go2printgreen
07-28-2008, 12:56 PM
I received this from a friend in the insurance business. If you haven't reviewed your home owners policy in a while, now may be a good time to do so.
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER POIZNER ANNOUNCES AVAILIBILITY OF FIRST GREEN HOMEOWNERS POLICY IN CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES ― Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today joined Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and the U.S. Green Building Council to announce his approval of the first green homeowners insurance policy in California. Commissioner Poizner applauded Fireman’s Fund for being the first company to offer a green homeowners policy in California, and encouraged other insurers to explore environmentally-friendly options for consumers.
“I am very pleased today to announce that Californians will soon have another option for homeowners insurance – and an opportunity to make environmentally-friendly choices at the same time,” said Commissioner Poizner. “I encourage all insurance companies to expand options for consumers. Innovative products like these are a win-win for consumers and the environment, lowering energy bills and cutting consumption."
This landmark coverage approved by Commissioner Poizner will be available August 1, and will enable California homeowners with conventional homes to rebuild to the latest environmental standards after a loss. The newly-approved policy will provide coverage for costs typically not covered in traditional homeowners policies, like green recertification fees and other additional expenses environmentally-conscious homeowners may incur when rebuilding.
Under the type of coverage approved by Commissioner Poizner, California homeowners can for the first time rebuild covered homes, under Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. The first-of-its-kind policy provides up to $25,000 for a LEED-certified architect to oversee the rebuilding of the home, and the LEED application process.
This newly-approved policy will allow a policyholder whose home has been partially damaged or completely destroyed to repair it with environmentally preferable materials such as:
• Energy Star-rated appliances, lighting, electronic equipment and roofing / insulation
• An Energy Star upgrade of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
• Forest Stewardship Council (www.fcsus.org (https://www.fcsus.org)) certified wood for millwork, ceilings, siding and framing, including bamboo flooring
• Non-toxic, low odor paints and carpeting
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures
• Elimination of ozone-depleting refrigerants and fire extinguishing agents, replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives
• Debris removed after damage to a home will be recycled and diverted from landfill
Commissioner Poizner has and will continue to pursue policies that benefit the environment. Currently, Commissioner Poizner is sponsoring SB 1279 (Sen. Maldonado), which will allow insurance companies to submit paperless filings to the Department of Insurance, significantly reducing the amount of trees cut down by the numerous paper filings the Department receives annually. Commissioner Poizner is also working to develop regulations that will create a green auto insurance option for California drivers. “Pay as you drive” auto insurance will be a voluntary way for consumers to pay rates that most accurately reflect their coverage, and encourage Californians to drive less, reducing the environmental strain of vehicle emissions.
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Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov (https://www.insurance.ca.gov). Non media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Callers from out of state, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER POIZNER ANNOUNCES AVAILIBILITY OF FIRST GREEN HOMEOWNERS POLICY IN CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES ― Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today joined Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and the U.S. Green Building Council to announce his approval of the first green homeowners insurance policy in California. Commissioner Poizner applauded Fireman’s Fund for being the first company to offer a green homeowners policy in California, and encouraged other insurers to explore environmentally-friendly options for consumers.
“I am very pleased today to announce that Californians will soon have another option for homeowners insurance – and an opportunity to make environmentally-friendly choices at the same time,” said Commissioner Poizner. “I encourage all insurance companies to expand options for consumers. Innovative products like these are a win-win for consumers and the environment, lowering energy bills and cutting consumption."
This landmark coverage approved by Commissioner Poizner will be available August 1, and will enable California homeowners with conventional homes to rebuild to the latest environmental standards after a loss. The newly-approved policy will provide coverage for costs typically not covered in traditional homeowners policies, like green recertification fees and other additional expenses environmentally-conscious homeowners may incur when rebuilding.
Under the type of coverage approved by Commissioner Poizner, California homeowners can for the first time rebuild covered homes, under Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. The first-of-its-kind policy provides up to $25,000 for a LEED-certified architect to oversee the rebuilding of the home, and the LEED application process.
This newly-approved policy will allow a policyholder whose home has been partially damaged or completely destroyed to repair it with environmentally preferable materials such as:
• Energy Star-rated appliances, lighting, electronic equipment and roofing / insulation
• An Energy Star upgrade of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
• Forest Stewardship Council (www.fcsus.org (https://www.fcsus.org)) certified wood for millwork, ceilings, siding and framing, including bamboo flooring
• Non-toxic, low odor paints and carpeting
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures
• Elimination of ozone-depleting refrigerants and fire extinguishing agents, replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives
• Debris removed after damage to a home will be recycled and diverted from landfill
Commissioner Poizner has and will continue to pursue policies that benefit the environment. Currently, Commissioner Poizner is sponsoring SB 1279 (Sen. Maldonado), which will allow insurance companies to submit paperless filings to the Department of Insurance, significantly reducing the amount of trees cut down by the numerous paper filings the Department receives annually. Commissioner Poizner is also working to develop regulations that will create a green auto insurance option for California drivers. “Pay as you drive” auto insurance will be a voluntary way for consumers to pay rates that most accurately reflect their coverage, and encourage Californians to drive less, reducing the environmental strain of vehicle emissions.
# # #
Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov (https://www.insurance.ca.gov). Non media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Callers from out of state, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.