(a) Every insurer authorized to write and engaged in writing, on a direct basis, fire and extended coverage insurance in Alabama shall be and remain a member of the Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association, an unincorporated nonprofit joint underwriting association organized in 1970 and in continuous existence from 1970 through November 1, 2008. Every such insurer shall be and remain a member of the association so long as the association is in existence as a condition of such insurer's authority to continue to transact the business of insurance in Alabama. An insurer that ceases to be a member of the association due to withdrawal from the business of insurance in Alabama or its withdrawal from writing fire and extended coverage insurance in Alabama remains liable to the association as to contracts entered into during the insurer's membership in the association to the same extent and effect as if the insurer's membership in the association had not been terminated.

(b) An insurer that becomes authorized and is engaged in writing insurance that requires the insurer to be a member of the association after November 1, 2008, shall become a member of the association on the November 1 following the effective date of the insurer's authorization.

(c) The plan of operation, articles of agreement, and rules and procedures of the Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association effective January 1, 2008, shall be adopted pursuant to this section, and any revisions thereto shall be approved pursuant to the method set forth in the plan of operation, articles of agreement, or rules and procedures by the board of directors and submitted to and approved by the commissioner before the effective date thereof. A copy of the approved plan of operation and articles of agreement, together with a copy of any approved revisions thereto, will be maintained for public inspection in the Department of Insurance.

(d) The Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association shall have the general power and authority, in addition to the powers and authority already provided through its plan of operation, articles of agreement, and rules and procedures, to maintain and carry over any unexpended surplus which may exist to subsequent fiscal years. Monies shall not lapse or be transferred to the General Fund or other state funds and shall not be redistributed. Any interest earned or investment earnings shall be deposited to the credit of the association. Monies shall be used for the purpose of assisting the association in defraying expenses, paying claims, paying reinsurance costs, and performing all acts that relate to the function and purpose of the association.

(e) The Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association shall have the general power and authority to issue bonds, surplus notes or other debentures and solicit and accept goods, loans, and grants.

(f) The Beach Area consists of the gulf front, beach, and seacoast areas of Baldwin and Mobile Counties as designated by the Insurance Services Office, Inc.