Before a pet owner buys, California wants the surprises on the table. Insurance Code §12880.2(a) lists what an insurer transacting pet insurance in California must disclose to consumers.

1. Whether the policy excludes coverage due to any of these four: - A preexisting condition - A hereditary disorder - A congenital anomaly or disorder - A chronic condition If the policy includes any other exclusion, it must also state: "Other exclusions may apply; please refer to the exclusions section of the policy for more information."

2. Any policy provision that limits coverage through a waiting or affiliation period, a deductible, coinsurance, or an annual or lifetime policy limit.

3. Whether the insurer reduces coverage or increases premiums based on the insured's claim history. Current law (§12880.2(a)(4)) also covers the pet's age and a change in the insured's geographic location, and it says "waiting period" where the outline says "waiting or affiliation period."

Memory hook: four exclusions, the "other exclusions" statement, the limits, and claim history. The commission paid to the producer who sold the policy is not on the list.