reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 4 - Title Insurance Rating › Section 11-409 - Penalties

(a)    (1)    If the Commissioner finds that a person has violated a provision of this subtitle, the Commissioner may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $250 for each violation.
(2)    If the Commissioner finds a violation of this subtitle to be willful, the Commissioner may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.
(3)    A penalty imposed under this subsection is in addition to any other penalty provided by law.
(b)    (1)    The Commissioner may suspend the certificate of authority of a title insurer that fails to comply with an order of the Commissioner within the time set by the order or any extension of that time granted by the Commissioner.
(2)    The Commissioner may not suspend the certificate of authority of a title insurer for failure to comply with an order:
(i)    until the time set for an appeal from the order has expired; or
(ii)    if an appeal has been taken, until the order has been affirmed.
(3)    The Commissioner may determine when the suspension of a certificate of authority becomes effective.
(4)    The suspension shall remain in effect for the period set by the Commissioner unless the Commissioner modifies or rescinds the suspension or until the order on which the suspension is based is modified, rescinded, or reversed.
(c)    (1)    Before the Commissioner imposes a penalty or suspends a certificate of authority under this section, the Commissioner shall issue a written order that states the findings of the Commissioner.
(2)    The Commissioner shall hold a hearing before issuing an order under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3)    The Commissioner shall give written notice of the hearing to the person at least 10 days before the hearing.
(4)    The notice shall specify the alleged violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 5 - Hearings and Appeals › Section 11-501 - Scope of Subtitle; Exception

(a)    (1)    This subtitle governs hearings, orders, and appeals in matters arising under this title.
(2)    Sections 2-210 through 2-215 of this article do not apply to rating and rating organizations.
(3)    Each order, decision, ruling, or finding of the Commissioner under this title is subject to judicial review under this subtitle.
(b)    Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, an order, decision, ruling, or finding of the Commissioner under § 11-344 of this title:
(1)    is not subject to judicial review under this subtitle; and
(2)    is subject to judicial review in accordance with § 2-215 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 5 - Hearings and Appeals › Section 11-502 - Hearing Before Commissioner

(a)    Within 30 days after notice of an order or decision of the Commissioner under this title made without a hearing, an insurer or rating organization aggrieved by the order or decision may make a written request to the Commissioner for a hearing on the order or decision.
(b)    (1)    Within 20 days after receipt of a request for a hearing under subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner shall hold a hearing on the challenged order or decision.
(2)    The Commissioner shall give written notice of the time and place of the hearing at least 10 days before the hearing.
(c)    (1)    The hearing shall be concluded within 15 days after commencement of the hearing.
(2)    Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, on application with notice to the interested parties and for good cause shown, the Commissioner may grant up to an additional 15 days for a hearing to be concluded.
(d)    (1)    Within 20 days after the conclusion of a hearing under this section, the Commissioner shall:
(i)    issue an order that affirms, reverses, or modifies the challenged order or decision; and
(ii)    give a copy of the order to all interested parties.
(2)    The order shall:
(i)    state the Commissioner’s reasons for affirming, reversing, or modifying the challenged order or decision; and
(ii)    contain specific findings of fact by the Commissioner in relation to the matter, that are supported by a preponderance of the evidence on consideration of the record as a whole.
(3)    (i)    Any interested party may file proposed findings of fact with the Commissioner.
(ii)    The Commissioner may accept or reject the proposed findings of fact.
(e)    After a request for a hearing under this section, the Commissioner may suspend or postpone the effective date of the challenged order or decision until the hearing is concluded and the Commissioner issues an order.
(f)    If the Commissioner fails to hold or conclude the hearing or issue an order within the time required under this section, the filing or application at issue is deemed to meet the requirements of this title and is deemed approved.
(g)    This subtitle does not require the observance of formal rules of pleading or evidence at any hearing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 5 - Hearings and Appeals › Section 11-503 - Judicial Review

(a)    An order or decision of the Commissioner under this title is subject to judicial review by appeal to the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
(b)    (1)    Within 30 days after the issuance of an order or decision of the Commissioner, an appeal may be commenced by filing a notice of appeal with the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and a copy of the notice of appeal with the Commissioner.
(2)    If an appeal is not commenced under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the right to appeal no longer exists.
(3)    The Commissioner shall be made a party to each appeal under this section.
(c)    (1)    After a copy of the notice of appeal is filed with the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall prepare or cause to be prepared an official record.
(2)    The official record:
(i)    shall be certified by the Commissioner;
(ii)    shall include a copy of:
1.    all proceedings;
2.    the findings and order of the Commissioner; and
3.    a transcript of any testimony and exhibits or records; and
(iii)    may be in typewritten form.
(3)    If a hearing was not held by the Commissioner on the matter that is the subject of the appeal, the Commissioner shall prepare and certify a transcript of the files in the office of the Commissioner relating to the matter.
(4)    Within 30 days after a copy of the notice of appeal is filed with the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall file the official record with the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
(d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the filing of the notice of appeal acts as a stay of a ruling, order, or decision of the Commissioner pending the final determination of the issue if the ruling, order, or decision relates to an increase or decrease of premiums or rate or to a change in a rating system.
(2)    Paragraph (1) does not apply if the ruling, order, or decision approves or allows a filing of an insurer or rating organization.
(e)    (1)    Within 60 days after the date of the filing of a notice of appeal, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City shall:
(i)    hear and decide the appeal; and
(ii)    affirm, reverse, or modify the order or decision of the Commissioner from which the appeal is taken.
(2)    The Circuit Court for Baltimore City shall reverse or modify the order or decision of the Commissioner wholly or partly if the court finds that the order or decision:
(i)    is not supported by the preponderance of the evidence on consideration of the record as a whole; or
(ii)    is not in accordance with law.
(f)    (1)    An appeal to the Court of Special Appeals may be taken from the decision of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City as in other civil cases.
(2)    The Commissioner shall be made a party to each appeal to the Court of Special Appeals under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 6 - Health Benefit Plan Premium Rate Review › Section 11-601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Carrier” means a person that:
(1)    offers a health benefit plan in the State; and
(2)    is:
(i)    an insurer;
(ii)    a nonprofit health service plan; or
(iii)    a health maintenance organization.
(c)    “Contract holder” means a person to which a carrier has issued a health benefit plan.
(d)    (1)    “Health benefit plan” means:
(i)    a health insurance contract, a nonprofit health service plan contract, or a health maintenance organization contract that includes benefits for medical care; or
(ii)    a certificate of health insurance issued or delivered to a Maryland resident under a contract issued to an association located in the State or any other state.
(2)    “Health benefit plan” does not include:
(i)    one or more, or any combination of the following:
1.    coverage only for accident or disability income insurance;
2.    coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance;
3.    liability insurance, including general liability insurance and automobile liability insurance;
4.    workers’ compensation or similar insurance;
5.    automobile medical payment insurance;
6.    credit–only insurance;
7.    coverage for on–site medical clinics; and
8.    other similar insurance coverage, as specified in federal regulations issued pursuant to P.L. 104–191, under which benefits for medical care are secondary or incidental to other insurance benefits;
(ii)    the following benefits if they are provided under a separate policy, certificate, or contract of insurance or are otherwise not an integral part of a health benefit plan:
1.    limited scope dental or vision benefits;
2.    benefits for long–term care, nursing home care, home health care, community–based care, or any combination of these benefits; and
3.    other similar limited benefits as specified in federal regulations issued pursuant to P.L. 104–191;
(iii)    the following benefits if offered as independent, noncoordinated benefits:
1.    coverage only for a specified disease or illness; and
2.    hospital indemnity or other fixed indemnity insurance; or
(iv)    the following benefits if offered as a separate policy, certificate, or contract of insurance:
1.    Medicare supplemental health insurance, as defined in § 1882(g)(1) of the Social Security Act;
2.    coverage supplemental to the coverage provided under Chapter 55 of Title 10, United States Code; and
3.    similar supplemental coverage provided to coverage under an employer sponsored plan.
(e)    “Medical care” means:
(1)    items or services for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of a disease, injury, or condition affecting any structure or function of the body; and
(2)    transportation primarily for and essential to medical care described in item (1) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 7 - Long-Term Care Insurance Premium Rate Review › Section 11-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Carrier” means an insurer, a nonprofit health service plan, or a preferred provider organization that offers, issues, or delivers a policy, contract, or certificate of long–term care insurance in the State.
(c)    “Certificate” has the meaning stated in § 18–101 of this article.
(d)    “Long–term care insurance” has the meaning stated in § 18–101 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 7 - Long-Term Care Insurance Premium Rate Review › Section 11-702 - Information to Be Posted on Web Site

The Commissioner shall provide information on the Administration’s Web site describing:
(1)    the factors that carriers use to determine premium rates for policies or contracts of long–term care insurance; and
(2)    the process and factors that the Administration uses in reviewing and approving premium rates for policies or contracts of long–term care insurance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 7 - Long-Term Care Insurance Premium Rate Review › Section 11-703 - Commissioner to Approve Rates

(a)    A carrier may not charge a premium to an insured under a policy or contract of long–term care insurance before the applicable premium rate is filed with and approved by the Commissioner.
(b)    A carrier may not change the premium charged to an insured under a policy or contract of long–term care insurance until the applicable premium rate change has been filed with and approved by the Commissioner.
(c)    (1)    Any applicable premium rate or premium rate change of a carrier shall be filed with the Commissioner in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commissioner.
(2)    (i)    The Commissioner shall disapprove or modify a proposed premium rate filing if the proposed premium rates appear, based on actuarial analysis and reasonable assumptions, to be inadequate, unfairly discriminatory, or excessive in relation to benefits.
(ii)    In determining whether to disapprove or modify a premium rate filing of a carrier, the Commissioner shall consider, to the extent appropriate:
1.    past and prospective loss experience in and outside the State;
2.    underwriting practice and judgment;
3.    a reasonable margin for reserve needs;
4.    past and prospective expenses, both countrywide and those specifically applicable to the State; and
5.    any other relevant factors in and outside the State.
(3)    (i)    Each premium rate filing and any supporting information filed under this subtitle shall be open to public inspection as soon as filed.
(ii)    A carrier may request a finding by the Commissioner that certain information filed with the Commissioner be considered confidential commercial information under § 4–335 of the General Provisions Article and not subject to public inspection.
(iii)    On request and payment of a reasonable fee, a person may obtain copies of a premium rate filing and any supporting information.
(d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, at least quarterly, the Commissioner shall hold a public hearing to review long–term care insurance rate filings received by the Commissioner during the preceding 3–month period.
(2)    A public hearing is not required if the Commissioner has not received a long–term care insurance rate filing during the preceding 3–month period.
(e)    The Commissioner shall provide all individuals present at a public hearing held under this subtitle who wish to testify an opportunity to do so, but may limit repetitious testimony.
(f)    Each decision or finding of the Commissioner about premium rates made under this subtitle is subject to judicial review in accordance with Subtitle 5 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 7 - Long-Term Care Insurance Premium Rate Review › Section 11-704 - One-Time Written Notice of Availability of Information on Rate Increases

(a)    A carrier shall provide a one–time written notice to its insureds that an insured may access information about proposed rate increases on the Administration’s Web site.
(b)    (1)    For a policy or contract issued or delivered on or after January 1, 2018, the one–time written notice shall be provided at the time the policy or contract is issued or delivered.
(2)    For a policy or contract issued or delivered before January 1, 2018, the one–time written notice shall be provided no later than the next policy or contract anniversary date after January 1, 2018.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law › Subtitle 8 - Travel Insurance Premium Rating Review › Section 11-801 - Travel Insurance

(a)    In this section, “travel insurance” has the meaning stated in § 10–101 of this article.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, travel insurance shall be classified and filed for purposes of rates and forms under an inland marine line of insurance.
(c)    Travel insurance may be in the form of an individual, a group, or a blanket policy.
(d)    Eligibility and underwriting standards for travel insurance may be developed and provided based on travel protection plans designed for individual or identified marketing or distribution channels if those standards also meet the State’s underwriting standards for inland marine lines of insurance and applicable provisions of § 27–501 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 12-102 - Standard Provisions

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b)(1) of this section, an insurance contract or annuity contract shall contain the standard provisions required under this article.
(b)    (1)    The Commissioner may waive the required use of a provision in an insurance policy or contract form if the Commissioner:
(i)    finds that the provision is unnecessary to protect the insured or is inconsistent with the purposes of the policy; and
(ii)    approves the policy.
(2)    A required standard provision may not be waived by agreement between an insurer and another person.
(c)    (1)    (i)    In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.
(ii)    “Carrier” means:
1.    an insurer authorized to sell health insurance;
2.    a nonprofit health service plan;
3.    a health maintenance organization; or
4.    any other entity providing a plan of health insurance, health benefits, or health services authorized under this article or the Affordable Care Act.
(iii)    “Enrollee” means an individual entitled to benefits from a carrier’s health benefit plan.
(iv)    “Health benefit plan” has the meaning stated in § 15–1301 of this article.
(2)    Each health benefit plan issued by a carrier shall include provisions that:
(i)    permit enrollees a minimum of 1 year after the date of service to submit a claim for the service;
(ii)    provide that:
1.    an enrollee’s legal incapacity shall suspend the time to submit a claim; and
2.    the suspension period ends when legal capacity is regained; and
(iii)    provide that the failure to submit a claim within 1 year after the date of service does not invalidate or reduce the amount of the claim if:
1.    it was not reasonably possible to submit the claim within 1 year after the date of service; and
2.    the claim is submitted within 2 years after the date of service.
(d)    The Commissioner may approve a substitute provision in an insurance policy or annuity contract if the provision is not less favorable than the required provision to the insured, annuitant, or beneficiary.
(e)    Instead of a provision required by this article, a foreign insurer or alien insurer may use a substantially similar provision required by the law of the foreign insurer’s or alien insurer’s domicile if the substantially similar provision does not conflict with the law of this State.
(f)    A policy or contract may not contain a provision that is inconsistent with a standard provision used or required to be used.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 12-103 - Validity and Construction of Noncomplying Conditions or Provisions

An otherwise valid insurance policy, rider, or endorsement issued after December 31, 1963, with a condition or provision that does not comply with the requirements of this article is not invalid but is to be construed and applied in accordance with the condition or provision that would be applicable if the policy, rider, or endorsement were in full compliance with this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 12-104 - Validity and Effect of Limitations Periods

(a)    A provision in an insurance contract or surety contract that sets a shorter time to bring an action under or on the insurance contract or surety contract than required by the law of the State when the insurance contract or surety contract is issued or delivered is against State public policy, illegal, and void.
(b)    If an insurance contract or surety contract contains a provision that is illegal under this section:
(1)    a State court may not give effect to the provision; and
(2)    a defense to liability under the insurance contract or surety contract may not be based upon the shorter limitation period.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 12-105 - Waiver of Policy Provisions or Defenses by Insurers

Without limitation of any right or defense of an insurer, the following acts by or on behalf of an insurer are not considered to be a waiver of a provision of a policy or of a defense of the insurer under the policy:
(1)    acknowledging the receipt of notice of loss or claim under the policy;
(2)    furnishing a form for:
(i)    reporting a loss or claim;
(ii)    giving information relating to a loss or claim; or
(iii)    making proof of a loss;
(3)    receiving or acknowledging receipt of a form or proof listed in item (2) of this section, completed or uncompleted;
(4)    investigating a loss or claim under a policy; or
(5)    engaging in negotiations toward settlement of a loss or claim.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 12-107 - Simplified Policies of Insurance

(a)    Notwithstanding any provision of this article or other law that specifies the content of policies, the Commissioner may approve and insurers may issue simplified policies of insurance that provide broad coverage of all or various combinations of risks.
(b)    The Commissioner shall adopt regulations that:
(1)    specify the standards that must be met by insurers for issuing simplified policies; and
(2)    ensure protections to policyholders and claimants that are not less favorable than protections to which they would be entitled under a substantially similar policy that is not subject to this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-202 - Application or Consent Required for Life or Health Insurance Contracts

(a)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to a contract of group life insurance or group or blanket health insurance.
(2)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a life insurance or health insurance contract may not be made or put into effect unless at the time of making the contract the individual to be insured:
(i)    is of competent legal capacity to contract; and
(ii)    applies for or consents in writing to the contract.
(b)    (1)    A spouse may put into effect life insurance or health insurance on the other spouse.
(2)    A person with an insurable interest in the life of a minor, or a person on whom the minor is dependent for support and maintenance, may put into effect life insurance on or insurance relating to the minor.
(3)    A family policy that insures two or more family members may be issued on an application signed by a parent, stepparent, husband, or wife.
(4)    A person with an insurable interest in the life of a person who lacks the legal capacity to consent to life insurance may, on written application, put into effect life insurance on that person.
(c)    (1)    If an agreement in an application for a life insurance or health insurance contract authorizes the insurer to issue a policy other than that applied for or to amend the application, the agreement must contain substantially the following language: “Except that no change in amount, classification, plan of insurance, or benefits may take effect unless agreed to in writing by the applicant”.
(2)    Ratification of an amendment under paragraph (1) of this subsection is made by the applicant’s acceptance of the amended contract.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-204 - Hearings on Minimum Benefits or Coverage

(a)    The Commissioner may hold hearings to determine if accident, disability, and health insurance policies meet the requirements of § 12-205 of this subtitle, so that fraud and the issuance of insurance policies economically unsound to insureds may be prevented and to ensure that a minimum amount of benefits or coverage is made available to the policy or certificate holders.
(b)    After evaluating the results of a hearing, the Commissioner shall, in compliance with § 12-205 of this subtitle, adopt reasonable regulations establishing minimum benefits or coverages necessary to meet the needs of insureds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-205 - Disapproval of Forms

(a)    (1)    The Commissioner shall disapprove a form or withdraw the previous approval of a form filed under § 12–203 of this subtitle if the form does not meet the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.
(2)    The order of disapproval or withdrawal of approval shall inform the insurer of:
(i)    a statutory or regulatory basis for the disapproval or withdrawal of approval; and
(ii)    an explanation of the application of the statutory or regulatory basis for the disapproval or withdrawal of approval.
(b)    A form may not:
(1)    in any respect violate or fail to comply with this article;
(2)    contain or incorporate by reference, if the incorporation is otherwise permissible, any inconsistent, ambiguous, or misleading clauses, or exceptions and conditions that deceptively affect the risk purported to be assumed in the general coverage of the contract;
(3)    have a title, heading, or other indication of its provisions that is likely to mislead the policyholder or certificate holder;
(4)    contain an inequitable provision of insurance without substantial benefit to the policyholder;
(5)    be printed or otherwise reproduced so as to make a provision of the form substantially illegible;
(6)    provide benefits in a health insurance policy that are unreasonable in relation to the premium charged;
(7)    contain, irrespective of the premium charged, a benefit that is not sufficient to be of real economic value to the insured;
(8)    fail to provide minimum benefits or coverages that the Commissioner considers necessary to meet the minimum needs of the insured; or
(9)    in a health insurance application form or a nonprofit health service plan application form, contain inquiries about:
(i)    a preexisting condition, illness, or disease for which the applicant has not received medical care or advice from a licensed health care provider:
1.    during the 7 years immediately before the date of application; or
2.    for an application for an individual health benefit plan that is subject to § 15–508.1 of this article, during the 5 years immediately before the date of application; or
(ii)    medical screening, testing, monitoring, or any other similar medical procedure that the Commissioner specifies and that the applicant received:
1.    more than 7 years before the date of application; or
2.    for an application for an individual health benefit plan that is subject to § 15–508.1 of this article, more than 5 years before the date of application.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-206 - Applications for Life or Health Insurance or Annuities

(a)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to industrial life insurance policies.
(2)    Unless a complete copy of the application for the issuance of a life insurance or health insurance policy or annuity contract is attached to or otherwise made a part of the policy or contract when issued, the application is not admissible in evidence in a proceeding relating to the policy or contract.
(b)    (1)    If an insured, beneficiary, or assignee of a reinstated or renewed life insurance or health insurance policy that is delivered in the State makes a written request to the insurer for a copy of any application for reinstatement or renewal, the insurer shall deliver or mail the copy within 30 days after the request is received at the insurer’s home office or branch office.
(2)    If a requested copy is not delivered or mailed, the insurer may not introduce the application in evidence in any proceeding based on or involving the policy, its reinstatement, or its renewal.
(3)    If the request is from a beneficiary, the time for the insurer to provide a copy does not begin to run until after the insurer receives evidence that satisfies the insurer of the beneficiary’s vested interest in the policy or contract.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an alteration of a written application for a life insurance or health insurance policy or annuity contract may not be made by a person other than the applicant without the applicant’s written consent.
(2)    An insurer may make an insertion for administrative purposes only in a way that indicates clearly that the insertion is not to be ascribed to the applicant.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-207 - Statements in Applications for Life or Health Insurance or Annuities

(a)    Each statement by or on behalf of the insured or annuitant in an application for the issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of a life insurance or health insurance policy or annuity contract is considered to be a representation and not a warranty.
(b)    A misrepresentation, omission, concealment of facts, or incorrect statement does not prevent a recovery under the policy or contract unless:
(1)    the misrepresentation, omission, concealment, or statement is fraudulent or material to the acceptance of the risk or to the hazard that the insurer assumes; or
(2)    if the correct facts had been made known to the insurer, as required by the application for the policy or contract or otherwise, the insurer in good faith would not have:
(i)    issued, reinstated, or renewed the policy or contract;
(ii)    issued the policy or contract in as large an amount or at the same premium or rate; or
(iii)    provided coverage with respect to the hazard resulting in the loss.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-208 - Discharge on Payment

(a)    Whenever the proceeds of or payments under a life insurance or health insurance policy or annuity contract become payable in accordance with the policy or contract or in accordance with the exercise of any right or privilege under the policy or contract, and the insurer makes payment in accordance with the policy or contract or in accordance with a written assignment of the policy or contract, the person then designated in the policy or contract or by the assignment as being entitled to the proceeds or payments is entitled to receive the proceeds or payments and to give a full release.
(b)    Payment shall discharge the insurer fully from all claims under the policy or contract unless, before payment is made, the insurer has received at its home office notice written by or on behalf of another person that the other person claims to be entitled to the payment or to some interest in the policy or contract.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-209 - Prohibited Provisions in Policy or Contract

A life insurance or health insurance policy or annuity contract may not be delivered or issued for delivery in the State if the policy or contract:
(1)    states that the policy or contract is to be construed according to the laws of another state or country;
(2)    states that the rights and obligations of the insured or of a person with a claim under the policy or contract are to be governed by laws other than the laws of this State;
(3)    provides a period shorter than 3 years within which an action may be brought on the policy or contract;
(4)    deprives the courts of the State of the jurisdiction of any action against the insurer;
(5)    provides that the insurance producer who solicits the insurance or annuity is the agent of the insured; or
(6)    makes the acts or representations of the insurance producer who solicits the insurance or annuity binding on the insured.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-210 - Extension of Grace Period on Life, Accident, or Health Insurance Policy

(a)    On advance written notice to an insurer, the Commissioner may extend by a maximum of 60 days the grace period for making premium payments on life insurance, accident, and health insurance policies if:
(1)    an emergency situation exists that would delay or prevent the prompt and orderly payment of the premiums due by all or a substantial number of the insureds of the insurer; and
(2)    the emergency is not the fault of the insureds.
(b)    For purposes of this section, an emergency situation includes a fire, earthquake, flood, postal strike, insurance producer strike, or other situation that is not under the control of insureds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 2 - Life and Health Insurance and Annuities › Section 12-211 - Prohibited Provision in Disability Policies

(a)    In this section, “carrier” means:
(1)    an insurer; or
(2)    a nonprofit health service plan.
(b)    A disability insurance policy may not be sold, delivered, or issued for delivery in the State by a carrier if the policy contains a clause that purports to reserve sole discretion to the carrier to interpret the terms of the policy or to provide standards of interpretation or review that are inconsistent with the laws of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Property and Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance › Section 12-301 - Insurable Interest in Property Required

(a)    In this section, “insurable interest” means an actual, lawful, and substantial economic interest in the safety or preservation of the subject of the insurance against loss, destruction, or pecuniary damage or impairment to the property.
(b)    A contract of property insurance or a contract of insurance of an interest in or arising from property is enforceable only for the benefit of a person with an insurable interest in the property at the time of the loss.
(c)    An insurable interest in property is measured by the extent of possible harm to the insured from loss, injury, or impairment of the property.
(d)    (1)    This subsection applies only to an automobile insurance policy that is procured by an independent insurance producer.
(2)    Upon renewal of an existing automobile insurance policy, if the insured or a person holding an insurable interest in the subject of the policy requests proof of insurance, an authorized insurer shall provide:
(i)    a copy of the automobile insurance policy declarations; or
(ii)    written proof of the automobile insurance that consists of:
1.    the name and address of the insured and insurer;
2.    a description of the vehicle, including the vehicle identification number, that is the subject of the insurance policy;
3.    a description and the amount, if applicable, of the insurance coverage including applicable deductibles;
4.    the inception and expiration dates of coverage;
5.    the name and address of the person with an insurable interest; and
6.    the premium for the applicable coverage.
(e)    An insurer may require written authorization from the insured before providing proof of insurance under this section to a person other than a financial institution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Property and Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance › Section 12-302 - Guardian Authorized to Insure Minor's Property

(a)    A guardian of a minor may insure for the minor property that the minor owns.
(b)    A property insurance contract issued to a guardian under subsection (a) of this section has the same effect as if the minor were an adult and had made the property insurance contract.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Property and Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance › Section 12-304 - Certificate on Property of Borrower

(a)    If an insurer issues and delivers a policy to a lender on property of a borrower that has been pledged, mortgaged, or is subject to a conditional contract of sale, the insurer must issue a certificate to the borrower or owner of the property in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    The certificate issued under this section shall set forth:
(1)    the coverages provided in the policy;
(2)    the amount of premium charged for the policy;
(3)    the date the policy takes effect; and
(4)    the date the policy expires.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Property and Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance › Section 12-305 - Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance -- Mandatory Settlement of Property Damage Claim

(a)    A claim for damage to property resulting from a motor vehicle accident may not be denied or payment of the claim delayed because the claimant, or another person, has a claim pending for bodily injury that may have arisen from the same or another accident.
(b)    The amount payable for a claim for damage to property is due and owing immediately and shall be paid promptly by an insurer or by a self-insurer that is approved under § 17-103(a) of the Transportation Article if:
(1)    the insurer or self-insurer has provided the coverage for the liable party; and
(2)    there is no significant dispute about:
(i)    the liability for the payment of the full property damages; or
(ii)    the monetary amount of those damages, including:
1.    if claimed, an amount for the loss of the use of the motor vehicle; and
2.    the cost of obtaining an estimate of repairs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 12 - Policy Forms and Provisions › Subtitle 3 - Property and Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance › Section 12-306 - Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance -- Effect of Settlement of Property Damage Claim

A settlement made by an insurer or a self-insurer approved under § 17-103(a) of the Transportation Article under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy of a claim arising from an accident or other event for damage to or destruction of property owned by another person:
(1)    may not be construed as an admission of liability by the insured or recognition of liability by the insurer or self-insurer with respect to another claim arising from the same accident or event; and
(2)    does not preclude a claim for bodily injury or other claims outside the scope of the settlement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 13 - Credit Life, Health, and Involuntary Unemployment Benefit Insurance › Section 13-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Credit health insurance” means insurance on a debtor that provides indemnity for payments that are due on a specific loan or other credit transaction while the debtor is disabled as defined by the policy.
(c)    “Credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance” means insurance on a debtor that provides indemnity for payments that are due on a specific loan or other credit transaction while the debtor is involuntarily unemployed as defined by the policy.
(d)    “Credit life insurance” means insurance on the life of a debtor in connection with a specific loan or other credit transaction.
(e)    “Creditor” means:
(1)    a lender of money or vendor or lessor of goods, services, or property rights or privileges for which payment is arranged through a credit transaction;
(2)    a successor to the right, title, or interest of the lender, vendor, or lessor;
(3)    an affiliate, associate, subsidiary, director, officer, or employee of the lender, vendor, or lessor; or
(4)    any other person in any way associated with the lender, vendor, or lessor.
(f)    (1)    “Debtor” means a borrower of money or purchaser or lessee of goods, services, or property rights or privileges for which payment is arranged through a credit transaction.
(2)    “Debtor” includes the husband or wife or both, as specified in the certificate of insurance, if the husband and wife are jointly liable under a contract of indebtedness.
(g)    “Indebtedness” means the total amount payable by a debtor to a creditor in connection with a loan or other credit transaction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 13 - Credit Life, Health, and Involuntary Unemployment Benefit Insurance › Section 13-102 - Purpose and Construction of Title

(a)    The purpose of this title is to promote the public welfare by regulating credit life insurance, credit health insurance, and credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance.
(b)    This title is not intended to prohibit or discourage reasonable competition.
(c)    This title shall be construed liberally.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 13 - Credit Life, Health, and Involuntary Unemployment Benefit Insurance › Section 13-103 - Scope of Title

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, all credit life insurance, all credit health insurance, and all credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance are subject to this title.
(b)    This title does not apply to insurance if:
(1)    the insurance is in connection with a loan or other credit transaction for which premiums are payable for more than 10 years; or
(2)    the issuance of the insurance is an isolated transaction by an insurer that is not related to an agreement or plan for insuring debtors of the creditor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 13 - Credit Life, Health, and Involuntary Unemployment Benefit Insurance › Section 13-104 - Issuance of Policies

Each policy of credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance shall be:
(1)    delivered or issued for delivery in the State only by an authorized insurer; and
(2)    issued only through a holder of a license, certificate of authority, or certificate of qualification issued by the Commissioner.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 13 - Credit Life, Health, and Involuntary Unemployment Benefit Insurance › Section 13-105 - Forms of Insurance

Credit life insurance, credit health insurance, and credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance shall be issued only in the following forms:
(1)    an individual policy of life insurance issued to a debtor on a term plan;
(2)    an individual policy of health insurance issued to a debtor on a term plan;
(3)    a disability benefit provision in an individual policy of credit life insurance;
(4)    an individual policy of involuntary unemployment benefit insurance issued to a debtor on a term plan;
(5)    a group policy of life insurance issued to a creditor that provides insurance on the lives of debtors on the term plan;
(6)    a group policy of health insurance issued to a creditor on a term plan that insures debtors;
(7)    a disability benefit provision in a group policy of credit life insurance; or
(8)    a group policy of involuntary unemployment benefit insurance issued to a creditor on a term plan that insures debtors.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 13 - Credit Life, Health, and Involuntary Unemployment Benefit Insurance › Section 13-106 - Amounts of Insurance

(a)    (1)    The initial amount of credit life insurance may not exceed the total amount repayable under the contract of indebtedness.
(2)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, insurance on an agricultural credit transaction commitment not exceeding a term of 1 year may be written up to the amount of the loan commitment on a nondecreasing or level term plan.
(3)    Notwithstanding any other provision of the Code, insurance on an educational credit transaction commitment may be written for the amount of that part of the commitment that has not been advanced by the creditor.
(b)    (1)    The total amount of periodic indemnity payable by credit health insurance in the event of disability may not exceed the aggregate of the periodic scheduled unpaid installments of the indebtedness.
(2)    The amount of each periodic indemnity payment under a policy of credit health insurance may not exceed the original indebtedness divided by the number of periodic installments.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 13 - Credit Life, Health, and Involuntary Unemployment Benefit Insurance › Section 13-107 - Term of Insurance

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the term of credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance subject to acceptance by the insurer, begins on the date that the debtor becomes obligated to the creditor.
(2)    If a group policy provides coverage for an existing obligation, the credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance begins on the effective date of the group policy.
(b)    If an insurer requires evidence of insurability and the evidence is provided more than 30 days after the debtor becomes obligated to the creditor:
(1)    the term of the credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance may begin on the date that the insurer determines that the evidence is satisfactory; and
(2)    the insurer shall refund or adjust any charge to the debtor for insurance as appropriate.
(c)    (1)    The term of credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance may not extend more than 15 days after the scheduled maturity date of the indebtedness, unless the term is extended without additional cost to the debtor.
(2)    If the indebtedness is discharged before its scheduled maturity date due to renewal or refinancing, the insurer shall terminate the credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance in force before issuance of any new credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance for the renewed or refinanced indebtedness.
(3)    The insurer shall pay or credit a refund as provided in § 13-112 of this title in all cases of termination of the insurance before the scheduled maturity date of the indebtedness.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Insurance › Title 13 - Credit Life, Health, and Involuntary Unemployment Benefit Insurance › Section 13-108 - Individual Policies and Group Certificates

(a)    Credit life insurance, credit health insurance, and credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance shall be evidenced by an individual policy or, in the case of group insurance, a group certificate of insurance.
(b)    In addition to other requirements of law, each individual policy or group certificate of credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance shall include:
(1)    the name and home office address of the insurer;
(2)    the name of the insured debtor under an individual policy, or the name or other identification of the insured debtor under a group certificate;
(3)    the premium or amount of payment, if any, paid by the debtor shown separately for credit life insurance, credit health insurance, and credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance;
(4)    a description of the coverage, including the amount and term of the coverage and any exceptions, limitations, or restrictions; and
(5)    a statement that the benefits shall be paid to the creditor to reduce or extinguish the unpaid indebtedness and, if the amount of credit life insurance, credit health insurance, or credit involuntary unemployment benefit insurance exceeds the unpaid indebtedness, the excess shall be payable to a beneficiary, other than the creditor, named by the debtor or to the estate of the debtor.