When does CIGA become responsible for handling the claim of an insolvent insurance company?
CIGA is triggered when a Member Insurer admitted to transact business in California is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be insolvent and ordered into liquidation.
Will someone from CIGA contact me about my claim?
CIGA will endeavor to contact each person who had an open claim on file with the insolvent insurer. Additionally, most liquidators attempt to contact all known claimants and policyholders notifying them of the process for filing a claim in the liquidation proceeding. As soon as possible after receiving the claim files from the company's receiver (referred to as a liquidator in some states), CIGA will mail out letters detailing a person's rights under the Guarantee Act and let that person know who will be handling his or her claim. If you do not hear from CIGA within a month from the date the company was impaired, please contact CIGA at your convenience. However, bear in mind that CIGA will be unable to provide specific information about your claim or to make any payments until CIGA has received your claim from the receiver.
Do I have to file my claim again with CIGA if it is already filed with my insurance company?
If your claim appears in the insurer's records, CIGA will have notice of your claim and there is no need to file it again.
If I receive notice of a new claim or I am served with a lawsuit, what should I do?
If you had insurance coverage for the claim or lawsuit with an insolvent insurer, you should immediately contact CIGA and send a copy of the claim and/or lawsuit to our office. In addition, most liquidators require that they also be notified of any new claim or lawsuit.