability endorsements. Be able to identify: a.the effect of attaching the endorsement to a homeowners’ policy b.the major effects of the following: i.workers' compensation – residence employees (CA) endorsement ii.additional residence rented to others iii.home business coverage endorsements as compared to commercial policies iv.personal injury endorsement
    • B. Marine 1.Personal watercraft – personal insurance. Be able to identify: a.why a boat owner, insured under a homeowners’ policy, might still need boat owners type coverages b.the typical coverages provided i.liability operations liability, passenger liability, and flotilla liability ii.medical payments iii.physical damage coverage c.the coverage normally afforded by the yacht policy (hull, boat trailers, protection and indemnity)
    • C.Personal Auto 1.General concepts. Be able to identify: a.the Financial Responsibility Law and minimum individual or insurance policy requirements, California Vehicle Code (CVC) sections 16020, 16021, 16025, 16056, and 16451, and notice requirements pursuant to California Insurance Code section 11580.1(b)(1) and CVC section 16054 b.how a particular personal auto policy being sold to the consumer may differ from the ISO PAP c.under an ISO PAP, be able to identify: i.the eligibility requirements for coverage ii.who is an insured, including the provisions regarding how the policy responds when an insured is no longer a spouse living in the same household 1)Know that any person qualifies as an insured while using a covered auto iii.the policy territorial limits iv.the difference between "share-the-expense car pools" and "for-hire" situations v.the coverage that applies to newly acquired auto and “your covered auto” vi.the coverage that applies to a non-owned private passenger auto rented by an insured while on a short vacation d.situations in which the policy provides: i.primary coverage ii.excess coverage iii.special physical damage e.regarding good driver discounts: i.the eligibility requirements to receive a good driver discount, California Insurance Code section 1861.025 ii.the discount percentage of the good driver discount, California Insurance Code section 1861.02 iii.the three principal rating factors for personal auto policies, California Insurance Code section 1861.02 (a) f.be able to understand the provisions of the California amendatory endorsements and be able identify: i.the permitted reasons for an insurer to cancel or non-renew an automobile policy, California Insurance Code sections 661 and 1861.03(c)(1) ii.the number of days of notice required, California Insurance Code sections 662 and 663 g.for newly acquired autos, know that: i.a newly acquired auto will have the broadest coverage provided for any vehicle shown in the declarations, except for collision coverage for damage to your auto ii.if the insured has collision coverage on at least one auto listed on the declarations page, all coverage on a newly acquired auto begins on the date the insured becomes the owner (for example, the ISO policy requires the insured to notify the insurer within 14 days) iii.if the insured does not have collision coverage on at least one auto listed on the declarations page, collision coverage on a newly acquired auto begins on the date the insured becomes the owner, but the insured must request collision coverage h.regarding Transportation Network Companies (TNC) (e.g., Uber, Lyft), know that: i. personal auto insurance rarely covers the driver while working for a TNC ii.insurers have products that specifically cover the driver while working for a TNC; a list of available TNC coverage can be found on CDI’s webpage at: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/82-TNC-Ridesharing/upload/1-12-17TNCProductApprovalChartPublic.pdf iii.Public Utilities Code section 5433 requires the TNC to provide specific coverages to the driver regarding personal vehicle sharing, know that: personal vehicle sharing means the use of private passenger vehicles by persons other than the vehicle’s owner in connection with a personal vehicle sharing program as defined by California Insurance Code section 11580.24 the personal vehicle sharing program must provide coverage for the vehicle “during all times that the vehicle is engaged in personal vehicle sharing” as long as the annual revenue received by the vehicle’s owner which was generated by the personal vehicle sharing of the vehicle does not exceed the annual expenses of owning the vehicle, California Insurance Code section 11580.24(a)(2), and as long as the vehicle is not being used for commercial purposes, including, but not limited to, ridesharing (TNC), California Insurance Code section 11580.24(a)(3) the vehicle sharing program shall “provide insurance coverage for the vehicle and operator of the vehicle that are equal to or greater than the insurance coverages maintained by the vehicle owner and reported to the personal vehicle sharing program,” California Insurance Code section 115801.24 (c)(1)
    • C.Personal Auto 2.Liability/medical payments/uninsured motorist. Be able to identify: a.how the policy limits are applied to liability, medical, uninsured motorist in a given loss situation b.for a described loss under Part A – Liability, be able to determine the effect of: i.supplementary payments ii."out of state coverage," including "financial responsibility" and “no-fault” compliance iii.split limits vs. single limits coverage 1) Know the difference between the application of the per-accident limit in a split limit policy and a single limit policy iv.“other insurance” v.limitations and exclusions applicable to covered bodily injury and/or property damage claims c.for a described loss under Part B – Medical Payments, be able to determine the amount of coverage available for each insured i.coverage/limitations/exclusions/applying to Part B – Medical Payments d.for a described loss under Part C – Uninsured Motorists, be able to differentiate between uninsured and underinsured motorist and know the amount of coverage for each insured: i.for bodily injury when the at-fault driver is an uninsured or underinsured motorist ii. for property damage under the uninsured motorist property damage limit of liability iii.for property damage under a collision deductible waiver e.under California law, be able to identify: i.the requirement for offering uninsured motorists coverage in policies providing bodily injury liability, and how an insured may reject the coverage, California Insurance Code section 11580.2(a)(1) ii.driving history report (MVR) issues – Fair Credit Reporting Act 1)Know that a consumer credit report cannot be used as the basis of a decline to insure or as a premium factor in California
    • C.Personal Auto 3.Physical Damage / Miscellaneous a.In a described loss, be able to identify: i.what constitutes physical damage ii.if the loss is covered and for how much after applying any deductibles iii.the standard basis of valuation for the automobile iv.an insurer’s options in making a loss settlement with the insured v.under what circumstances transportation expenses are reimbursed vi.the coverage for personal effects vii.the relationship between Other Than Collision coverage (OTC) and comprehensive coverage (ISO uses newer “OTC”, many insurers still use “comprehensive”) 1)know that Other Than Collision coverage is a type of property insurance coverage viii.insured's duties after a loss b.Be able to identify Common Auto Endorsements i.Miscellaneous Type Vehicle Endorsement ii.Limited Mexico Coverage Endorsement iii.Towing and Labor Coverage iv.Trust Endorsement v.Joint Ownership vi.Auto Loan/Lease Endorsement (GAP Coverage) vii.Impact of shared rides on personal auto insurance Named Non-owner Coverage viii.Extended Non-owned Liability Coverage – Vehicle Furnished or Available for Regular Use ix.Optional Limits - Transportation Expenses Coverage x.Customizing Equipment Coverage (PP 08 18)
    • C. Personal Auto 4. California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP). Be able to identify: a.the purpose of CAARP, i.who is eligible to place business with CAARP ii.the eligibility requirements for applicants iii.how business is placed through CAARP iv.the coverages and limits available and/or required v.when coverage may be bound vi.when commercial risks are also eligible for "assigned risk" coverage. b.California’s Low-Cost Automobile Insurance (CLCA). Be able to identify i.what is “low-cost automobile insurance” ii.the coverages and limits available iii.eligibility to purchase low-cost automobile insurance iv.the cancellation and renewal procedures for low-cost automobile insurance v.the costs for this insurance
    • C.Personal Auto 5.Recreational vehicles (RV) a.know that endorsements can be added to a Personal Auto Policy (PAP) to provide coverage for RVs b.be able to differentiate between a private passenger vehicle and a commercial vehicle and know that: i.RVs are generally both designed as and used as private passenger vehicles ii.under CVC sections 260 and 362, a three axle RV is not considered a commercial vehicle and meets the definition of “private passenger vehicle” in California Insurance Code section 660(a)(1) iii.once an RV is added to the PAP, the existing coverage of the PAP is extended to this added vehicle
    • C.Personal Auto 6.Motorcycles. Be able to explain: a.why motorcycles generally are not covered by a PAP and generally cannot be added as an endorsement b.how to insure vehicles with less than four wheels c.why specialty motorcycle policies may have limitations in the areas of medical payments and uninsured motorist
    • D.Umbrellas and Excess Liability Insurance. Be able to identify: 1.The difference between umbrella and excess liability insurance 2.The benefits of umbrella and excess liability insurance 3.How uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage is extended under an umbrella or excess liability policy 4.Underlying policy limits that are commonly required to be maintained by the umbrella insurer 5.What a self-insured retention is and how it is applied to a loss 6.Standardized umbrella policies and their availability
  • IV. Commercial Insurance Coverages (35%)
    • A.ISO Commercial Lines Insurance Programs. Be able to identify: 1. A description of the modular concept as used in the commercial package program and the common modules 2.The following common policy conditions and their application: cancellation, changes/examination of your books and records/inspections and surveys/premiums/transfer of rights and duties/first named insured 3.For package policies: a.the minimum requirements for a package policy (modules & coverages) b.the advantages to insureds c.how coverages may be written on a monoline basis
    • B.Casualty Insurance 1.Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage forms – occurrence and claims- made. Be able to identify: a.the difference in the coverage triggers between an occurrence policy and a claims-made policy b.why certain policies are written on a claim-made basis and know the definitions of the following terms: i.retroactive date ii.prior acts coverage (retro date not specified) iii.“tail” coverages (mini, midi, and maxi (SERP)) c.when the Basic Extended Reporting Period (BERP) begins and how it is activated when the policy is cancelled or non-renewed
    • B.Casualty Insurance 2.Commercial General Liability (CGL) a.general concepts; be able to identify: i.the term “general liability” ii.general types of loss exposures insured or left for other policies to insure iii.the kinds of limits that are listed in the declarations and the limits of insurance section and how they apply iv.CGL coverage form (occurrence). 1)Based on the CGL coverage form, be able to identify and apply: i.the insuring agreement for coverages A, B, and C ii.the definitions of: a)occurrence b)products-completed operations c)insured contract d)coverage territory e)personal and advertising injury f)bodily injury g)property damage h)automobile and mobile equipment i)employee j)leased employee k)temporary employee l)independent contractor, subcontractor iii.the effect of the following exclusions: a)liquor liability b)workers' compensation c)pollution d)automobile, aircraft, watercraft e)care, custody, and control – property damage f)recall exclusion g)expected and intended h)employment practices liability i)terrorism exclusions j)microbial matter exclusions
    • B.Casualty Insurance 3.Professional liability and errors & omissions. Be able to identify: a.that certain professional liability losses aren't covered under CGL policies: i.because of applicable exclusions ii.because the loss does not involve: 1)Bodily injury 2)Property damage 3)Personal injury 4)Advertising injury b.the occupations commonly insured under professional liability policies c.what is covered by professional liability policies that are not covered by a CGL policy d.the triggers of coverage common to professional liability: i.claims-made ii.claims-made and reported iii.occurrence (exceedingly rare) e.the defense provision in a professional liability policy and how it differs from the defense provision in a CGL policy: i.employers’ exposure to loss ii.common perils insured iii.who is an insured iv.what losses are excluded v.employment practices liability vi.fiduciary Liability
    • B.Casualty Insurance 4.Management (directors and officers) liability. Be able to identify and understand: a.various loss exposures for profit and non-profit organizations b.the three common insuring agreement c.who is an insured d.the exclusions within a policy e.management liability is also available as a suite of coverages and designed for exposures not covered by CGL, including D&O, EPLI (including sexual misconduct), E&O, fiduciary, kidnapping & ransom, and cyber liability
    • B.Casualty Insurance 5.Employment practices liability. Be able to identify: a.who is not covered and what issues are excluded b.the definition of claims that include written demand for monetary or non-monetary relief cadministrative or regulatory investigations, including EEO Commission charges ddamages that include pre- and post-judgment interest, punitive, exemplary, liquidated, and multiplied damages up to the limit of liability, where insurable; most favorable jurisdiction language applies e.the broad definition of wrongful act(s) includes, but is not limited to, discrimination, harassment, wrongful demotion, failure to hire or promote, hostile or offensive work environment that interferes with work performance, termination, and retaliation f.that the bodily injury exclusion includes carve-out for emotional distress mental anguish, defamation, invasion of privacy, or humiliation g.fraudulent or intentional acts of an employer or its agents and understand there is no exclusion for such acts
    • B.Casualty Insurance 6.Commercial auto. Be able to identify and differentiate policy and coverage differences between garage, business auto, and motor carrier forms a.garage policy; know that: i.coverage is available for public repair shops, dealerships, attended parking lots, and any other situation where the general public might drive the business vehicle, or when businesses have care, custody, or control over other people’s vehicles ii.garage liability covers garage operations, and be able to identify: 1)The definition of garage operations 2)The four major coverages provided by garage liability 3)Reasons for insuring with garage liability rather than using general liability plus commercial auto coverage i.be able to distinguish between losses covered by garage keepers legal liability and garage keepers direct coverage (primary or excess) b.Business Auto Policy (BAP). Be able to identify: i.why the following coverages might be needed by an insured: 1)Owned autos 2)Hired autos 3)Non-owned autos 4)Uninsured and underinsured motorist ii.each of the following symbols used to specify covered autos on the BAP declaration pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 19 iii.the “who is insured” provision of the policy iv.the effect of the following exclusions and alternative methods of providing insurance coverage: 1)Workers' compensation 2)“Products” and “completed operations” 3)Pollution 4)Care, custody, and control – property damage 5)Fellow employee v.the principal physical damage coverages vi.the effect of the following endorsements: 1)Individual named insured endorsement 2)Drive other car coverage – broadened coverage for named individuals c.regarding motor carrier policy (e.g., truckers coverage), know: i.the definition of "trucker" and the general scope of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 ii.why a separate automobile program was developed for motor carriers
    • B.Casualty Insurance 7.Umbrella and excess liability. Be able to identify: a.the major functions and differences of these policies b.that most carriers have developed their own form with unique coverage c.commonly required underlying policies and limits of liability d.what a self-insured retention is and how it is applied to a loss
    • B.Casualty Insurance 8.Workers' compensation. Be able to identify: a.the effect on the legal relationship between employers, employees, and independent contractors that was intended when worker's compensation laws were written, and know: i.why misclassified workers may not be covered under a workers’ compensation policy ii.the liability of the employer when a misclassified worker is injured on the job and not covered under a workers’ compensation policy iii.the “ABC” test that defines independent contractors (Assembly Bill 5, Gonzalez, Chapter 296, Statutes of 2019) b.situations where worker's compensation coverage is required by law and the methods available for providing coverage c.exclusive remedy d.the California State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) and California Insurance Code sections 11770, et seq. i.Know who may place business with SCIF, California Insurance Code section 11784 ii.Know why a producer would place business with SCIF e.the different types of benefits provided: i.medical: 1)Know that covered medical expenses do not have time or dollar limits 2)Know the limits for chiropractic care and physical therapy services ii.disability income: 1)Know the waiting period and weekly benefit limitations iii.rehabilitation (e.g., vocational retraining) iv.survivor benefits, including death benefit f.examples of workers’ compensation insurance fraud i.know the penalties which may be applied to employees who commit workers’ compensation insurance fraud ii.know how employers can commit workers’ compensation insurance fraud and the penalties which may be imposed g.what employers liability coverage is and why it is necessary in addition to workers' compensation, California Insurance Code section 11750.1 (f) h.the definition and application of the other states’ insurance section of the policy, California Insurance Code section 11780.5 i.the voluntary compensation endorsement j.the term "twenty-four hour coverage," California Insurance Code section 1749.02 k.the California workers’ compensation rating system and the purpose of the experience modification system l.that a workers’ compensation policy does not cover any employees subject to federal workers’ compensation or employer’s liability laws m.federal workers’ compensation programs i.Defense Base Act ii.Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act iii.Jones Act
    • C.Surety Bonds and General Bond Concepts. Be able to differentiate between: 1.The three parties involved in a surety bond 2.Surety bonds and insurance policies with regard to loss payments 3.Contract, financial guarantees, and faithful performance bonds
Examination sources
  • Casualty

    Table of Contents: all four sections and their published percentages

  • Casualty

    The Casualty Agent License Examination: identity and format

  • Bulletin

    Page 17: Score Reporting

  • Bulletin

    Page 18: producer examination passing score

  • Casualty

    The Casualty Agent License Examination: administration and owner

California Personal Lines Agent License Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC for the California Department of Insurance
Format
Multiple-choice computer examination at a test center or by online remote proctoring
Exam questions
90
Time limit
135 minutes (March 2026 bulletin); objectives introduction states two hours
Passing score
60 percent
Examination outline
  • I. General Insurance (includes Section II. Property Insurance) (32%)
    • I.General Insurance A.Basic Insurance Concepts and Principles Be able to identify, recognize, or differentiate between: examples of insurance as defined in California Insurance Code section 22 the definition of risk a pure risk and a speculative risk a definition of peril a definition of hazard moral, morale, physical, and legal hazards the law of large numbers a definition or the correct usage of the terms loss and loss exposure (e.g., property loss exposure, liability loss exposure) risk management techniques the requisites of an ideally insurable risk the definition of insurable events, California Insurance Code section 250 the definitions of insurable interest, and indemnity, and be able to recognize the applicability of these terms to a given situation why insurers underwrite the insurance applications they receive the concepts of adverse selection and spread of risk the benefits and the costs of insurance to society (i.e., loss control, loss payments, securing credit, etc.) a correct explanation of the role of deductibles in insurance a definition of reinsurance, California Insurance Code section 620, and the purposes and benefits of insurers obtaining reinsurance that the insurance code: divides lines of insurance into classes, California Insurance Code section 100 defines these classes, California Insurance Code sections 101 through 120
    • I.General Insurance B.Contract Law 1.Be able to identify and compare contract law and tort law 2.Be able to identify the four major elements of a contract: competent parties, legal purpose, offer and acceptance, and consideration 3.Be able to identify the meaning and effect of the following special characteristics of an insurance contract: aleatory conditional contract contract of adhesion indemnity personal contract unilateral utmost good faith 4.Be able to identify the term insurance policy, California Insurance Code section 380 5.Be able to identify the meaning and effect of each of the following on a contract: a.fraud, California Insurance Code sections 338 and 1871.2 b.concealment, California Insurance Code sections 330 through 339 be able to identify information that does not need to be communicated in a contract, California Insurance Code section 333: 1)Those which the other knows 2)Those which, in the exercise of ordinary care, the other ought to know, and of which the party has no reason to suppose him ignorant 3)Those of which the other waives communication 4)Those which prove or tend to prove the existence of a risk excluded by a warranty and which are not otherwise material 5)Those which relate to a risk excepted from insurance and which are not otherwise material c.materiality, California Insurance Code section 334 i.know that the materiality of concealment is the rule used to determine the importance of a misrepresentation. d.representations, California Insurance Code sections 350 through 361 a representation is false when the facts fail to correspond with its assertions or stipulations, California Insurance Code section 358 a representation cannot qualify an express provision in a contract of insurance but it may qualify an implied warranty, California Insurance Code section 354 know when a representation can be altered or withdrawn, California Insurance Code section 355 e.warranty (express/implied), California Insurance Code sections 440 through 445 and 447 f.waiver and estoppel g.know that intentional or unintentional concealment entitles an injured party to rescission of a contract, California Insurance Code section 331 6.Be able to identify six required elements which must be specified in all insurance policies, California Insurance Code section 381 7.Be able to identify: a.the meaning of the term rescission; b.when an insurer has the right of rescission, California Insurance Code sections 331, 338, 359, and 447 8.Given an insurance situation, be able to identify the following terms correctly: a.application, policy, endorsement b.cancellation, lapse, grace period c.rate, premium, earned and unearned premium 9.Be familiar with the grace period for premiums after a declared emergency, California Insurance Code section 2062
    • I.General Insurance C.The Insurance Marketplace 1.Be able to identify different distribution systems that include, but are not limited to, the following: a.agency independent agent captive agent brokers b.direct response c.online direct sales
    • I.General Insurance C.The Insurance Marketplace 2.Be able to: a.understand the general rules of agency as they apply to an agent, broker, and the insurance company differentiate between agents, California Insurance Code section 31, and brokers, California Insurance Code section 33 the responsibilities and duties of each to insureds and insurers the effect of the types of authority an agent may exercise (express, implied, or apparent) b.with regard to the underwriting of applicants and/or insureds, be able to: identify a producer’s responsibilities (e.g., “field underwriting” understand the insurers’ requirements c.define the following: property, California Insurance Code sections 31, 33, and 1625(a)(b) casualty, California Insurance Code sections 33.5 and 1625(a) and (c) solicitor, California Insurance Code section 34 personal lines licensee, California Insurance Code section 1625.5 surplus lines broker, California Insurance Code sections 47 and 1765 d.define transact and understand why transacting insurance without a license is important, California Insurance Code sections 35, 1631, and 1633, and know the penalties for transacting without a license, California Insurance Code section 1633 e.understand written consent in regard to interstate commerce (prohibited persons in insurance) and be able to: identify what conduct is prohibited by Title 18 United States Code (18 USC) section 1033 identify what civil and criminal penalties apply, 18 USC sections 1033 and 1034 f.recognize the differences between the authority of an agent and a solicitor, California Insurance Code section 1624 g.for insurance agent’s errors & omissions insurance, identify: the types of coverages available the types of losses commonly covered and not covered the need for the coverage how errors & omissions insurance is applied h.recognize prohibited acts involving non-admitted insurers unless licensed as a surplus lines broker, California Insurance Code section 703 i.identify the prohibitions of free insurance, California Insurance Code section 777.1 j.identify the Code requirements for the following: an agency name, use of name, and prohibited words, California Insurance Code sections 1724.5,1729.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section 2052.4 change of address, California Insurance Code section 1729 filing license renewal application, California Insurance Code section 1720 printing license number on documents, California Insurance Code section 1725.5 internet advertisements, California Insurance Code section 1726(a) k. identify the Code specifications regarding producer application investigation, denial of applications, and suspension or revocation of license, California Insurance Code sections 1666, 1668 through 1669, and 1738 I.identify the importance and the scope of the Code regarding: the filing of a notice of appointment to transact insurance, California Insurance Code sections 1704 and 1705 an inactive license, California Insurance Code section 1704(b) surrender or cancellation of a license by the licensee, California Insurance Code section 1708 m.identify the scope and effect of the Code regarding termination of a (producer) license, including when producers dissolve a partnership, California Insurance Code sections 1708 through 1712.5 n.identify and apply: i.the definition of the term “fiduciary” ii.producer fiduciary duties described in the Code, California Insurance Code sections 1733 through 1735 o.identify the continuing education (CE) requirements for: an individual licensed as a personal lines agent know that all licensees must complete a 3-hour course in ethics as part of the required hours of CE prior to each license renewal p.identify the licensee’s duty for disclosure of the effective date of coverage, California Insurance Code section 1730.5 q.reporting of administrative actions and criminal convictions, California Insurance Code section 1729.2 i.know that an applicant or licensee shall notify the Commissioner when any of the background information set forth in California Insurance Code section 1729.2 changes after the application has been submitted or the license has been issued ii.notice is required within 30 days of any change in background information r.be able to identify, apply the meaning of, and list concrete examples of the following ethical mandates: i.place the customer's interest first ii.know your job and continue to increase your level of competence iii.identify the customer’s needs and recommend products and services that meet those needs iv.accurately and truthfully represent products and services v.avoid jargon; use layperson’s language when possible vi.stay in touch with customers and conduct periodic coverage reviews vii.maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of customer information using physical and electronic safeguards viii.keep informed of and obey all insurance laws and regulations ix.avoid unfair or inaccurate remarks about the competition s.be able to identify that the California Insurance Code and the Cal. Code of Regs. identify many unethical and/or illegal practices, but they are NOT a complete guide to ethical behavior (for example: California Insurance Code section 785) t.be able to provide examples of different types of ethical dilemmas that licensees might face u.be able to identify special ethical concerns that may occur regarding pretext interviews, California Insurance Code section 791.03
    • I.General Insurance C.The Insurance Marketplace 3.Insurers a.be able to differentiate between: admitted and non-admitted insurers, California Insurance Code sections 24 through 25 domestic, foreign, or alien insurers, California Insurance Code sections 26 through 27 and 1580 mutual and stock insurers, California Insurance Code section 11535.1 regulation of an admitted insurer and non-admitted insurer, and the potential consequences for consumers, California Insurance Code sections 24, 25, and 1760 through 1780 b.be able to identify: the functions of the following major operating divisions of insurers: marketing/sales, underwriting, claims, actuarial market conduct regulations as the state laws that regulate insurer practices regarding underwriting, sales, ratemaking, and claims handling who may be an insurer, California Insurance Code section 150 iv.the penalty for unlawfully acting as an agent for a non-admitted insurer or broker or aiding a non-admitted insurer to transact business in this state for a home state insured, California Insurance Codes sections 703 and 1760.1(f) v.the distinctions between person, association, organization, partnership, business trust, limited liability company, or corporation, California Insurance Code section 19 vi.reciprocals and risk retention groups, and the limitations on state regulation of risk retention groups under the federal Liability Risk Retention Act, and the possible impact on consumers, California Insurance Code sections 125 through 140 and 15 USC sections 1011 through 1015
    • I. General Insurance C. The Insurance Marketplace 4.Market Regulation – General a.be able to identify: the purpose of insurance regulation and the significance of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, 15 USC sections 1011 through 1015 ii.the California Insurance Code and how it may be changed iii.the California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section , Chapter 5, and how it may be changed iv.how the Insurance Commissioner is elected and the responsibilities of the position, California Insurance Code sections 12900 and 12921 the correct application of the unfair practices article, including its prohibitions and penalties, California Insurance Code sections 790 through 790.10 b.be able to identify the privacy protection provisions of: the California Financial Information Privacy Act, California Financial Code sections 4050 through 4060 Insurance Information and Privacy Protection Act regarding practices, prohibitions, and penalties, California Insurance Code sections 791 through 791.26 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) iv.Privacy of Nonpublic Personal Information, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section 2689.4 through 2689.22 v.California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (effective January 1, 2020) vi.California’s “Shine the Light” Law (California Civil Code section 1798.83) c.be able to define an insolvent insurer, California Insurance Code section 985, and know: the definition of an insolvent insurer includes either: 1)Any impairment of minimum "paid-in capital" or "capital paid in," as defined in California Insurance Code section 36, required in the aggregate of an insurer by the provisions of this code for the class, or classes, of insurance that it transacts anywhere 2)An inability of the insurer to meet its financial obligations when they are due an insurer cannot escape the condition of insolvency by being able to provide for all its liabilities and for reinsurance of all outstanding risks; an insurer must also be possessed of additional assets equivalent to such aggregate "paid-in capital" or "capital paid in" required by this Code after making provision for all such liabilities and for such reinsurance, California Insurance Code sections 985 (a)(1) and (2) the definition of paid-in capital, California Insurance Code sections 36 and 985 it is a misdemeanor to refuse to deliver any books, records, or assets to the Commissioner once a seizure order has been executed in an insolvency proceeding, California Insurance Code section 1013 d.be able to identify: i.the scope and correct application of the conservation proceedings described in California Insurance Code sections 1011, 1013, and 1016 ii. the purpose and scope of the Code with regard to the California Insurance Guarantee Association, California Insurance Code sections 1063(a),(b), (c), and 1063.1(a), (b), (c)(1) and (2) iii. common circumstances that suggest the possibility of fraud know that if an insured signs a claim form for a claim which is fraudulent, the insured may be found guilty of perjury iv. efforts to combat fraud, California Insurance Code sections 1872, 1874.6,1875.8, 1875.14, 1875.20, and 1877.3(b)(1) 1)be able to describe the steps a licensed agent should take when fraud is suspected v.the scope and correct application of the false and fraudulent claims article of California Insurance Code sections 1871.1 through 1872.5 vi.acts and practices prohibited by California Insurance Code sections 679.70 through 679.74 vii.the requirements for rates to be approved or remain in effect, California Insurance Code section 1861.05(a) viii.the types of ratings regulations (prior approval, file & use, use & file, open competition) and the system used by the state of California to regulate rates for most property and casualty insurance written in California, California Insurance Code section 1861.05(c) ix.the distinctions between and uses of “shall” and “may,” California Insurance Code section 16 x.the requirements for notice by mail, California Insurance Code section 38 e.with regard to the fair claims settlement practices regulations, be able to identify: i.the sixteen claim practices that are prohibited by California Insurance Code section 790.03 ii.how the regulations relate to California Insurance Code section 790.03 a)a definition of each of the following: 1)claimant, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section 2695.2(c) 2)notice of legal action, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section 2695.2(o) 3)proof of claim, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section 2695.2(s) b)file and record documentation, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section 2695.3 c)duties upon receipt of communications, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section 2695.5 d)standards for prompt, fair, and equitable settlements, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, sections 2695.7(a), (b), (c), (g), and (h) e)additional standards applicable to first party residential and commercial insurance policies, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, section 2695.9
    • I.General Insurance C.The Insurance Marketplace 5. Excess and Surplus (E&S) Lines a.with regard to surplus lines, be able to identify: i.what the term "surplus lines" means ii.the marketplace needs met by surplus lines iii.the requirements to be met before a risk may be placed with a surplus lines insurer iv.how surplus lines and special lines surplus lines brokers interact with agents v.the absence of binding authority when placing business through excess and surplus lines brokers, California Insurance Code section 1764.2 vi.the non-standard nature of the coverages provided and that: An excess and surplus lines insurer writes standard coverages in a state where the insurer in unlicensed A standard market insurer is an admitted insurer who offers rates for insurance coverage to insureds who have an average or better than average loss exposure vii.conditions that must be met before business may be obtained from these carriers, California Insurance Code section 1761 viii.what is the List of Approved Surplus Lines Insurers (LASLI)? The following link will provide access to this list: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/120-company/07-lasli/lasli.cfm ix.what is the Quarterly Listing of Alien Insurers issued by the NAIC's International Insurers Department ("IID List")? The following link will provide access to this list: https://www.naic.org/prod_serv/QLS-AS-230.pdf
    • I.General Insurance D.Legal Concept: Tort Law 1.Be able to identify and/or recognize: a.that torts are forms of civil wrongdoings, including: i. intentional torts ii.negligence iii.absolute/strict liability b.the four essential elements of negligence: i.duty ii.breach iii.proximate cause iv.damages c.the principles of “proximate cause” and “efficient proximate cause” d.legal defenses against “negligence” e.the reasons for the absolute and strict liability doctrines and recognize situations in which they would apply f.examples of intentional torts (e.g., libel, slander, false arrest) g.definitions of gross negligence and vicarious liability h.various types of damages available under tort law: i.compensatory, which includes special and general damages ii.punitive i.the difference between comparative and contributory negligence doctrines, and know which one applies under California tort law i. be able to compute a loss payment applying the doctrines of: a)comparative negligence b)contributory negligence j.the assumption of the risk doctrine and know: i.how it applies to strict liability ii.that it may be asserted as a legal defense
    • II.Property Insurance .A.Property Basics 1.Know: a.the Insurance Services Office (ISO) is an advisory organization that also develops standard forms for the market b.AM Best, Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard and Poor’s are examples of independent ratings organizations, and know what their ratings indicate c.the principal risk management methods used to identify loss exposures, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method d.the difference between direct and indirect (consequential) property losses e.common indirect loss exposures f.the terms expense ratio, loss ratio, and combined ratio g.the definitions of and distinctions between the following policy forms i.“all-risk” ii.“open peril”/“special form iii.“named peril” (e.g., basic, broad, and special) h.be able to identify the terms and differentiate between: i.short rate/flat rate/pro-rata cancellation ii.cancellation/non-renewal/lapse iii.unearned/earned premium and be able to identify their correct computation iv.“judgment rating,” “merit rating,” and “manual rating” v.first party claimant, third party claimant, subrogation, and arbitration vi“loss reserves” and “statutory reserves” viii.property and liability (casualty) insurance coverages i.be able to identify: i.the requirements to be met to assign a policy from one insured to another ii.a definition of “loss cost rating” and the reason for its use iii.the requirement for an insurable interest to exist, California Insurance Code sections 280 through 287 iv.contingent or expectant interests are not insurable, California Insurance Code section 283 v.apply the term “concurrent cause” to a loss where two perils are involved in the same event, but only one peril is covered under the policy (e.g., fire following earthquake, California Insurance Code section 10088.5, and mudslide following wildfire) vi.the requirements and definitions of the California residential property insurance disclosure statement, California Insurance Code sections 10101 and 10102 be familiar with California Insurance Code section 678(e) as it relates to revisions to the California residential property insurance disclosure statement regarding: The definition of actual cash value The statement must be signed and acknowledged if the policy does not cover the peril of fire and the insurer must provide information on the FAIR plan and the California home insurance finder vii.the residential property insurance disclosure form contains only a general description of coverages and is NOT part of the policy viii.replacement cost and building code upgrade options j.be familiar with the requirements for renewal offers: in relation to a reduction in limits or coverage, Cal. Ins Code section 678(a) in relation to code upgrade coverage, California Insurance Code section 10103
    • II.Property Insurance B.Policies 1.Be able to identify: a.the major components of insurance policies (e.g., declarations, insuring agreements, definitions, conditions, exclusions, endorsements) b.common policy provisions (i.e., insured’s right to cancel, assignment of policy, supplementary payments, severability, liberalization, etc.) c.a valued policy, California Insurance Code sections 2053 and 2054, and be able to identify and compute loss payments according to the different types of valuation commonly used in insurance policies (actual cash value, replacement cost, market value, agreed value, and stated value) d.the protection of a mortgagee’s interest contained in most mortgage clauses e.the difference between concurrent and non-concurrent coverage under two or more policies of insurance issued for the same property f.the Code requirements pertaining to policy cancellation/failure to renew, California Insurance Code sections 481.5, 660 through 669.5, 670, 673, and 675 through 679.6 g.what the “standard fire policy” is, perils insured, and its importance to personal and commercial property contracts, California Insurance Code sections 2070 and 2071 h.the special policy renewal provisions which may apply following a disaster that results in total loss to a property, California Insurance Code section 675.1 i.the extensions of ALE offered due to the declaration by a civil authority while a disaster is ongoing, California Insurance Code section 2060(b)(1) j.for a total loss of a furnished residence related to a declared state of emergency, an insurer must provide a payment for contents of no less than 30% of the policy limit, as specified, without requiring an itemized claim, California Insurance Code section 10103.7(b) k.the provisions for combining payments for losses up to the policy limits for the primary dwelling and other structures in the event of a state of emergency, California Insurance Code section 10103.7(a) l.replacement cost per California Insurance Code section 2051.5 as it pertains to: i.personal property and real property, including code upgrade options ii.the extension of timelines to collect full replacement cost in the event of a “state of emergency” iii.rebuilding at the loss location, rebuilding at a new location, and purchasing an already built home at a new location the effect of the value of land on rebuilding, California Insurance Code section 2051.5(c)(2)
    • II.Property Insurance C.Classes of Insurance, California Insurance Code sections 100 through 124 1.Have basic familiarity with the coverages a property and casualty may be appointed to transact: a.fire b.ocean marine /inland marine c.surety d.plate glass e.liability f.workers’ compensation g.common carrier liability h.boiler and machinery i.burglary j.credit k.sprinkler l.team and vehicle m.automobile n.aircraft
  • III. Personal Lines Insurance (65%)
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance Insurance on Residential Properties 1.Homeowners policies a.be able to define the following terms as they apply to a homeowners’ policy: named insured, insureds, insured location, residence employee, residence premises b.coverage forms – be able to identify the major differences between the following forms in terms of coverages included and perils insured: i.HO-2 Broad Form ii.HO-3 Special Form iii.HO-4 Contents (Tenant’s) Form iv.HO-5 Comprehensive Form v.HO-6 Unit-Owner’s Form vi.HO-8 Modified Coverage Form c.homeowners’ policy property coverages i.be able to identify for coverages A, B, and C (dwelling, other structures, and personal property) 1)Who is insured 2)The kinds of property insured and excluded 3)The valuation basis: actual cash value vs replacement cost 4)The property with special (sub) limits ii.be able to identify the extent Coverage D – Loss of Use applies to a described loss iii.be able to identify the insured’s duties after a loss d.additional coverages – be able to identify: the coverage and limitations available, such as debris removal and property removal under the property coverages the effect of the exclusions: earth movement and flood, including the coverage provided for ensuing losses Know how a wildfire may alter an earth movement exclusion based on an application of “efficient proximate cause” Know how the actions or negligence of others may be a cause of action following a loss due to earth movement be able to recognize the applicability of the ordinance or law exclusion e.liability coverages identify common liability loss exposures covered or excluded explain when personal liability coverage is payable for a described loss, be able to identify who would be covered under medical payments to others f.homeowners’ endorsements – be able to identify the effect of attaching one or more of the following endorsements to a homeowners policy: i.workers' compensation – residence employees ii.other structures – increased limits endorsement iii.scheduled personal property endorsement iv.inflation guard endorsement v.personal property – replacement cost endorsement vi.personal injury endorsement vii.additional residence rented to others viii.home business coverage endorsements ix.manufactured home endorsement x.extended replacement cost xi.code upgrade 2.Manufactured home policy a.with the addition of different types of structures, informed agents must be able to recognize the coverage that is applicable to the structure being insured 3.Dwelling policy a.for the dwelling policy, be able to identify the major differences between the three forms (basic, broad, and special) in terms of: i.the coverages included ii.perils insured 4Policy coverages a.be able to identify and/or differentiate under Coverages A, B, and C: i.who is or is not an "insured" ii.the types of property insured iii.which types of loss settlement applies to dwelling and other structures vs. personal property coverages (actual cash value vs. replacement cost) iv.the kinds of property excluded v.situations when loss of use/fair rental value and additional living expenses might be available as the result of direct and indirect losses, and the extent to which coverage applies b.other coverages – be able to identify the limit of insurance on the following coverages as they apply under a dwelling policy: i.debris removal ii.property removed iii. ordinance or law
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance BHomeowners’ Insurance Valuation 1.General concepts, California Insurance Code section 2070 a.Know that: i.all property, casualty, and personal lines must complete a continuing education (CE) course on homeowners’ insurance valuation (included in their required CE hours) ii.a producer is responsible for accurately documenting a dwelling’s replacement cost at the time of original application iii.certain unlicensed persons are prohibited from estimating dwelling replacement cost or explaining insurance coverages 2.Insurance on a residence a.valuations and replacement costs i.know how a co-insurance provision affects the limit of liability in a property policy and be able to determine 1)The amount of coverage required to receive full replacement cost coverage 2)The lesser amount that would be paid under a co-insurance provision in the event of: i)total loss ii)partial loss ii.be able to differentiate between actual cash value and replacement cost loss settlements b.endorsements, be able to identify the major effects of the following: i.guaranteed and extended replacement cost ii.ordinance or law coverage c.the relationship between catastrophic loss events and their effect on the increased cost of construction 3.Earthquake coverage a.know that the risk of earthquake/earth movement is excluded from dwelling and homeowners policies b.be able to identify the advantages or disadvantages of: i.obtaining this coverage via the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) (and participating insurers) vs. coverage in the competitive market place, California Insurance Code sections 10089.6, 10089.26, and 10089.28 ii.single limit of coverage vs. multiple limits iii.reduced coverage policies iv.deductible options and their effect on Combined Single Limit (CSL) claims v.increased optional limits for personal property and living expenses vi.CEA premium discounts may apply for retrofits
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance C.Liability Coverage 1.Be able to identify and/or differentiate between: a.property damage liability and bodily injury liability coverages provided in the homeowners’ and dwelling policies b.common liability loss exposures, and know which are typically covered or excluded in residential policies c.who is and is not covered by medical payments to others d.the vehicles most commonly insured and excluded not under a homeowners’ policy form e.an “insured location” and a “residence premises” f.losses covered under the homeowners’ watercraft endorsement
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance C.Marine 2.Personal watercraft – personal insurance. Be able to identify: a.why a boat owner, insured under a homeowners’ policy, might still need boat owners type coverages b.the typical coverages provided: i.liability operations liability, passenger liability, and flotilla liability ii.medical payments iii.physical damage coverage c.the coverage normally afforded by the yacht policy (hull, boat trailers, Protection and Indemnity (P&I))
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance D.Government Risk Pools for Catastrophic Events 1.Earthquake coverage a.be able to identify: i.requirements for insurers to offer earthquake coverage, California Insurance Code sections 10081 and 10084 ii.the CEA as a publicly managed, non-profit organization, California Insurance Code sections 10089.6, 10089.26, and 10089.28 b.the advantages and or disadvantages of earthquake policy deductibles vs. standard dwelling policy and homeowners’ property deductibles 2.California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan. Be able to identify: a.the marketplace needs met by the FAIR Plan, California Insurance Code sections 10090 and 10091 b.the two different types of areas served by the FAIR plan c.who is eligible to submit applications to the FAIR Plan d.the meaning of “basic property insurance” as defined in California Insurance Code section 10091(c) e.the requirement that the FAIR Plan reduces existing policyholders and provides for more of the policies to be insured by admitted insurers, California Insurance Code section 10095(i) f.be able to explain the necessary coordination and the differences between a FAIR Plan and a DIC policy i.FAIR Plan provides limited coverage for specific perils: fire or lightning, explosion, smoke, windstorm or hail, vehicles and vandalism/malicious mischief ii.most DIC policies specifically exclude any peril offered by the FAIR Plan, regardless of whether the coverage was purchased by the insured or not 3.National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Be able to identify: a.the coverage that insures against losses caused by flood b.the types of properties eligible for coverage under the program c.the principal coverage provided by the contract and limitations for making claims d.the differences between the emergency program and the regular program and the mandatory coverage requirement for NFIP coverage on affected federally insured mortgages (voluntary or forced-placed coverage) e.how any licensed agent may obtain an NFIP policy for a client f.agents and brokers have no binding authority g.program dollar limits for coverages are specified h.the NFIP CE requirement for property
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance E.Fire Mitigation and How it Affects Insurance Costs 1.Define, recognize, and describe the fire problem in the wildland urban interface 2.Identify those items that affect the risk and hazard such as topography, fuels type and locations, weather, and construction 3.Identify the current state laws and regulations that address mitigation efforts, including defensible space requirements, building constructions, land use, and planning
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance F.Inland Marine Risks 1.General concepts a.be able to identify why certain lines are filed or non-filed and the advantages and/or disadvantages of each b.for inland marine policies, be able to identify: i.that most provide coverage on an open-peril basis ii.the principal exclusions iii.any special valuation provisions iv.why mobility is a common characteristic of many types of property insured v.why an annual transit policy is usually provided on a “named peril” basis 2.Personal Property Coverage I a.be able to compare and contrast a Personal Articles Floater (PAF) and the homeowner's "scheduled personal property endorsement" b.with regard to the scheduled personal property endorsement, know: i.why a HO-3 homeowners’ insured would add this endorsement ii.what effect insuring property under this endorsement has on coverage C of a homeowners’ policy
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance G.Personal Auto 1.General concepts. Be able to identify: a.the Financial Responsibility Law and minimum individual or insurance policy requirements, CVC sections 16020, 16021, 16025, 16056, and 16451, and notice requirements pursuant to California Insurance Code section 11580.1(b)(1) and CVC section 16054 b.how a particular personal auto policy being sold to the consumer may differ from the ISO PAP c.under an ISO PAP, be able to identify: i.the eligibility requirements for coverage ii.who is an insured including the provisions regarding how the policy responds when an insured is no longer a spouse living in the same household 1)Know that any person qualifies as an insured while using a covered auto iii.the policy territorial limits iv.the difference between "share-the-expense car pools" and "for-hire" situations v.the coverage that applies to newly acquired auto and “your covered auto” vi.the coverage that applies to a non-owned private passenger auto rented by an insured while on a short vacation d.situations in which the policy provides: i.primary coverage ii.excess coverage iii.special physical damage e.regarding good driver discounts: i.the eligibility requirements to receive a good driver discount, California Insurance Code section 1861.025 ii.the discount percentage of the good driver discount, California Insurance Code section 1861.02 iii.the three principal rating factors for personal auto policies, California Insurance Code section 1861.02(a) f.be able to understand the provisions of the California amendatory endorsements and be able identify: i.the permitted reasons for an insurer to cancel or non-renew an automobile policy, California Insurance Code sections 661 and 1861.03(c)(1) ii.the number of days of notice required, California Insurance Code sections 662 and 663 g.for newly acquired autos, know that: i.a newly acquired auto will have the broadest coverage provided for any vehicle shown in the declarations, except for collision coverage for damage to your auto ii.if the insured has collision coverage on at least one auto listed on the declarations page, all coverage on a newly acquired auto begins on the date the insured becomes the owner (for example, the ISO policy requires the insured to notify the insurer within 14 days) iii.if the insured does not have collision coverage on at least one auto listed on the declarations page, collision coverage on a newly acquired auto begins on the date the insured becomes the owner, but the insured must request collision coverage within 4 days h.regarding Transportation Network Companies (TNC) (e.g., Uber, Lyft), know that: i.personal auto insurance rarely covers the driver while working for a TNC ii.insurers have products that specifically cover the driver while working for a TNC; a list of available TNC coverage can be found on Department’s webpage at: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/82-TNC-Ridesharing/upload/1-12-17TNCProductApprovalChartPublic.pdf iii.Public Utilities Code section 5433 requires the TNC to provide specific coverages to the driver regarding personal vehicle sharing, know that: personal vehicle sharing means the use of private passenger vehicles by persons other than the vehicle’s owner in connection with a personal vehicle sharing program as defined by California Insurance Code section 11580.24. the personal vehicle sharing program must provide coverage for the vehicle “during all times that the vehicle is engaged in personal vehicle sharing” as long as the annual revenue received by the vehicle’s owner which was generated by the personal vehicle sharing of the vehicle does not exceed the annual expenses of owning the vehicle, California Insurance Code section 11580.24(a)(2), and as long as the vehicle is not being used for commercial purposes, including but not limited to, ridesharing (TNC), California Insurance Code section 11580.24(a)(3) the vehicle sharing program shall “provide insurance coverage for the vehicle and operator of the vehicle that are equal to or greater than the insurance coverages maintained by the vehicle owner and reported to the personal vehicle sharing program,” California Insurance Code section 115801.24(c)(1)
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance G.Personal Auto 2.Liability/medical payments/uninsured motorist. Be able to identify: a.how the policy limits are applied to liability, medical, uninsured motorist in a given loss situation b.for a described loss under Part A – Liability, be able to determine the effect of: i.supplementary payments ii."out of state coverage," including "financial responsibility" and “no-fault” compliance iii.split limits vs. single limits coverage 1) Know the difference between the application of the per-accident limit in a split limit policy and a single limit policy iv.“other insurance” v.limitations and exclusions applicable to covered bodily injury and/or property damage claims c.for a described loss under Part B – Medical Payments, be able to determine the amount of coverage available for each insured i.coverage/limitations/exclusions/applying to Part B – Medical Payments d.for a described loss under Part C – Uninsured Motorists, be able to differentiate between uninsured and underinsured motorist and know the amount of coverage for each insured: i.for bodily injury when the at-fault driver is an uninsured or underinsured motorist ii.for property damage under the uninsured motorist property damage limit of liability iii.for property damage under a collision deductible waiver e.under California law, be able to identify: i.the requirement for offering uninsured motorists coverage in policies providing bodily injury liability, and how an insured may reject the coverage, California Insurance Code section 11580.2(a)(1) ii.driving history report (MVR) issues – Fair Credit Reporting Act 1)Know that a consumer credit report cannot be used as the basis of a decline to insure or as a premium factor in California
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance G.Personal Auto 3.Physical damage/miscellaneous a.In a described loss, be able to identify: i.what constitutes physical damage ii.if the loss is covered and for how much after applying any deductibles iii.the standard basis of valuation for the automobile iv.an insurer’s options in making a loss settlement with the insured v.under what circumstances transportation expenses are reimbursed vi.the coverage for personal effects vii.the relationship between Other Than Collision (OTC) coverage and comprehensive coverage (ISO uses newer “OTC,” many insurers still use “comprehensive”) 1)know that OTC coverage is a type of property insurance coverage viii.insured's duties after a loss b.be able to identify common auto endorsements i.miscellaneous type vehicle endorsement ii.limited Mexico coverage endorsement iii.towing and labor coverage iv.trust endorsement v.joint ownership vi.auto loan/lease endorsement (GAP coverage) vii.impact of shared rides on personal auto insurance named non-owner coverage viii.extended non-owned liability coverage – vehicle furnished or available for regular use ix.optional limits – transportation expenses coverage x.customizing equipment coverage
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance G. Personal Auto 4. California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP). Be able to identify: a.the purpose of CAARP i.who is eligible to place business with CAARP ii.the eligibility requirements for applicants iii.how business is placed through CAARP iv.the coverages and limits available and/or required v.when coverage may be bound vi.when commercial risks are also eligible for "assigned risk" coverage b.California’s Low-Cost Automobile Insurance (CLCA); be able to identify: i.what is “low-cost automobile insurance” ii.the coverages and limits available iii.eligibility to purchase low-cost automobile insurance iv.the cancellation and renewal procedures for low-cost automobile insurance v.the costs for this insurance
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance G.Personal Auto 5.Recreational Vehicles (RVs) a.know that endorsements can be added to a Personal Auto Policy (PAP) to provide coverage for RVs b.be able to differentiate between a private passenger vehicle and a commercial vehicle and know that: i.RVs are generally both designed as and used as private passenger vehicles ii.under CVC sections 260 and 362, a three axle RV is not considered a commercial vehicle and meets the definition of “private passenger vehicle” in California Insurance Code section 660(a)(1) iii.once an RV is added to the PAP, the existing coverage of the PAP is extended to this added vehicle
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance G.Personal Auto 6.Motorcycles. Be able to explain: a.why motorcycles generally are not covered by a PAP and generally cannot be added as an endorsement b.how to insure vehicles with less than four wheels c.why specialty motorcycle policies may have limitations in the areas of medical payments and uninsured motorist
    • III.Personal Lines Insurance H.Umbrellas and Excess Liability Insurance. Be able to identify: 1.The difference between umbrella and excess liability insurance 2.The benefits of umbrella and excess liability insurance 3.How uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage is extended under an umbrella or excess liability policy 4.Underlying policy limits that are commonly required to be maintained by the umbrella insurer 5.What a self-insured retention is and how it is applied to a loss 6.Standardized umbrella policies and their availability
  • IV. Pet Insurance (2%)
    • IV.Pet Insurance A.Definitions 1.Know the following definitions, California Insurance Code section 12880: a. chronic condition b. congenital anomaly or disorder c. hereditary disorder d. pet insurance e. preexisting condition f. veterinarian g. veterinary expenses h. waiting or affiliation period
    • IV.Pet Insurance B.Pet Insurance Basics 1.Know that a policy of pet insurance covers veterinary expenses, which includes the costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment provided by a veterinarian, including, but not limited to, the cost of drugs prescribed by a veterinarian, California Insurance Code section 12880(g)
    • IV.Pet Insurance C.Disclosures 1.Know that an insurer transacting pet insurance in California shall disclose all of the following to consumers: a.exclusions, California Insurance Code sections 12880.2(1)(A) through (D) a pre-existing condition a hereditary disorder a congenital anomaly or disorder a chronic condition b.if the policy includes any other exclusion, the following statement must be included: “Other exclusions may apply. Please refer to the exclusions section of the policy for more information,” California Insurance Code section 12880.2(a)(2) c.any policy provision that limits coverage through a waiting or affiliation period, a deductible, co-insurance, or an annual or lifetime policy limit, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(a)(3) d.whether the insurer reduces coverage or increases premiums based on the insured’s claim history, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(a)(4) e.a summary description of the basis or formula on which the insurer determines claim payments under a pet insurance policy within the policy and through a link on the main page of the insurer’s internet web site, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(c) f.a pet insurer that uses a benefit schedule to determine claim payment under a pet insurance policy shall do both of the following: i.clearly disclose the applicable benefit schedule in the policy, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(d)(1) ii.disclose all benefit schedules used by the insurer under its pet insurance policies through a link on the main page of the insurer’s internet web site, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(d)(2) g.a pet insurer that determines claim payments under a pet insurance policy based on usual and customary fees, or any other reimbursement limitation based on prevailing veterinary service provider charges, shall do both of the following: i.include a usual and customary fee limitation provision in the policy that clearly describes the insurer’s basis for determining usual and customary fees and how that basis is applied in calculating claim payments, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(e)(1) ii.disclose the insurer’s basis for determining usual and customary fees through a link on the main page of the insurer’s internet web site, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(e)(2) h.the insurer shall create a summary of all policy provisions required in California Insurance Code section 12880.2 subdivisions (a) through (e), inclusive, into a separate document titled “Insurer Disclosure of Important Policy Provisions.”, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(f) i.the insurer shall post the “Insurer Disclosure of Important Policy Provisions” document required in the Code through a link on the main page of the insurer’s internet web site, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(f) ii.in connection with the issuance of a new pet insurance policy, the insurer shall provide the consumer with a copy of the “Insurer Disclosure of Important Policy Provisions” document required pursuant to California Insurance Code section 12880.2 subdivision (f) in at least 12-point type when it delivers the policy, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(h)(1) iii.in addition, the pet insurance policy shall have clearly printed thereon or attached thereto a notice stating that, after receipt of the policy by the owner, the policy may be returned by the insured for cancellation by delivering it or mailing it to the insurer or to the agent through whom it was purchased, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(h)(2) the period of time set forth by the insurer for return of the policy shall be clearly stated on the notice, and this free look period shall be not less than 30 days; the insured may return the policy to the insurer or the agent through whom the policy was purchased, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(h)(2)(A) the delivery or mailing of the policy by the insured pursuant to this paragraph shall void the policy from the beginning, and the parties shall be in the same position as if a policy or contract had not been issued, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(h)(2)(B) all premiums paid and any policy fee paid for the policy shall be refunded to the insured within 30 days from the date that the insurer is notified of the cancellation; however, if the insurer has paid any claim, or has advised the insured in writing that a claim will be paid, the 30-day free look right pursuant to this paragraph is inapplicable and instead the policy provisions relating to cancellation apply to any refund, California Insurance Code section 12880.2(h)(2)(C) i.at the time a pet insurance policy is issued or delivered to a policyholder, the insurer shall include a written disclosure with all of the following information, printed in 12-point boldface type i.the department’s mailing address, toll-free telephone number established pursuant to California Insurance Code section 12921.1, and internet website address, California Insurance Code section 12880.6(a) ii.the address and customer service telephone number of the insurer or the agent or broker of record, California Insurance Code section 12880.6(b) iii.a statement that the department should be contacted only after discussions with the insurer, or its agent or other representative, have failed to produce a satisfactory resolution of the problem, California Insurance Code section 12880.6(c) iv.if the policy was issued or delivered by an agent or broker, a statement advising the policyholder to contact the broker or agent for assistance, California Insurance Code section 12880.6(d)
    • IV.Pet Insurance D.Administrative Proceedings 1.Know that any person suspected of violating any of these sections is subject to an administrative hearing, California Insurance Code section 12880.4 a.if violations are proved, know what the fines are and how they may be imposed, California Insurance Code section 12880.3
Examination sources