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HomeInsurance CodeDiv. 1Pt. 2Ch. 1Art. 3§ 717 Insurer Certification Requirements

§ 717 Insurer Certification Requirements

Insurance Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 717 Insurer Certification Requirements

This law requires the state insurance commissioner to check several qualifications before giving a company a license to sell insurance, and they can refuse the license if the company is seriously lacking in any of those areas.

Key Takeaways

  • •The commissioner reviews capital, investments, financial stability, reinsurance, management integrity, share ownership, claim handling, business honesty, promoter background, and risk to policyholders.
  • •If the company is found materially deficient in any of these areas, the license will be denied.
  • •All of these factors are meant to protect policyholders and creditors from unsafe or dishonest insurers.

Example

A new insurance company wants to start selling car insurance in the state.

The commissioner looks at whether the company has enough money, invests safely, can pay claims quickly and fairly, has honest managers, and won't put policyholders at risk. If the company fails any of these checks, the license is denied.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 717 Insurer Certification Requirements

Before granting a certificate of authority or amended certificate of authority to any applicant, the commissioner shall consider the qualifications of said applicant in respect to the following subjects: (a) capital and surplus; (b) lawfulness and quality of investments; (c) financial stability; (d) reinsurance arrangements; (e) competency, character, and integrity of management; (f) ownership and control of issued and outstanding shares in the case of a capital stock insurer; (g) whether claims under policies are promptly and fairly adjusted and are promptly and fully paid in accordance with law and the terms of policies; (h) fairness and honesty of methods of doing business; (i) method by which said applicant was promoted if any of its promoters remain as stockholders or in management; and (j) hazard to policyholders or creditors. Upon consideration of all relevant qualifications the commissioner shall issue a certificate of authority to such applicant, unless the commissioner shall have made a finding, or findings, that the applicant is materially deficient in respect to one or more of the items as outlined in (a) through (j), above. (Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1044.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

considerationownershipinsurancecommissionclaimhazardstockmanagement

Related Statutes

  • § 704 Insurer Certificate Suspension
  • § 706.5 Insurer Financial Solvency Requirements
  • § 707 Insurer Incorporation Filing Requirements
  • § 708 Foreign Insurer Admission Requirements
  • § 715 Insurer Organization Cost Limits

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Insurance Code. Section 717.
View Official Source