# Fire Insurance Claims Reference Guide

**Last Updated:** August 2026 (verified against ISO forms, the Standard Fire Policy and statutes)

## Coverage Fundamentals

### Fire Coverage Under ISO Homeowners Policies

| Policy Form | Fire Coverage Type | Personal Property | Notes |
|-------------|-------------------|-------------------|-------|
| HO-2 (Broad Form) | Named Peril | Named Peril | Fire is listed peril |
| HO-3 (Special Form) | Open Peril (Dwelling) | Named Peril | Fire covered unless specifically excluded |
| HO-5 (Comprehensive) | Open Peril | Open Peril | Broadest coverage |
| HO-6 (Condo) | Named Peril | Named Peril | Unit owner coverage |
| HO-8 (Modified) | Named Peril | Named Peril | Older/historic homes |

[NC DOI Consumer Guide to Homeowners Insurance (coverage chart for HO 00 02 through HO 00 08): https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers-guide-homeowners-insurance/open]

### Fire Coverage Components

| Coverage Section | What It Covers | Typical Limit |
|------------------|----------------|---------------|
| Coverage A - Dwelling | Structure, attached fixtures, built-in appliances | Full replacement cost |
| Coverage B - Other Structures | Detached garage, shed, fences | 10% of Coverage A (ISO HO-3 default) |
| Coverage C - Personal Property | Contents, furniture, clothing | 50% of Coverage A (ISO HO-3 default; 70% is common on HO-5) |
| Coverage D - Loss of Use | ALE while home is uninhabitable | 30% of Coverage A (ISO HO-3 default; 20% on HO-2/HO-8 and some carrier forms) |
| Additional Coverages | Debris removal, fire department service charge, trees/shrubs | See "Debris Removal Coverage" below |

### Types of Fire Losses

| Loss Type | Definition | Settlement Basis |
|-----------|------------|------------------|
| Total Loss | Structure destroyed or repair cost exceeds value | Valued Policy Law states: Full policy limit (see table below); elsewhere policy terms (ACV/RCV) |
| Constructive Total Loss | Repair cost exceeds specified percentage of value | State-specific threshold; not a defined term in the ISO HO-3 or the Standard Fire Policy |
| Partial Loss | Damage to portion of structure/contents | Actual repair/replacement cost |

---

## Proof of Loss Requirements

### Standard Requirements (ISO HO-3 and 1943 Standard Fire Policy)

| Requirement | Timeframe | Details |
|-------------|-----------|---------|
| Notice of loss | Prompt/Immediate | Notify insurer as soon as practicable (SFP line 90: "immediate written notice") |
| Protect property | Immediate | Duty to protect the property from further damage |
| Cooperate with investigation | Ongoing | Exhibit the damaged property, provide records, submit to examination under oath (SFP lines 107-122) |
| Sworn Proof of Loss | 60 days | ISO HO-3: within 60 days after the insurer's request. Standard Fire Policy (N.Y. Ins. Law § 3404(e)): "within sixty days after the loss, unless such time is extended in writing" [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3404] |
| Inventory of damaged property | With Proof of Loss | "Inventory of damaged personal property showing the quantity, description, actual cash value and amount of loss claimed" (SFP; ISO HO-3 Duties After Loss) |

Note: many states have replaced or softened the 60-days-after-loss clock (e.g., New York Ins. Law § 3407: no forfeiture unless the insurer demands proof in writing and supplies forms, and then 60 days run from that demand; Oregon: 90 days after receipt of forms). See the state table below.

### Proof of Loss Contents

| Required Element | Description |
|------------------|-------------|
| Date and cause of loss | Time and origin of the loss |
| Policy number | Identifying policy information |
| Insured's interest | Interest of the insured and of all others in the property |
| Other insurance | All other contracts of insurance covering the property |
| Changes in title/occupancy | Any changes in title, use, occupation, location, possession or exposures since the policy was issued |
| Specifications of damaged building | Specifications of the building and detailed repair estimates |
| Inventory of damaged personal property | Itemized list with quantities, description, actual cash value and amount of loss claimed |
| Receipts/records | Documentation supporting claimed values (ISO HO-3 duty to produce records) |
| Plans/specifications if requested | For building claims |

[Elements track lines 91-105 of the 1943 Standard Fire Policy, N.Y. Ins. Law § 3404(e): https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3404; Oregon codification of the same clause: https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.230]

### State-Specific Proof of Loss Timelines

| State | Timeline | Citation |
|-------|----------|----------|
| Oregon | 90 days after receipt of proof-of-loss forms from the insurer (not 60) | ORS 742.230 [https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.230] |
| California | 60 days after the loss under the statutory Standard Fire Policy (many HO forms: 60 days after request); after a declared state of emergency the insurer may not demand proof sooner than 100 days after the loss | Cal. Ins. Code § 2071 [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=2071]; § 2051.5 [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=2051.5]; 10 CCR § 2695.5(e) (insurer must supply forms) |
| New York | 60 days after the insurer's written demand accompanied by blank forms (§ 3407); the SFP form text says 60 days after loss (§ 3404(e)). Late proof bars recovery without a showing of prejudice (Igbara Realty Corp. v. N.Y. Prop. Ins. Underwriting Ass'n, 63 N.Y.2d 201 (1984)) | N.Y. Ins. Law §§ 3404(e), 3407 [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3407] |
| Texas | 91 days after request under TDI-promulgated homeowners forms (form-based, not statutory); Prompt Payment of Claims Act deadlines run from receipt of required items | Tex. Ins. Code ch. 542 [https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.542.htm]; TDI HO forms |
| Florida | No statutory proof-of-loss deadline; policy terms control. Any proof-of-loss form must carry the statutory fraud warning in at least 18-point bold type | Fla. Stat. § 626.8797 [http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0626/Sections/0626.8797.html] |
| Washington | 60 days after loss (1943 NY Standard Fire Policy adopted); insurer must furnish forms on request | WAC 284-20-010; RCW 48.18.460 [https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=48.18.460] |
| Georgia | 60 days after loss under the Commissioner-prescribed standard fire policy; policies commonly 60 days after request | O.C.G.A. § 33-32-1; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 120-2-19-.01 [https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/120-2-19] |
| Louisiana | No statutory deadline; policy terms control. Insurer must pay within 30 days after receipt of satisfactory proof of loss | La. R.S. 22:1892 [https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=509041] |
| Arkansas | Policy terms (60 days after request typical); insurer that fails to furnish forms within 20 days of reported loss waives proof of loss | Ark. Code § 23-79-126 [https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-23/subtitle-3/chapter-79/subchapter-1/section-23-79-126/] |
| Illinois | Policy terms (60 days after request typical); standard fire policy prescribed by the Director | 215 ILCS 5/397; 50 Ill. Adm. Code 2301 [https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/021500050K397.htm] |

---

## Vacancy and Unoccupancy Provisions

### Standard Fire Policy - 60-Day Vacancy Clause

| Term | Definition | Coverage Impact |
|------|------------|-----------------|
| Vacant | No people AND no contents (empty) | Standard Fire Policy (lines 28-37): insurer "shall not be liable for loss occurring ... while a described building, whether intended for occupancy by owner or tenant, is vacant or unoccupied beyond a period of sixty consecutive days" - coverage is suspended for ALL perils, not merely reduced [N.Y. Ins. Law § 3404(e): https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3404; ORS 742.216: https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.216] |
| Unoccupied | Furnished but no one living there | The Standard Fire Policy treats "vacant or unoccupied" alike (60-day suspension). ISO homeowners forms use only "vacant" and only for the vandalism peril; case law defines "unoccupied" as not in actual use as a habitation (Schmidt v. Underwriters at Lloyds of London, 191 Or. App. 340 (2004)) |

### Coverage Impact After 60 Days Vacancy (by form)

| Form | Effect After 60 Consecutive Days Vacant |
|------|------------------------------------------|
| 1943 Standard Fire Policy (and state codifications) | All coverage suspended while the building is vacant or unoccupied beyond 60 consecutive days [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3404] |
| ISO Homeowners HO 00 03 | Only the vandalism or malicious mischief peril is excluded if the dwelling has been vacant for more than 60 consecutive days immediately before the loss; fire coverage is NOT reduced or suspended by the ISO form (carrier-specific forms may differ). [ISO form language; official copy not retrieved in this pass - confirm against the policy] |
| ISO Commercial Property (CP 00 10 vacancy condition) | Vandalism, sprinkler leakage, building glass breakage, water damage, theft and attempted theft are excluded; payment for any other covered loss (including fire) is reduced by 15%. This 15% rule is a commercial-form provision and does not appear in the Standard Fire Policy or HO-3. [ISO CP 00 10; not retrieved in this pass] |
| FAIR Plan / dwelling-fire forms | Vary; some use 30 days for vandalism and 60 days for other causes of loss (e.g., Virginia Property Insurance Association commercial forms) |

### Vacancy Permit Endorsements

| Feature | Details |
|---------|---------|
| Purpose | Extends coverage during vacancy periods |
| Duration | Typically issued for a stated period (30-120 days is common); varies by carrier |
| Cost | Additional premium required |
| Coverage | Restores vandalism, water damage, etc. |

---

## Arson Investigation and EUO

### Examination Under Oath (EUO) Framework

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Legal basis | Policy condition (SFP lines 107-112: "submit to examinations under oath ... and subscribe the same"); also ISO HO-3 Duties After Loss |
| Format | Sworn testimony before court reporter |
| Attorney representation | Insured may have attorney present |
| Scope | Broader than deposition; no pending lawsuit required |
| Consequence of refusal | Claim denial for breach of cooperation duty (many states require willful refusal; some require insurer prejudice) |
| Fifth Amendment | Generally cannot be invoked without coverage consequences |

### Arson Defense - Elements Insurers Must Prove

| Element | Description | Evidence Types |
|---------|-------------|----------------|
| Incendiary Origin | Fire was intentionally set | Fire investigator report, accelerant testing |
| Motive | Financial or other reason to set fire | Financial records, insurance history |
| Opportunity | Insured could have set the fire | Timeline, access, alibi |

Note: the "arson triangle" is a litigation framework developed in case law (circumstantial-evidence standard, typically preponderance in civil cases), not a statutory test.

### Fire Investigation Standards

| Standard | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| NFPA 921 | Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations |
| NFPA 1033 | Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator |
| ATF Guidelines | Federal fire-research and investigation guidance (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) |

### Insurer Investigation Rights

| Right | Details |
|-------|---------|
| Hire private investigator | Independent cause and origin investigation |
| Request financial records | Bank statements, tax returns, debt records |
| Conduct EUO | Sworn examination of insured and household members |
| Inspect premises | Before and after repairs |
| Request documentation | Receipts, photos, prior insurance claims |

---

## Valued Policy Laws by State

### States with Valued Policy Laws (VPL)

| State | Perils Covered | Total Loss Requirement | Citation |
|-------|---------------|------------------------|----------|
| Arkansas | Fire or natural disaster (excludes flood and earthquake policies) | Total loss; personal property and detached structures excluded | Ark. Code § 23-88-101 [https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-23-public-utilities-and-regulated-industries/ar-code-sect-23-88-101/] |
| Florida | Any covered peril | Total loss of building/structure/mobile home; does not apply where a non-covered peril contributed unless covered perils alone would have caused the total loss | Fla. Stat. § 627.702 [http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.702.html] |
| Georgia | Fire only | Wholly destroyed; one- or two-family residential building owned by natural persons; less depreciation since policy date; 30-day waiting period | O.C.G.A. § 33-32-5 [https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-33-insurance/ga-code-sect-33-32-5/] |
| Kansas | Fire, tornado, windstorm, lightning | Wholly destroyed; improvements on real property; 60-day waiting period for new policies/25%+ increases (except lightning) | K.S.A. § 40-905 [https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch40/040_009_0005.html] |
| Louisiana | Fire (statute); case law construes the policy amount rule | Total loss | La. R.S. 22:1318 (formerly § 22:695; renumbered by Acts 2008, No. 415) [statute text not retrieved in this pass - Not verified] |
| Minnesota | Any covered peril | Total loss: "whole amount mentioned in the policy" absent increased risk or intentional fraud; FAIR Plan may contest by clear and convincing evidence | Minn. Stat. § 65A.08 subd. 2 [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65A.08] |
| Mississippi | Fire only | Buildings and structures totally destroyed by fire; builder's risk excluded | Miss. Code § 83-13-5 [https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-83-insurance/ms-code-sect-83-13-5/] |
| Missouri | Any covered peril | Total loss of real property; face amount less deductible; excludes partial loss, personal property, detached structures, replacement-cost policies, blanket policies, fraud | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 379.140 [https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=379.140] |
| Montana | Any covered "loss or damage" | Total loss of improvements on real property, without criminal fault | Mont. Code § 33-24-102 [https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0330/chapter_0240/part_0010/section_0020/0330-0240-0010-0020.html] |
| Nebraska | Fire, tornado, windstorm, lightning, explosion | Real property wholly destroyed without criminal fault | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 44-501.02 (§ 44-501.01 is the nuclear-exclusion authorization, not the VPL) [https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=44-501.02] |
| New Hampshire | Fire | Building totally destroyed; sum insured taken as value absent fraudulent overinsurance; blanket policies excluded | N.H. RSA 407:11 (not 407:16) [https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXXVII/407/407-11.htm] |
| North Dakota | Any covered cause of loss | Total loss of real property; policy amount conclusive absent fraud; 60-day rule for new policies | N.D. Cent. Code § 26.1-39-05 (not -04) [verified in project VPL data] |
| Ohio | Fire or lightning | Buildings/structures (cellar and foundation walls excluded); insurer must inspect and fix insurable value | Ohio Rev. Code § 3929.25 [verified in project VPL data] |
| South Carolina | Fire only | Real property; amount fixed at issuance; partial loss = actual loss up to limit | S.C. Code § 38-75-20 [verified in project VPL data] |
| South Dakota | Fire, tornado, lightning | Real property; policy amount conclusive absent criminal fault; 90-day rule | S.D. Codified Laws § 58-10-10 (not 58-10-8) [verified in project VPL data] |
| Tennessee | Fire only (modified VPL) | Insurer must inspect within 90 days and place an agreed value; otherwise policy value is conclusive on total loss | Tenn. Code §§ 56-7-801 to -803 [verified in project VPL data] |
| Texas | Fire only | Total loss by fire of real property is a liquidated demand for the full policy amount; personal property excluded; clause must appear verbatim in every fire policy on real property | Tex. Ins. Code § 862.053 [https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_862.053] |
| West Virginia | Fire "or otherwise, as stated in the policy" (any peril insured under the fire policy) | Total loss of real property = whole amount of insurance; partial loss = actual amount up to limit | W. Va. Code § 33-17-9 [verified in project VPL data] |
| Wisconsin | Any covered peril | Real property owned and occupied by the insured primarily as a dwelling, wholly destroyed without criminal fault | Wis. Stat. § 632.05(2) [verified in project VPL data] |

### States WITHOUT Valued Policy Laws

| State | Total Loss Settlement | Notes |
|-------|----------------------|-------|
| California | ACV or RCV per policy terms | Not a VPL state; policy terms control (Cal. Ins. Code § 2051 governs ACV measure) |
| New York | ACV or RCV per policy terms | Not a VPL state |
| Illinois | ACV or RCV per policy terms | Not a VPL state |
| Michigan | ACV or RCV per policy terms | Not a VPL state |
| Pennsylvania | ACV or RCV per policy terms | Not a VPL state |
| Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming | Policy terms control | No valued policy statute located [verified in project VPL data] |
| All others not listed above | Policy terms control | Check individual state statutes |

---

## Debris Removal Coverage

### Standard Coverage Structure (ISO HO-3, Section I Additional Coverages)

| Coverage Type | Typical Limit | Notes |
|---------------|---------------|-------|
| Included in Coverage A | Part of dwelling limit | Debris removal expense is included in the limit of liability that applies to the damaged property |
| Additional Coverage | Additional 5% of the applicable limit | Available only when the amount payable for the loss plus debris removal exceeds the limit of liability for the damaged property |
| Fallen-tree removal | $1,000 per loss / $500 per tree (ISO HO 00 03 05 11) | Tree must damage a covered structure, or block a driveway or a handicap access ramp; wind/hail/weight-of-ice-snow-sleet, or any Coverage C peril for neighbor's tree |

[Michigan DIFS, Your Guide to Homeowners Insurance ("an additional 5% of the coverage limit may be available for debris removal"): https://www.michigan.gov/difs/-/media/Project/Websites/difs/Publication/Home/Homeowners_Insurance_Guide.pdf; Virginia SCC Homeowners Insurance Guide ("the policy will pay an additional 5% for debris removal"): https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/consumer-home/insurance/property-amp-casualty/virginia-homeowners-insurance-guide/hoguide.pdf]

### Coverage Calculation Example

| Item | Amount |
|------|--------|
| Coverage A (Dwelling) | $300,000 |
| Debris Removal (additional 5%) | $15,000 |
| Total potential debris coverage | Up to $315,000 (the extra $15,000 applies only if loss plus debris removal exceeds $300,000) |

### What Debris Removal Covers

| Covered | Not Typically Covered |
|---------|----------------------|
| Removing fire-damaged structural materials | Pre-existing debris |
| Hauling charred/burned items | Tree removal where the tree did not damage a covered structure (see fallen-tree sublimit) |
| Demolishing unsafe structures | Land/soil contamination cleanup |
| Clearing access for contractors | Environmental remediation (pollutant extraction is excluded on most forms) |

### Trees, Shrubs and Other Plants (Separate Additional Coverage)

| Coverage | ISO HO-3 Limit |
|----------|---------------|
| Per tree, shrub or plant | $500 (ISO standard; some carriers offer $1,000) |
| Aggregate | 5% of Coverage A |
| Perils | Named perils only: fire or lightning, explosion, riot or civil commotion, aircraft, vehicles not owned by a resident, vandalism or malicious mischief, theft. Windstorm/hail damage to trees is NOT covered even on open-peril forms |

[Virginia SCC Homeowners Insurance Guide ("usually limited to 5% of the policy limit on your dwelling with a $500 maximum per item"): https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/consumer-home/insurance/property-amp-casualty/virginia-homeowners-insurance-guide/hoguide.pdf; Michigan DIFS guide ("standard limit is $500 per item"): https://www.michigan.gov/difs/-/media/Project/Websites/difs/Publication/Home/Homeowners_Insurance_Guide.pdf]

### Fire Department Service Charge (ISO HO-3)

| Coverage | Limit |
|----------|-------|
| Charges assumed by contract when the fire department is called to save or protect covered property | $500 (no deductible) [Michigan DIFS guide: "standard limit is $500"] |

---

## Smoke and Soot Damage

### Coverage Scope

| Damage Type | Coverage Section | Notes |
|-------------|------------------|-------|
| Smoke damage to structure | Coverage A | Walls, ceilings, HVAC systems |
| Smoke damage to contents | Coverage C | Furniture, clothing, electronics |
| Cleaning/remediation | Coverage A/C | Professional cleaning covered |
| Odor removal | Coverage A/C | Ozone treatment, sealing |

### Covered Smoke Damage Scenarios

| Scenario | Coverage |
|----------|----------|
| Fire in your home | Covered |
| Fire in neighboring property | Covered (smoke infiltration) - "smoke" is a named peril for Coverage C and covered under open-peril Coverage A |
| Wildfire smoke | Covered if it causes direct physical damage; ISO "smoke" peril requires sudden and accidental damage |
| Friendly fire smoke | Generally covered (subject to the sudden-and-accidental requirement) |
| Fireplace/heating equipment | Covered if sudden/accidental |

### Common Smoke Damage Exclusions

| Exclusion | Reason |
|-----------|--------|
| Cigarette/tobacco smoke | Gradual damage; not "sudden and accidental" |
| Long-term fireplace use | Maintenance issue |
| Industrial/agricultural smoke | ISO smoke peril excludes "smoke from agricultural smudging or industrial operations" |
| Smoke without physical damage | No "direct physical loss" |

### IICRC Standards for Fire/Smoke Remediation

| Standard | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| ANSI/IICRC S700 | Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration (the fire-specific standard) |
| ANSI/IICRC S500 | Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration (suppression water) |
| ANSI/IICRC S520 | Standard for Professional Mold Remediation (post-suppression mold) |
| IICRC FSRT | Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician certification |

[IICRC standards list: https://iicrc.org/iicrcstandards/]

---

## Mortgagee and Loss Payee Requirements

### Types of Loss Payee Clauses

| Clause Type | Protections | Key Difference |
|-------------|-------------|----------------|
| Simple Loss Payee | Paid only if insured can collect | Subject to insured's acts |
| Standard Mortgage Clause | Independent contract; paid regardless of the insured's acts or neglect | Separate coverage for mortgagee (SFP lines 68-85 "Mortgagee interests and obligations"; ISO HO-3 Mortgage Clause) |
| Lender's Loss Payable (ISO 438 BFU) | Enhanced protections | Notice of cancellation required |

### Claim Check Procedures

| Claim Amount | Typical Procedure |
|--------------|-------------------|
| Small claims | May be paid directly to insured (thresholds are set by servicer policy, not statute) |
| Over servicer threshold | Joint check to insured and mortgagee |
| Total loss | Mortgagee involvement required |

### Mortgagee Rights Under Standard Mortgage Clause

| Right | Description |
|-------|-------------|
| Receive payment | Up to unpaid loan balance |
| Advance notice | ISO HO-3: at least 10 days' notice of cancellation or nonrenewal to the mortgagee (state statutes may require more) |
| Pay premium | Can pay to keep policy in force |
| Separate claim | Can file even if insured's claim denied |

### Fund Disbursement Process

| Step | Action |
|------|--------|
| 1 | Insurance issues joint check |
| 2 | Insured endorses check |
| 3 | Mortgagee deposits to escrow account |
| 4 | Funds released as repairs progress |
| 5 | Final inspection before last disbursement |

---

## Anti-Concurrent Causation

### Doctrine Overview

| Doctrine | Description | Effect |
|----------|-------------|--------|
| Concurrent Causation | Loss from multiple perils (covered + excluded) may be covered | Favors policyholder |
| Anti-Concurrent Causation (ACC) | Excludes loss if ANY cause is excluded peril | Favors insurer |
| Efficient Proximate Cause | Coverage if covered peril is dominant cause | Middle ground |

### State Approaches

| State | Approach | Citation |
|-------|----------|----------|
| California | Efficient Proximate Cause (statutory) - "An insurer is liable for a loss of which a peril insured against was the proximate cause, although a peril not contemplated by the contract may have been a remote cause" | Cal. Ins. Code § 530 [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=530]; § 532 |
| North Dakota | Efficient Proximate Cause by statute, BUT the statute expressly allows insurers to contract out ("An insurer may contract out of the efficient proximate cause doctrine") - so ACC clauses are enforceable | N.D. Cent. Code § 26.1-32-03 [https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t26-1c32.pdf] |
| Washington | Efficient Proximate Cause; ACC clauses unenforceable to defeat it | Case law: Safeco Ins. Co. v. Hirschmann, 112 Wn.2d 621 (1989); Vision One, LLC v. Philadelphia Indem. Ins. Co., 174 Wn.2d 501 (2012) [official opinion text not retrieved in this pass] |
| West Virginia | Efficient Proximate Cause | Case law: Murray v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 203 W. Va. 477 (1998) [official opinion text not retrieved in this pass] |
| Texas | Enforces ACC clauses | Case law: JAW The Pointe, L.L.C. v. Lexington Ins. Co., 460 S.W.3d 597 (Tex. 2015) [official opinion text not retrieved in this pass] |
| Colorado | Generally enforces ACC clauses | Case law: Colo. Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency v. Northfield Ins. Co., 207 P.3d 839 (Colo. App. 2008) [official opinion text not retrieved in this pass] |
| Most other states | ACC clauses generally enforceable | Varies |

### Common ACC Clause Language

> "We do not insure for loss caused directly or indirectly by any of the following. Such loss is excluded regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any sequence to the loss."

---

## State-by-State Fire Claims Regulations

### Claims Handling Timelines

Abbreviations: CD = calendar days, WD = working days, BD = business days, POL = proof of loss. Where a state has only a "reasonably promptly" standard (NAIC Model Act language with no day counts), that is shown rather than a number. Rows were reconciled against the project's verified claims-timeline data; the prior version's "30/30/30 - NAIC Model" entries were not supported and have been replaced.

| State | Acknowledgment | Investigation | Payment | Citation |
|-------|---------------|---------------|---------|----------|
| Alabama | 15 CD | Prompt (forms within 15 CD) | 30 days after agreement | 482-1-125 [https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/chapter/482-1-125] |
| Alaska | 10 WD | Prompt (forms on receipt) | 30 WD after POL (undisputed) | 3 AAC 26.040/.070 [https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/alaska/3-AAC-26.070] |
| Arizona | 10 WD | Complete within 30 days of notice | 30 days | R20-6-801 [https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arizona/Ariz-Admin-Code-SS-R20-6-801] |
| Arkansas | 15 WD | Complete within 45 CD | 10 WD after processed | Rule 43 [https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arkansas/054-00-15-Ark-Code-R-SS-005] |
| California | 15 CD | Immediately, max 15 CD | 30 CD after acceptance | 10 CCR 2695.5/.7 [https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/10-CCR-2695.7] |
| Colorado | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | 60 days after valid & complete claim | Reg 5-1-14 (3 CCR 702-5); § 10-3-1104(1)(h) [https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/] |
| Connecticut | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | Prompt | § 38a-816(6) [https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_704.htm#sec_38a-816] |
| Delaware | 15 WD | 10 WD | Prompt (no number) | 18 DE Admin Code 902 [https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/delaware/18-Del-Admin-Code-SS-902-3.0] |
| Florida | 7 CD | Begin within 7 days after POL | 60 days after notice (interest after) | § 627.70131 [https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.70131.html] |
| Georgia | 15 days | POL forms within 15 days | 10 days after amount agreed | Rule 120-2-52 [https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/120-2-52] |
| Hawaii | 15 WD | Reasonable | 30 CD after affirmation | HRS § 431:13-103(a)(11) [https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol09_Ch0431-0435H/HRS0431/HRS_0431-0013-0103.htm] |
| Idaho | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | Prompt | § 41-1329 [https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title41/T41CH13/SECT41-1329/] |
| Illinois | 15 WD | Reasonable | 30 days after affirmation | 50 IAC 919.40/.50/.80 [https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/050/050009190000800R.html] |
| Indiana | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | Prompt | IC 27-4-1-4.5 [https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/27#27-4-1-4.5] |
| Iowa | 15 days | Reasonable | 30 days after affirmation | 191 IAC 15.41 [https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/191.15.41.pdf] |
| Kansas | 10 WD | Complete within 30 days | Prompt (no number) | K.A.R. 40-1-34 [https://insurance.ks.gov/documents/department/regulations-adopted/article-1/40-1-34-attachment1.pdf] |
| Kentucky | 15 days | Prompt (no fixed day count) | 30 days after affirmation of liability (offer due within 30 CD of POL) | 806 KAR 12:095 §§5-6 [https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/806/012/095/] |
| Louisiana | No acknowledgment deadline; initiate loss adjustment within 14 days of notice (30 days catastrophic loss) | Initiate loss adjustment within 14 days of notification (30 days for catastrophic loss; commissioner may add up to 30 days by rule, one further extension needs legislative committee approval) | 30 days after satisfactory POL (A(1)); 30 days after written settlement agreement (A(2)); bad-faith penalty 50% or $1,000 + fees (B(1)(a)); catastrophic first-party immovable-property claims penalized under §1892.2 instead | La. R.S. 22:1892 (as amended through Acts 2025, No. 500); §22:1973 repealed by Acts 2024, No. 3, eff. July 1, 2024 [https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=509041] |
| Maine | Reasonable time after written notice | Prompt (reasonable) | 30 days after POL (60 days fire policies per §3002); 1.5%/month interest if overdue | 24-A M.R.S. §2436 / §2436-A [https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2436.html] |
| Maryland | 15 WD | Written notice if not complete in 45 days | Not specified (prompt settlement, Ins. §27-303) | COMAR 31.15.07.03-.04 [https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/31.15.07.03] |
| Massachusetts | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | M.G.L. c.176D §3(9) [https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter176D/Section3] |
| Michigan | Prompt | Specify POL materials within 30 days of claim | 60 days after satisfactory POL (12% simple interest thereafter) | MCL 500.2006(3)-(4) [https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-500-2006] |
| Minnesota | 10 BD | Complete and inform within 30 BD of notice (else state reason and expected date) | 5 BD after agreement | Minn. Stat. §72A.201 subd. 4-5 [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/72A.201] |
| Mississippi | No statutory number (§ 83-5-45 unfair practices; no acknowledgment deadline) | No statutory number | No statutory number for property (§ 83-9-5 prompt-pay applies to health only) | None for property; Miss. Code § 83-5-45; Miss. Admin. Code Title 19 Parts 1 and 5 contain no claims-handling deadline rule [https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-83-insurance/ms-code-sect-83-5-45/] |
| Missouri | 10 WD | Complete within 30 days of notice | Not specified for property (prompt settlement) | 20 CSR 100-1.030/.040/.050 [https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/20csr/20c100-1.pdf] |
| Montana | Reasonable | Reasonable | 30 days after POL (10% interest if late) | Mont. Code Ann. §33-18-232 [https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0330/chapter_0180/part_0020/section_0320/0330-0180-0020-0320.html] |
| Nebraska | 15 WD | Begin within 15 WD | 15 WD after claimant acceptance | 210 NAC 60 §§006-008 [https://doi.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/Chapter%2060.pdf] |
| Nevada | 20 WD | Begin within 20 WD; complete within 30 days | 30 days after acceptance (interest per NRS 99.040 if late) | NAC 686A.665-.675 [https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nac/nac-686a.html] |
| New Hampshire | 10 WD | Commence within 5 WD | 5 WD after agreement | N.H. Admin. Code Ins 1002.05 [https://gc.nh.gov/rules/state_agencies/ins1000.html] |
| New Jersey | 10 WD (11:2-17.6(b)); 10 WD reply to other claimant communications; 15 WD to Department inquiries | Prompt; claim forms/assistance within 10 WD (11:2-17.6) | 10 WD after settlement agreement or receipt of final POL/completion of conditions (11:2-17.8 / 17.7(d)); payment statement issued contemporaneously (11:2-17.8(k)) | N.J.A.C. 11:2-17.6 to 17.8 [https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-11-2-17-7] |
| New Mexico | Reasonably promptly (§ 59A-16-20(B)); no working-day number | Reasonably promptly (§ 59A-16-20(C)) | Prompt (no number outside catastrophe) | NMSA § 59A-16-20; 13.7.4 NMAC (Catastrophic Claims, eff. 3/1/2023) [https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-mexico/13-7-4-11-NMAC] |
| New York | 15 BD (Reg 64) | Commence within 15 BD (Reg 64) | Not specified (prompt) | 11 NYCRR 216 (Reg 64); Ins. Law §2601 [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/2601] |
| North Carolina | Reasonably promptly | Prompt (reasonable standards) | Prompt (10 BD after settlement for motor vehicle only, 11 NCAC 04 .0421) | G.S. 58-63-15(11) [https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_58/GS_58-63-15.html] |
| North Dakota | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | Reasonable | N.D.C.C. § 26.1-04-03(9) [https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t26-1c04.pdf] |
| Ohio | 15 days | Prompt (15-day response to communications) | 10 days after acceptance | OAC 3901-1-54 [https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3901-1-54] |
| Oklahoma | 30 BD (OAC) / 30 days (36 O.S. § 1250.6) | 45 BD after POL (OAC 365:15-3-6) / 60 days (§ 1250.7) | No numeric deadline | OAC 365:15-3-5 to -7; 36 O.S. §§ 1250.6-1250.7 [https://www.oid.ok.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/18-11-07-C15S3.pdf] |
| Oregon | 30 days | 45 days after notice | No numeric deadline | OAR 836-080-0225 to -0235 [https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=836-080-0235] |
| Pennsylvania | 10 WD | 30 days after notice | No numeric deadline | 31 Pa. Code §§ 146.5-146.7 [https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/031/chapter146/chap146toc.html] |
| Rhode Island | 15 days | Prompt | 30 days after affirmation of liability | 230-RICR-20-40-2 [https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/230-20-40-2] |
| South Carolina | Reasonably promptly | Prompt (no number) | No unreasonable delay | S.C. Code § 38-59-20 [https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t38c059.php] |
| South Dakota | 30 days (acknowledge and act) | Prompt (no number) | Prompt | SDCL 58-33-67(3) [https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/58-33-67.html] |
| Tennessee | Reasonably promptly | Prompt (no number) | Prompt (bad-faith penalty after 60-day demand, § 56-7-105) | Tenn. Code § 56-8-105 (0780-01-05 is RESERVED) [https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/0780/0780-01/0780-01-05.pdf] |
| Texas | 15 days (30 BD surplus lines) | 15 days (commence + request items) | 5 BD after notice of acceptance | Tex. Ins. Code §§ 542.055-542.059 [https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.542.htm] |
| Utah | 15 days | 15 days (forms/assistance) | 30 days after POL (if liability clear) | R590-190-6, -9, -10 [https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/rule/R590-190/Current%20Rules] |
| Vermont | 10 BD | Prompt | 10 BD after settlement agreed | Reg. I-1979-02 (Rev.) §§ 5-6 [https://dfr.vermont.gov/sites/finreg/files/regbul/dfr-regulation-insurance-i-1979-02-revised-fair-claims.pdf] |
| Virginia | 15 CD | Prompt (45-CD delay notices) | No numeric deadline | 14VAC5-400-50, -60 [https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title14/agency5/chapter400/section60/] |
| Washington | 10 WD | 30 days after notice | 15 BD after signed release/settlement docs | WAC 284-30-330, -360, -370, -380 [https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=284-30&full=true] |
| West Virginia | 15 WD | 15 WD | 15 WD after agreement | W. Va. Code R. § 114-14-5, -6 [https://apps.sos.wv.gov/adlaw/csr/readfile.aspx?DocId=10621&Format=WORD] |
| Wisconsin | 10 consecutive days | Reasonable dispatch | 30 days (7.5% interest) | Wis. Admin. Code Ins 6.11; Wis. Stat. § 628.46 [https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/628/iii/46] |
| Wyoming | Prompt | Prompt | 45 days (same clock) | Wyo. Stat. § 26-15-124(b) [https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title26.pdf] |
| Washington, D.C. | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | Reasonably promptly | § 31-2231.17 [https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/31-2231.17] |

### Wildfire-Prone States: Special Provisions

| State | Special Provision | Citation |
|-------|-------------------|----------|
| California | ALE for at least 24 months from inception of the loss, plus up to 12 more months (36 total) for delays beyond the insured's control | Cal. Ins. Code § 2060 [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=2060] |
| California | Contents advance of no less than 60% of the personal-property limit (up to $350,000) without an itemized inventory after a total loss of a furnished primary dwelling in a state of emergency | Cal. Ins. Code § 10103.7 [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=10103.7] |
| California | After a total loss caused by a disaster, insurer must offer renewal for at least the next two annual renewal periods (no less than 24 months); one-year moratorium on cancellation/non-renewal in ZIP codes in or adjacent to a wildfire emergency perimeter | Cal. Ins. Code § 675.1 [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=675.1] |
| California | Replacement-cost collection period at least 12 months (36 months after a state of emergency); proof of loss may not be demanded sooner than 100 days after a state-of-emergency loss | Cal. Ins. Code § 2051.5 [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=2051.5] |
| California | FAIR Plan available as insurer of last resort | Cal. Ins. Code § 10090 et seq.; https://www.cfpnet.com/ |
| Colorado | ALE at least 12 months on replacement-cost homeowners policies, with a mandatory offer of up to 24 months; after a governor-declared wildfire disaster ALE at least 24 months plus two 6-month extensions; contents advance of at least 30% without inventory (65% after a declared wildfire disaster); 365 days to submit inventory | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 10-4-110.8(6), (11), (13), (14) [https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_10-4-110.8] |
| Colorado | FAIR Plan (Colorado FAIR Plan Association) available | https://www.coloradofairplan.com/ |
| Oregon | Oregon FAIR Plan Association available (basic fire/DP forms) | https://orfairplan.com/ |
| Oregon | "Cannot cancel for a single loss in 5 years" - NOT VERIFIED and removed as a rule of law: ORS 746.270 governs variable life insurance illustrations, not property cancellation [https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_746.270] | — |
| Washington | Washington FAIR Plan available (dwelling fire, ACV) | https://www.wafairplan.com/ |
| Arizona | No FAIR Plan exists in Arizona (prior citation to A.R.S. § 20-2801 was incorrect) | Arizona DIFI: https://difi.az.gov/ |

### Hurricane/Coastal States: Special Fire Provisions

| State | Special Provision | Citation |
|-------|-------------------|----------|
| Florida | Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as insurer of last resort (eligibility caps on dwelling replacement cost) | Fla. Stat. § 627.351(6) |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Citizens available; insurer must pay within 30 days after satisfactory proof of loss and initiate adjustment within 14 days of notice (30 days in a declared catastrophe) | La. R.S. 22:1892 [https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=509041] |
| Texas | TWIA for coastal wind (14 coastal counties plus part of Harris County); Texas FAIR Plan Association statewide; fire claims governed by the Prompt Payment of Claims Act | Tex. Ins. Code ch. 2210 (TWIA); ch. 2211 (TFPA); ch. 542 |
| Mississippi | MWUA for coastal wind (six coastal counties); MRPIUA for basic fire statewide | Miss. Code § 83-34-1 et seq. |
| Alabama | AIUA for wind in Baldwin and Mobile counties south of the 31st parallel (fire/EC only in limited cases) | https://www.aiua.org/about-aiua |

### States with Specific Fire Insurance Statutes

| State | Statute | Key Provision |
|-------|---------|---------------|
| New York | N.Y. Ins. Law § 3404 | 1943 Standard Fire Policy (165 lines) set out in § 3404(e) [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3404] |
| California | Cal. Ins. Code §§ 2070-2071 | California Standard Form Fire Insurance Policy [https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=2071] |
| Texas | Tex. Ins. Code ch. 2301 | Policy-form regulation (residential property forms are TDI-promulgated/approved); Texas does not codify the NY Standard Fire Policy [https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_2301.003] |
| Florida | Fla. Stat. § 627.701 | Coinsurance and deductible rules (heading: "Liability of insureds; coinsurance; deductibles"), not a general fire-policy statute; VPL is § 627.702 [https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.701.html] |
| Illinois | 215 ILCS 5/397; 50 Ill. Adm. Code 2301 | Standard fire policy prescribed by the Director (215 ILCS 5/143 is the general policy-form filing statute) [https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/021500050K397.htm] |
| Oregon | ORS 742.200-742.246 | Oregon codification of the Standard Fire Policy (90-day proof of loss, 60-day vacancy, 24-month suit clause) [https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.240] |
| Washington | WAC 284-20-010; RCW 48.18.460 | 1943 NY Standard Fire Policy adopted by rule [https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=48.18.460] |
| Arizona | A.R.S. § 20-1503 | Adopts the 1943 NY Standard Fire Policy [https://www.azleg.gov/ars/20/01503.htm] |

---

## Documentation Checklist for Fire Claims

### Immediately After Fire

| Document | Purpose |
|----------|---------|
| Fire department incident report | Official cause determination |
| Police report (if applicable) | Theft, arson investigation |
| Photos/video of damage | Document extent of loss |
| Emergency service receipts | Board-up, tarping |
| Temporary housing receipts | ALE documentation |

### For Structure Claim

| Document | Purpose |
|----------|---------|
| Property deed | Prove ownership/insurable interest |
| Mortgage statement | Identify loss payee |
| Prior appraisals | Establish pre-loss value |
| Contractor estimates | Repair cost documentation |
| Building permits | Original construction documentation |
| Architectural plans | If available |

### For Contents Claim

| Document | Purpose |
|----------|---------|
| Room-by-room inventory | Detail all damaged items |
| Original receipts | Prove purchase price/date |
| Photos of items | Pre-loss condition |
| Credit card statements | Prove purchases |
| Appraisals (jewelry, art) | High-value items |
| Serial numbers | Electronics, appliances |

### For ALE Claim

| Document | Purpose |
|----------|---------|
| Hotel/rental receipts | Housing expenses |
| Restaurant receipts | Increased food costs |
| Gas receipts/mileage logs | Transportation |
| Storage receipts | Personal property |
| Pet boarding receipts | Animal care |
| Utility bills (both locations) | Increased costs |

---

## Suit Limitation Under the Standard Fire Policy

| Form / State | Suit Deadline | Citation |
|--------------|---------------|----------|
| 1943 NY Standard Fire Policy (lines 157-161) | "unless commenced within twenty-four months next after inception of the loss" | N.Y. Ins. Law § 3404(e) [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3404] |
| Oregon | 24 months after inception of the loss | ORS 742.240 [https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.240] |
| Virginia | 2 years from inception of loss in the standard fire policy | Va. Code § 38.2-2105 [verified in project suit-limitation data] |
| California | 12 months after inception of the loss (statutory SFP), tolled during claim handling | Cal. Ins. Code § 2071 [verified in project suit-limitation data] |
| Florida | 5 years from date of loss for property-insurance breach actions | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(e) [verified in project suit-limitation data] |
| Texas | Contractual suit clauses enforceable but may not be shorter than 2 years | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.070 [verified in project suit-limitation data] |
| Mississippi, Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota | Contractual suit-limitation clauses shorter than the statutory period are void or restricted | Miss. Code § 15-1-5; Ark./Neb. rules; N.D.C.C. § 9-08-05; SDCL 53-9-6 [verified in project suit-limitation data] |

Always check the policy's own "Suit Against Us" clause and the state's minimum-period statute; many homeowners forms use 1 or 2 years from the date of loss.

---

## Key Legal Authorities

| Authority | Subject Matter | Reference |
|-----------|---------------|-----------|
| 1943 New York Standard Fire Policy | 165-line standard form | N.Y. Ins. Law § 3404(e) [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3404] |
| NFPA 921 | Fire investigation standards | National Fire Protection Association |
| ISO HO 00 03 | Homeowners policy form (Special Form) | Insurance Services Office (now Verisk) |
| NAIC Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act / Model Regulation | Unfair claims practices | National Association of Insurance Commissioners (Model 900 / 902) |
| State Insurance Codes | State-specific requirements | Individual state statutes |

---

## State Insurance Department Resources

| State | Department | Website |
|-------|------------|---------|
| California | Department of Insurance | insurance.ca.gov |
| Florida | Office of Insurance Regulation | floir.com |
| Texas | Department of Insurance | tdi.texas.gov |
| New York | Department of Financial Services | dfs.ny.gov |
| Colorado | Division of Insurance | doi.colorado.gov |
| Georgia | Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner | oci.georgia.gov |
| Louisiana | Department of Insurance | ldi.la.gov |
| Oregon | Division of Financial Regulation | dfr.oregon.gov |
| Washington | Office of the Insurance Commissioner | insurance.wa.gov |
| Arizona | Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions | difi.az.gov |

*For all states, consult the state Department of Insurance for current regulations and filing requirements.*

---

## Verification & Sources

Verified August 2026. Primary sources actually consulted for this revision:

- 1943 Standard Fire Policy text - N.Y. Ins. Law § 3404: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3404
- N.Y. Ins. Law § 3407 (proof of loss demand/forms): https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3407
- ORS 742.216 (vacancy), 742.230 (90-day proof of loss), 742.240 (24-month suit clause): https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.216 ; https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.230 ; https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.240
- ORS 746.270 (confirmed to concern variable life illustrations): https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_746.270
- Cal. Ins. Code §§ 530, 675.1, 2051.5, 2060, 2071, 10103.7: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=530 (and same pattern for each section)
- N.D. Cent. Code ch. 26.1-32 (§ 26.1-32-03): https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t26-1c32.pdf
- Tex. Ins. Code § 862.053: https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_862.053 ; ch. 2301: https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_2301.003 ; ch. 542: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.542.htm
- Fla. Stat. §§ 626.8797, 627.701, 627.702: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/ (section pages)
- O.C.G.A. § 33-32-5: https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-33-insurance/ga-code-sect-33-32-5/
- K.S.A. 40-905: https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch40/040_009_0005.html
- Minn. Stat. § 65A.08: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65A.08
- Miss. Code § 83-13-5: https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-83-insurance/ms-code-sect-83-13-5/
- RSMo 379.140: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=379.140
- Mont. Code § 33-24-102: https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0330/chapter_0240/part_0010/section_0020/0330-0240-0010-0020.html
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 44-501.01, 44-501.02: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=44-501.02
- N.H. RSA 407:11: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXXVII/407/407-11.htm
- Ark. Code § 23-88-101: https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-23-public-utilities-and-regulated-industries/ar-code-sect-23-88-101/
- Colo. Rev. Stat. § 10-4-110.8: https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_10-4-110.8
- 215 ILCS 5/143 and 5/397: https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/021500050K143.htm ; https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/021500050K397.htm
- ISO HO-3 additional-coverage limits as described in regulator guidance: Michigan DIFS, Your Guide to Homeowners Insurance (https://www.michigan.gov/difs/-/media/Project/Websites/difs/Publication/Home/Homeowners_Insurance_Guide.pdf); Virginia SCC Homeowners Insurance Guide (https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/consumer-home/insurance/property-amp-casualty/virginia-homeowners-insurance-guide/hoguide.pdf); NC DOI Consumer Guide (https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers-guide-homeowners-insurance/open)
- IICRC standards: https://iicrc.org/iicrcstandards/
- State proof-of-loss, suit-limitation, valued-policy, FAIR-plan and claims-timeline rows: reconciled with the project's verified state datasets (pol-*, sol-*, vpl-*, fair-*, claims-timelines-*), whose per-state source URLs appear inline in the tables above.

Items marked "Not verified" or "not retrieved in this pass": La. R.S. 22:1318 text; ISO HO 00 03 and CP 00 10 form text (regulator descriptions used instead); official opinion text for the Washington, West Virginia, Texas and Colorado causation cases.