Is My State a Matching State?

You don't need to live in a "matching state"
for an insurer to owe you to match damaged building materials.

People often ask if their state is a "matching state." Here's the truth: every jurisdiction requires insurers to honor the contract they sold you. Whether or not lawmakers passed a special "matching law" doesn't change that. When you hear that a state is a matching state, that usually just means insurers behaved badly there—so legislators or the Department of Insurance had to step in and write explicit rules to stop them. It doesn't mean insurers in other states get a free pass not to match materials; it simply means carriers in those states haven't pushed the limits far enough to force new legislation.

At the end of the day, what matters most is the policy contract. If your roof, siding, flooring, cabinets or paint need replacement and a proper repair requires matching, the insurer's duty flows from the policy's promises—terms like "replacement cost," "comparable material," or "like kind and quality"—not from the existence of a special statute. Don't be distracted by labels. Where your state has adopted a matching statute or regulation, that law overrides conflicting policy wording; where there is no statute, the contract and case law control.

Ambiguity matters. Policies that do not clearly exclude matching obligations can be interpreted as requiring a uniform appearance. In most jurisdictions, courts interpret ambiguities in insurance contracts against the insurer because the insurer wrote the policy. If a policy is silent or unclear about whether it must replace undamaged materials to achieve a match, courts may read that silence in favor of the homeowner. This is general information, not legal advice—consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific circumstances.

Policy promise first—if no statute Statute/reg overrides policy (where adopted) "Matching state" ≠ mandatory to recover

NAIC Model & Adoption

The NAIC's Unfair Property/Casualty Claims Settlement Practices Model Regulation (MDL‑902) contains a "reasonably uniform appearance" provision. This is a template; it has no force of law until a state incorporates it. States can adopt it verbatim, modify it, or ignore it.

Bulletins vs. Law

Bulletins and advisories are guidance from DOIs on how they interpret existing law or intend to enforce it. They do not themselves amend or create law. Binding authority arises only through statutes enacted by the legislature or regulations adopted under statutory authority.

Where a Rule Exists — Primary, Public Links

One authoritative link per state; summarised below. See the full text for details.

StateStatusPrimary linkKey trigger (short)
CaliforniaYes10 CCR §2695.9(a)(2)Replace all items in the damaged area for a reasonably uniform appearance.
ConnecticutYesCGS §38a‑316eMatch adjacent items to achieve uniform appearance.
FloridaYesFla. Stat. §626.9744"Adjoining areas" rule; considers cost, uniformity, useful life.
IowaVariantIowa Admin. Code r.191‑15.44Line‑of‑sight uniform appearance.
KentuckyYes806 KAR 12:095 §9(1)(b) · Advisory 2023‑08Replace items in the area for uniform appearance (advisory clarifies; rule controls).
NebraskaYes210 NAC ch. 60 §010.01(B)Replace items in the area for uniform appearance.
OhioVariantOAC 3901‑1‑54"Reasonably comparable appearance."
Rhode IslandYes230‑RICR‑20‑40‑2.9Replace items to achieve uniform appearance.
TennesseeYes0780‑01‑05‑.10Replace to a reasonably uniform appearance.
UtahYesR590‑190‑13Repair/replace to a reasonably uniform appearance.
VermontVariant21‑020‑008‑XUniform appearance within the same line‑of‑sight.

What to Remember

  1. Build your case: gather consistent‑lighting photos, line‑of‑sight diagrams, manufacturer discontinuation letters, contractor bids and material availability analysis.
  2. Remember: even without a specific matching law, insurers must honor their policy contract. Escalate through appraisal or a DOI complaint if needed.

FAQ

Do bulletins change the law? No—bulletins guide interpretation; law comes from statutes and duly‑adopted regulations.

Must states adopt NAIC models? No. Adoption is optional; states regulate insurance individually. However, if the state adopts the NAIC model then the insurers in that state likely have to comply with it.

What if my state has no rule? The policy—and how courts interpret it—controls. If matching is necessary to restore "like kind and quality," make that argument with proof.

This resource emphasises primary public links to statutes and regulations for states that have adopted matching rules. New laws can emerge, so always check the current code.

Last updated: September 10, 2025 (Pacific/Honolulu)