Chapter 7: Insurance Regulation

Who is an insurance agent?

A person authorized to sell, solicit and negotiate insurance contracts

Who is considered a nonresident agent?

An agent who resides and is licensed in another state, but who is authorized to transact insurance in this state

What are producers required to do in order to renew their license?

Complete continuing education hours and pay a renewal fee

Who is responsible for the costs associated with the examination of insurers?

The insurer who is being examined

An agent offers a client free tickets to a sporting event in exchange for the purchase of an insurance policy. What is the agent guilty of?

Rebating

To whom may a certificate of authority be issued?

To an insurer authorized to transact business in this state

In general, who can be excluded from producer licensing and examination requirements?

Insurance company officers, directors, or any other employees who do not transact insurance and who do not receive commissions for their services (usually, their responsibilities include administrative, executive or clerical).

Who can usually be granted a temporary license?

Producer's spouse or designee in case the licensed producer dies or becomes disabled

What are the most common penalties for violations of insurance statutes?

A cease and desist order, a fine, and license suspension or revocation

What type of licensee represents the insured?

Broker

If the Commissioner/Superintendent finds a licensee engaging in an unfair method of competition or an unfair practice, what order will be issued?

Cease and desist order

If a producer makes maliciously critical statements about another insurer, what is this illegal practice called?

Defamation

Two individuals who are in the same risk and age class are charged different rates for their insurance policies due to an insignificant factor. What is this called?

Discrimination

For what reason can a temporary license be issued?

For continuation of business in case the licensed producer dies or becomes disabled

On its advertisement, a company claims that it has funds in its possession that are, in fact, not available for the payment of losses or claims. What is the company guilty of?

Misrepresentation

What illegal act does a producer commit when the producer represents a policy in a more favorable light than the policy really is?

Misrepresentation

Who may share in the commission from the sale of a life insurance policy?

Only producers properly licensed for the type of insurance transaction

Who must be notified of a producer's change of address?

The Department of Insurance (Commissioner/Director/Superintendent)

What type of licensee represents the insurance company?

The agent

What is the purpose of a cease and desist order?

To prevent a producer or insurer from further violating laws for transacting insurance

What type of misrepresentation persuades an insured, to his or her detriment, to cancel, lapse, or switch policies from one to another?

Twisting

When can the Commissioner or Director examine insurers?

Whenever deemed necessary, but at least once every few years (please check your state regulations for specific time requirement)

If an insurer holds a Certificate of Authority, it is known as what type of insurer?

Authorized or admitted

If an insurer meets the state's financial requirements and is approved to transact business in the state, it is considered what type of insurer?

Authorized or admitted