(a) Except as provided in Sections 676.8 and 679.6, this chapter shall apply to policies of insurance, other than automobile insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, on risks located or resident in this state which are issued and take effect or which are renewed after the effective date of this chapter and insuring any of the following contingencies:
(1) Loss of or damage to real property which is used predominantly for residential purposes and which consists of not more than four dwelling units.
(2) Loss of or damage to personal property in which natural persons resident in specifically described real property of the kind described in paragraph (1) have an insurable interest, except personal property used in the conduct of a commercial or industrial enterprise.
(3) Legal liability of a natural person or persons for loss of, damage to, or injury to, persons or property, but not including policies primarily insuring risks arising from the conduct of a commercial or industrial enterprise.
(b) This chapter shall not be construed so as to modify or negate any of the provisions of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 330) of Part 1 of Division 1, nor to destroy any rights or remedies therein provided.
(c) On and after January 1, 2000, an insurer may not refuse to renew a policy of insurance specified in subdivision (a) solely on the grounds that a claim is pending under the policy. This subdivision is not applicable to claims made under coverage for loss or damage caused by the peril of earthquake as provided in Chapter 8.5 (commencing with Section 10081) or Chapter 8.6 (commencing with Section 10089.5), of Part 1 of Division 2.
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 313, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2000.)