A. Any authorized agency may by written request require an insurance company to release to the authorized agency any relevant information or evidence which the company may have in its possession, relating to a fire or theft loss under investigation by such agency. Relevant information includes, but is not limited to:

1. Information with regard to the policy covering a fire or theft loss under investigation and any application for such policy;

2. Records of policy premium payments;

3. The limits of coverage under the policy;

4. History of previous claims made by the insured; and

5. Any material or evidence relating to the investigation of the loss, including statements of any person or proof of loss.

B. When an insurance company has reason to believe that a fire loss in which it has an interest may be of other than accidental cause, the company shall in writing notify an authorized agency and provide it with all information, documents and evidence relating to the company's inquiry into the fire loss, for the purpose of having such fire loss investigated.

C. An authorized agency provided with information pursuant to subsections A or B of this section may release or provide such information to any other authorized agency.

D. Any insurance company providing information to an authorized agency pursuant to this act shall have the right to request from the authorized agency additional information relating to the fire or theft loss. The authorized agency may release the requested information, but the release of the information is not mandatory. Provided that the insured shall be notified of any information provided pursuant to this act. Such notice shall include the name and address of the entity to whom information is provided, as well as copies of all information so provided if such copies are requested by the insured.

Laws 1979, c. 147, § 3; Laws 1993, c. 223, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.