California Code, Insurance Code - INS § 10192.185

(a) The issuer shall not require an amount greater than one month's premium to be submitted with an application for the policy of insurance if interim coverage is not provided. If interim coverage is provided, the issuer shall not require an amount greater than two months' premium for that purpose. No further premiums may be collected until the policy is delivered to the applicant.

(b) The issuer shall notify the applicant within 60 days from the date the issuer or issuer's authorized representative or producer receives the application and the amount as to whether or not the applicant will be issued a policy of insurance. If the applicant is not so notified, the issuer or issuer's authorized representative or producer shall pay interest to the applicant on the funds that the applicant submitted with the application, at the legal rate of interest on judgments as provided in Section 685.010 of the Code of Civil Procedure, from the date the issuer or issuer's authorized representative or producer received those funds until they are refunded to the applicant or are applied toward the premium.