Line of Sight Rule - Property Insurance Claims

When filing an insurance claim for property damage, the insured may have a disagreement with the insurance company adjuster about what is covered and how much should be paid by the company. Insureds are cautioned not to accept repairs that fail to restore the property to its pre-loss condition or which leaves the property with a non-uniform appearance.

The Uniform and Clear Line of Sight Rule is addressed in California Insurance Code Section 2695.9 (a)(2). It reads as follows:

When a loss requires replacement of items and the replaced items do not match in quality, color, or size, the insurer shall replace all items in the damaged area so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance.

Uniform means that repairs should not be unreasonably noticeable after they are made. This would apply to the following:

  • Paint
  • Flooring (wood, tile, carpeting)
  • Kitchen and bath tile
  • Roofing that is visible
  • Windows and doors
  • Wood trim and moldings

Clear line of sight means the insurance company must pay to replace all materials that a person can clearly see in their line of sight. For example, if the insured has flooring and a part of it is damaged, the insurance company must replace all of the flooring, not just the damaged part, if that is required to create a uniform appearance.

OTC Insurance Services
a California Corporation

5737 Kanan Road, Suite 630
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Isaac Ortiz 818-429-8022 (Direct)
Office: 818-658-1500

CAInsuranceAgents.com

License # 3013582