California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 1306

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no insurer shall enter into a settlement exceeding three thousand dollars ($3,000) to settle a claim or action referred to in Section 1305 without the written consent of the insured, except that this prohibition shall not void any settlement entered into without such written consent.

The requirement of written consent can only be waived by both the insured and the insurer.

The provisions of this section shall only apply to a settlement on a policy of insurance executed or renewed on or after January 1, 1971.