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HomeInsurance CodeDiv. 1Pt. 2Ch. 1Art. 3§ 718 Insurer Certificate Denial Rules

§ 718 Insurer Certificate Denial Rules

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

§ 718 Insurer Certificate Denial Rules

This law lets the insurance commissioner say no to a company’s license if they think the company won’t follow state rules, and lets them look at the parent insurer’s reputation when the company is a new subsidiary.

Key Takeaways

  • •The commissioner must investigate an applicant before giving a certificate of authority.
  • •A certificate can be denied if the applicant is likely to break state insurance laws.
  • •For new subsidiaries of licensed insurers, the commissioner can consider the parent’s reputation when deciding.

Example

A brand‑new insurance agency that is a wholly owned subsidiary of a well‑known, licensed insurer applies for a certificate of authority to do business in the state.

The commissioner checks the parent insurer’s track record. If the parent has a good reputation, the commissioner may rely on that to decide whether to grant the new agency its license. If the commissioner believes the new agency still might break state laws, they can refuse the license.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 718 Insurer Certificate Denial Rules

If upon due investigation the commissioner shall find that any applicant for a certificate of authority, or amended certificate of authority, will not conduct its business in conformity with all applicable provisions of the laws of this state, he shall not grant any certificate of authority, or amended certificate of authority, to such applicant. Where the applicant is a wholly owned subsidiary of or under the management and control of an admitted insurer, or is the successor in interest by merger, consolidation, sale and purchase, or otherwise, of such an admitted insurer, and the applicant is without substantial prior operating history, the commissioner may reasonably rely on the known characteristics and reputation of the admitted insurer to the extent relevant and appropriate under the circumstances. (Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1044.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

insuranceadmitted insurerauthoritylicensemergercommissionreputationapplication

Related Statutes

  • § 705.1 Insurance Application Filing Fee
  • § 717.1 Subsidiary Insurer Certification Timeline
  • § 701 Insurer Certificate Revocation Rules
  • § 704.7 Certificate Penalty Election Option
  • § 705 Insurer Certificate Amendment Fees

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Insurance Code. Section 718.
View Official Source