Opinion ID: 1955260
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Are forms filings proceedings initiated to change charges within the meaning of N.J.S.A. 52:27E-19b?

Text: One of the subtler questions concerning forms filings arises when an insurance company must file with the Commissioner a form of the insurance policy that it will employ for a risk or, more particularly, when it must amend its policies in specific response to rules and regulations adopted by the DOI. As to such forms filings an insurer can well assert that not only are they not submitted in order to gain approval to change rates, they may, in fact, result in no change in rates. Thus we believe that there is an area of the Commissioner's regulatory activity requiring action on the part of insurers that is not properly to be regarded as an effort by the insurer to change rates. On the other hand it is equally true that some prescribed filings should be so regarded. For example, changes in deductibles would usually have the effect of raising rates. Thus a mixed question of fact and law is often presented concerning the effect of a forms filing and its inclusion within Rate Counsel's compensation statute. We think the Department of Insurance is best equipped to make this determination.