The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (“MDOI”) recently amended its surplus lines laws to allow for the approval of alien unauthorized insurers in the state. Previously, Massachusetts required that alien surplus lines insurers maintain a trusteed surplus in the US of $20 million and file financial information on an annual basis following US accounting principles which effectively made obtaining surplus lines eligibility in the state prohibitive for alien insurers.
Read More Massachusetts Amends Laws to Permit Alien Surplus Lines Insurers
Excess and Surplus Lines
UPDATE: California Surplus Lines Reforms Signed Into Law
This updates our September 1, 2010 posting. On September 27, 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law AB 1708, which will have a significant impact on surplus lines insurers by amending Section 1765.1 of the California Insurance Code. …
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California Legislature Passes Significant Surplus Lines Reforms
On August 19, 2010, the California Legislature passed two bills, AB 1708 and AB 1837, which if signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will have a significant impact on surplus lines insurers. …
Read More California Legislature Passes Significant Surplus Lines Reforms
New Jersey Issues Reminder to Surplus Lines Brokers that the $50 Limitation for Fees Charged to Originating Brokers is Still in Effect
Earlier this month, New Jersey Department of Bank and Insurance Commissioner Thomas Considine issued Bulletin No. 10-19 reminding surplus lines brokers that the $50 limitation remains in effect for fees charged by surplus lines brokers to originating brokers. P.L. 2010, Chapter 42, which was enacted on July 6, 2010, amends N.J. Stat. Ann. § 17:22A-38b to allow for the Commissioner to set the fee limitation by regulation, however, it is not effective until October 1, 2010. …
Read More New Jersey Issues Reminder to Surplus Lines Brokers that the $50 Limitation for Fees Charged to Originating Brokers is Still in Effect
New York Insurance Department to Hold Hearing on August 20, 2010 on Whether to Expand the Export List Under Regulation 41
A public hearing on August 20, 2010 will explore the possibility of increasing insurance capacity in New York by easing access to unauthorized insurers. The New York State Insurance Department (“NYID”) is soliciting input from the public as it determines whether to revise eligible coverages on the Export List, as set forth in Insurance Department Regulation 41 (11 NYCRR 27). …
Read More New York Insurance Department to Hold Hearing on August 20, 2010 on Whether to Expand the Export List Under Regulation 41
Minnesota to Lower Surplus Lines Stamping Fee
The Minnesota Department of Commerce will lower the surplus lines stamping fee from 0.0025 to 0.0008, effective January 1, 2011. The new stamping fee will apply to all surplus lines policies written or renewed after the effective date, and includes all premium bearing transactions on such policies. …
Read More Minnesota to Lower Surplus Lines Stamping Fee
Surplus Lines Reform Approved by House/Senate Conferees
Representatives of the United States House of Representatives and Senate attending the reconciliation conference on H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, have come to an agreement on the streamlined regulation of multistate surplus lines insurance policies. …
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Rhode Island 2011 Budget – Tax Implications for Surplus Lines Insurers and Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriters Association
The 2011 Rhode Island state budget, which was enacted as HB 7397A and signed into law June 2, 2010, amends the taxation statutes applicable to surplus lines insurers and the Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriters Association. Article 9 of HB 7397A contains both amendments. …
Read More Rhode Island 2011 Budget – Tax Implications for Surplus Lines Insurers and Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriters Association
New Jersey Insurance Commissioner Praises Captive Insurance Bill and Unveils Reinsurance and Surplus Lines Initiative
UPDATE: Louisiana House Passes Surplus Lines Exemption Bill
As we previously reported here, the Louisiana House of Representatives scheduled a floor debate for April 21, 2010 on House Bill 285 (the “Bill”). …
Read More UPDATE: Louisiana House Passes Surplus Lines Exemption Bill