§ 83-21-33. Citation

Sections 83-21-33 through 83-21-51 may be cited as “The Unauthorized Insurers Process Law.”

§ 83-21-35. Service of process upon unauthorized insurers

The purpose of Sections 83-21-33 through 83-21-51 is to subject certain insurers to the jurisdiction of courts of this state in suits by or on behalf of insureds or beneficiaries under insurance contracts. The legislature declares that it is a subject of concern that many residents of this state hold policies of insurance issued or […]

§ 83-21-37. Acts constituting commissioner as agent

Any of the following acts in this state, effected by mail or otherwise, by an unauthorized or alien insurer: (1) the issuance or delivery of contracts of insurance to residents of this state or to corporations authorized to do business therein, (2) the solicitation of applications for such contracts, (3) the collection of premiums, membership […]

§ 83-21-39. Method of service

Such service of process shall be made by delivering to and leaving with the commissioner of insurance, or some person in apparent charge of his office, two (2) copies thereof and the payment to him of such fees as may be prescribed by law. The commissioner of insurance shall forthwith mail by registered mail or […]

§ 83-21-41. Personal service on agent or representative

Service of process in any such action, suit or proceeding shall, in addition to the manner provided in Section 83-21-39, be valid if served upon any person within the state who, in this state on behalf of such insurer, is (1) soliciting insurance, or (2) making, issuing or delivering any contract or insurance, or (3) […]

§ 83-21-43. Time allowed before judgment

No plaintiff or complainant shall be entitled to a judgment by default, or a judgment with leave to prove damages, or a judgment pro confesso under Sections 83-21-33 through 83-21-51, until the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of the filing of the affidavit of compliance.

§ 83-21-45. Defense of action by unauthorized insurer

Before any unauthorized insurer shall file or cause to be filed any pleading in any action, suit, or proceeding instituted against it, such unauthorized insurer shall either (1) deposit cash or securities with the clerk of the court in which such action, suit, or proceeding is pending, or file with such clerk a bond with […]

§ 83-21-47. Discretionary continuances

The court, in any action, suit, or proceeding in which service is made in the manner provided in Sections 83-21-33 through 83-21-51, may, in its discretion, order such postponement as may be necessary to afford the defendant reasonable opportunity to comply with the provisions of Section 83-21-45 and to defend such action.

§ 83-21-49. Motions to quash or set aside service

Nothing in Sections 83-21-33 through 83-21-51 is to be construed to prevent an unauthorized foreign or alien insurer from filing a motion to quash a writ, or to set aside service thereof made in the manner provided herein, on the ground either (1) that such unauthorized insurer has not done any of the acts enumerated […]

§ 83-21-51. Attorney fees

In any action against an unauthorized foreign or alien insurer upon a contract of insurance issued or delivered in this state to a resident thereof or to a corporation authorized to do business therein, if the insurer has failed for thirty (30) days after demand prior to the commencement of the action to make payment […]