§2102. Purposes as related to Unauthorized Insurers

The purpose of section 12-A and sections 2102 to 2108 (Unauthorized Insurers Process Act) is to subject certain insurers to the jurisdiction of the superintendent and the courts of this State in suits and disciplinary proceedings as provided therein, by or on behalf of insureds or beneficiaries under insurance contracts or the superintendent. The Legislature declares its concern that many Maine residents hold insurance policies delivered in this State by unauthorized insurers, other than as to surplus lines coverages written pursuant to chapter 19, thus presenting to such residents the often insuperable obstacle of resort to distant courts for the assertion of legal rights under their policies; and that such insurers may induce residents to purchase insurance through false advertising sent into this State. In furtherance of such state interest, the Legislature herein provides a method of substituted service of process upon such insurers, declares that in so doing it exercises its power to protect Maine residents, to define, for the purposes of this chapter, what constitutes doing business in this State, and also exercises powers and privileges available to the State under Public Law 15, 79th Congress of the United States, chapter 20, 1st Session, S. 340, as amended, which declares that the business of insurance and every person engaged therein are subject to the laws of the several states.   [PL 1991, c. 298, §7 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1969, c. 132, §1 (NEW). PL 1973, c. 585, §12 (AMD). PL 1973, c. 625, §142 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 298, §7 (AMD).