The California Standard Form Fire Insurance Policy (Section 2071) is the baseline for fire coverage in personal and commercial property contracts. Think of it as the floor: other wording is allowed, but not weaker fire coverage.

What it insures: loss by fire, lightning and removal from premises endangered by the perils insured, on an actual cash value basis. It states that the company is not liable for loss by theft.

Why it matters: under Section 2070, a policy may use different wording only if its fire coverage, viewed as a whole, is substantially equivalent to or more favorable to the insured than the standard form. Word-for-word copying is not required.

Other standard form rules you will meet again: assignment requires written consent; the insured cancels at short rate and the insurer at pro rata; subrogation reaches only the amount paid; appraisal settles disagreements over actual cash value or amount of loss; the mortgagee gets 10 days' written notice of cancellation; and the insured has 60 days after a loss to file a sworn proof of loss.