(a) The costs of mediation shall be reasonable, and shall be borne by the insurer, except as provided in Section 10089.81. The commissioner may set a fee not to exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for each homeowners’ or earthquake coverage dispute mediated pursuant to this chapter, and seven hundred dollars ($700) for each automobile coverage dispute mediated pursuant to this chapter.
(b) The administrative expenses for the mediation program shall be paid from existing resources available to the department. If additional resources are required by the department, those resources shall be made available by an annual appropriation in the Budget Act.