After a wildfire wipes out a home, few families can list every fork and sock they owned. California lets them collect a contents payment without an itemized list.

According to the CDI exam outline, for a total loss of a furnished residence related to a declared state of emergency, the insurer must provide a payment for contents of no less than 30% of the policy limit, as specified, without requiring an itemized claim (Section 10103.7(b)). The insured can still file an itemized claim for more, up to the contents limit.

Current law: Section 10103.7(b)(1), as amended effective January 1, 2026, sets that payment at no less than 60% of the personal property limit, up to $350,000. On the exam, answer with the outline's 30%.

Combining limits (Section 10103.7(a)): after a covered loss relating to a state of emergency, if the dwelling limit is insufficient, the insured may combine payments up to the dwelling and other structures limits to rebuild the dwelling. Replacement cost payments for other structures are for full replacement value without requiring actual replacement of those structures.