Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, a liquidation order and finding of insolvency will terminate an in-force policy at expiration date or 30-days after the liquidation order, whichever is sooner. It is incumbent on you to secure a replacement policy.

CIGA is here for your liability, auto and workers’ compensation claims.

Our sister organization, California Life & Health Insurance Guarantee Association is California’s guaranty fund for life & health insurance and annuities.

CIGA becomes responsible 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.

CIGA will endeavor to contact each person who has 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 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 or entity know who will be handling their claim. If you do not hear from CIGA within a month from the date the company was declared insolvent, 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 payments until CIGA has received your claim from the court-appointed receiver.

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. 

Since CIGA must first obtain the claim files from the Liquidator of the insolvent insurer, some delays may occur. Rest assured, we make every effort to quickly identify and expedite the handling of all claims.

Claims for statutory workers’ compensation benefits do not have a deadline for filing a claim with CIGA. However, the claim must be filed in a timely manner in accordance with the California Workers’ Compensation Act.

For emergency services, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

For non-emergency services, contact your CIGA Claims Adjuster. If you do not know your adjuster, you may call us at 818-844-4300 and one of our receptionists will be able to identify your adjuster. You may also send an email to assistance@ciga.org.

Legal expenses incurred prior to the insolvency date should be directed to the liquidator of your insolvent insurance provider. CIGA can only consider legal expenses if they incurred after the insolvency.

If you have insurance coverage for the new claim or lawsuit with the liquidated insurance provider, you should immediately contact CIGA. We’ll let you know if you need to send a copy of the claim and/or lawsuit to our office.