Alabama
ALDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA required from ALDOI (Ala. Code § 27-3). Foreign insurers file NAIC uniform COA application. Annual statement filing required.
MGAS
MGAs must hold a valid AL producer license. Written MGA agreement required per NAIC MDL-225. MGAs handling >$2M annual written premium subject to additional oversight.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entities must register with AL SOS.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs (P&C or Life/Health); exam via Prometric/Pearson VUE.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. License classes: Life, Health, P&C, Personal Lines, Variable.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Carrier must file appointment within 15 days of first transaction. $40 appointment fee per line. Reciprocal non-resident licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
Must obtain 3 declinations from authorized insurers before placing SL. Licensed SL producer required.
ELIGIBILITY
Insurer must be on ALDOI's approved SL insurer list. Min. $15M surplus.
Alaska
AK DOC/DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA required from AK Division of Insurance. Domestic formation under AS 21. Annual filings per NAIC standards.
MGAS
Producer license required. NAIC MGA Model Act adopted. Written agreements mandatory. Binding authority limits must be defined in MGA contract.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity registered with AK DCCED. SOS filing required for LLCs/Corps.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. State exam required.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Appointment must be filed before transacting business. Electronic filing via NIPR. Reciprocal licensing available.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations from admitted carriers required. NRRA home state rules apply.
ELIGIBILITY
Insurer must meet $15M minimum surplus requirements or be on approved list.
Arizona
AZDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA required. ARS Title 20. Foreign insurers via NAIC application. Retaliatory tax laws apply.
MGAS
Must be licensed as AZ resident or non-resident producer. Written MGA agreement required. MGA Act (ARS § 20-394) requires annual certification.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity must file with AZ ACC. Statutory agent required.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs (Life/Health) or 40 hrs (P&C). AZ-specific exam via Pearson VUE.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. Life agents: 3 hrs annuity training.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Appointment required before transacting. Filed electronically via NIPR. $10 per appointment. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
Diligent search required; 3 declinations. Must document search efforts.
ELIGIBILITY
AZDOI approved SL insurer list. Financial strength requirements per ARS § 20-401.
Arkansas
AID
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from Arkansas Insurance Department. Ark. Code Ann. Title 23. Capital/surplus minimums. Annual NAIC financial statements required.
MGAS
Producer license required. NAIC MGA Model adopted via Ark. Code § 23-64-201. Quarterly reports required for MGAs with binding authority.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity files with AR SOS. Certificate of Good Standing required.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. Exam required.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Appointment within 30 days of hire. NIPR electronic filing. Termination reported within 30 days. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
4% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations from admitted insurers. Arkansas Surplus Lines Association reports.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be on AID's eligible SL list. $15M minimum surplus.
California
CDI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
Certificate of Authority from CA Dept. of Insurance. CA Ins. Code § 700 et seq. Substantial capital/surplus requirements. Domestic formation via CDI charter. Financial examination every 3-5 years.
MGAS
Must hold CA producer license. CA MGA Act (Ins. Code § 769) requires registration. MGAs managing >$10M in premium subject to additional oversight. Rate/form filings must comply with Prop 103 (P&C).
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity files with CA SOS. $800 minimum franchise tax. Insurance entities subject to CDI and SOS concurrent regulation.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20-52 hrs depending on line (Life Only: 20 hrs, P&C: 40 hrs). Must use CDI-approved schools.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. Life agents: 8 hrs product training every 4 yrs. LTC agents: 8 hrs LTC-specific CE.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Carrier must appoint agent before transacting. CDI appointment fee: $31/agent. Terminations reportable within 30 days. CA does not offer pure reciprocity; separate exam often required.
Surplus Lines Management
STAMPING OFFICE
SLIP (Surplus Lines Information Portal) — operated by CA Surplus Lines Assoc. (CSLA). All SL placements must be reported within 30 days.
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
Mandatory diligent search. Must obtain declinations from 3 admitted CA-licensed insurers. CA Ins. Code § 1765.
ELIGIBILITY
Insurer must be on CDI's LESLI list. $45M minimum capital/surplus. Alien insurers must be on NAIC IID list.
Colorado
CODOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from CO DOI. CRS Title 10. Foreign carrier NAIC uniform application. Min. $2M capital (varies by line). Annual NAIC financial filing.
MGAS
Producer license required. MGA Act (CRS § 10-2-701) mandates written contract, quarterly reports. CODOI registration required for MGAs with authority to bind.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with CO SOS. Registered agent required. Annual periodic report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs (P&C), 40 hrs (Life/Health). CO state exam required.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Appointment filed within 30 days. NIPR electronic submission. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations required. CRS § 10-5-108. SL producer must document search.
ELIGIBILITY
CODOI eligible SL insurer list or meets NRRA accredited/approved standard.
Connecticut
CT DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from CT Insurance Dept. CGS Title 38a. Domestic insurer requires min. $1.5M capital. Foreign insurer NAIC uniform application. Quarterly and annual filing requirements.
MGAS
Producer license required. CGS § 38a-730 MGA Act adoption. Written agreement required with quarterly reporting. CT DOI registration for binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
CT SOTS registration required. Resident agent. Annual report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs per line. CT-specific exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before first transaction. Annual renewal. $20 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
4% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations from authorized CT insurers. Broker must be CT licensed SL broker.
ELIGIBILITY
CT DOI approved SL insurer list. Alien insurers on NAIC IID list acceptable.
Delaware
DDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from DE DOI. 18 Del. C. § 101. Delaware is domicile of choice for many captives. Domestic insurer formation via DDOI. Captive insurer program robust.
MGAS
DE producer license required. MGA Act per 18 Del. C. § 1701. DDOI registration for binding authority. Written agreements mandatory.
ENTITY FILING
Domestic entity formation with DE Division of Corporations. Foreign entity registration. Known for corporate-friendly laws.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. State exam via PSI/Pearson VUE.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR filing. $20 per appointment per carrier. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
Required per 18 Del. C. § 1901. 3 declinations standard. Documentation required.
ELIGIBILITY
DDOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus for domestic SL; alien insurers on NAIC IID.
Florida
FL OIR / DFS
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from FL Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). Ch. 624 F.S. Substantial capital/surplus requirements. Hurricane catastrophe fund participation required for residential property insurers.
MGAS
Must hold FL producer license (2-20 or 4-40). Ch. 626 F.S. MGA requirements. MGAs binding property catastrophe risks have additional OIR oversight. Written MGA agreement required with quarterly reporting. MGAs with >$10M in FL premium subject to enhanced scrutiny.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity files with FL Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org). Annual report required by May 1. Insurance entities dual-registered with DFS.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40-60 hrs depending on license type (2-20: 40 hrs, 2-44 CSR: 60 hrs). FL-specific state exam via Pearson VUE.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 5 hrs law & ethics update. Sinkhole coverage CE required for certain agents. Life agents: 5 hrs annuity training.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Appointment required before transacting. DFS-electronic via NIPR. $40 appointment fee. Cause terminations reported within 30 days with written explanation. Reciprocal with most states.
Surplus Lines Management
STAMPING OFFICE
FSLSO (FL Surplus Lines Service Office) — mandatory filing. All SL transactions must be reported within 60 days. FSLSO collects SL tax and issues confirmation receipts.
SL TAX RATE
5.1% of gross premium (4% base + 1.1% FSLSO assessment)
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations from FL-authorized admitted carriers. § 626.916 F.S. Commercial risks may use affidavit of export for certain classes. Industrial insured exemption available.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be on FSLSO's eligible insurer list. $15M minimum surplus (domestic); $45M for alien insurers.
Georgia
OCI/GA DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from GA OCI. O.C.G.A. Title 33. Domestic insurer formation min. capital varies by line. Annual NAIC financial statements.
MGAS
GA producer license required. O.C.G.A. § 33-23-150 et seq. Written MGA agreement; quarterly reports for binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with GA Secretary of State. Annual registration renewal.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs (P&C or Life/Health). GA state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Prior to transacting business. $10 appointment fee per carrier. NIPR electronic filing. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
4% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. O.C.G.A. § 33-5-22. Documentation required for each SL placement.
ELIGIBILITY
GA DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Hawaii
HI DOC/DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from HI Insurance Division (under DCCA). HRS Ch. 431. State-operated workers' comp fund. Annual NAIC filings required.
MGAS
Producer license required. NAIC MGA Model adopted. Written MGA agreement required.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with HI DCCA Business Registration Division. Annual report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs per line. HI state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR filing. Annual appointment renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
4.265% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations required. HRS § 431:8-315. SL insurer must be eligible per HI Division.
ELIGIBILITY
HI eligible SL insurer list. $15M min. surplus.
Idaho
IDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from ID DOI. Idaho Code Title 41. Domestic formation requires capital minimums per line. Annual NAIC filings.
MGAS
Producer license required. NAIC MGA Model adopted. MGA agreement required; quarterly reports for binding authority.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with ID SOS. Annual report required.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per major line. ID state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR filing. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2.25% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. Idaho Code § 41-1211. Documentation required.
ELIGIBILITY
IDOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Illinois
IDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from IL DOI. 215 ILCS 5/ (IL Insurance Code). Life insurers: $2.5M min. capital. Annual NAIC filings; quarterly supplemental reports for large carriers.
MGAS
IL producer license required. 215 ILCS 5/Art. XIV-1/2 MGA Act. Written MGA agreement mandatory. Annual MGA reports to IDOI for MGAs with >$5M IL premium. Quarterly financial reports required.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with IL SOS. Annual report (Form BCA-14.05). Registered agent required. Insurance holding company regulations apply (215 ILCS 5/131.01).
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per major line. IL state exam via PSI.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. Life/Health agents: additional product-specific CE for LTC.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Appointment required before first transaction. $50 appointment fee per carrier. Cause terminations: written notice to IDOI within 30 days. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
STAMPING OFFICE
ISLO (Illinois Surplus Lines Association) — mandatory stamping within 60 days. ISLO reports data to IDOI quarterly.
SL TAX RATE
3.5% of gross premium + ISLO stamping fee (0.2%)
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations from IL-authorized admitted carriers. 215 ILCS 5/445. Industrial insured exemption available. Exempt commercial purchaser provisions apply.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be on IDOI's eligible SL insurer list. $15M min. surplus for domestic; $45M for alien insurers.
Indiana
IDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from IN DOI. IC Title 27. Annual NAIC financial filings. Domestic insurer min. capital requirements by line.
MGAS
Producer license required. IC § 27-1-15.5 MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports for binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with IN SOS. Biennial report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per major line. IN state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 4 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR electronic filing. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2.5% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. IC § 27-4-1-21. Annual SL report to IDOI.
ELIGIBILITY
IN DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Iowa
IID
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from Iowa Insurance Division (IID). Iowa Code Ch. 511-521. Domestic insurer formation per IID. Significant life insurance domicile state.
MGAS
IA producer license required. Iowa Code § 522B MGA provisions. Written MGA agreement and quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with IA SOS. Biennial report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. IA state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 3-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. (Iowa uses a 3-year CE cycle.)
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Within 15 days of authorization. NIPR. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
6% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations required. Iowa Code § 515I.2. Annual SL transaction reports.
ELIGIBILITY
IID eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Kansas
KDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from KS DOI. K.S.A. Ch. 40. Annual NAIC financial filings. Domestic insurer formation per KDOI requirements.
MGAS
KS producer license required. K.S.A. § 40-4901 et seq. MGA Act — written agreement required, quarterly reports for binding authority.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with KS SOS. Annual report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. KS state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 2 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $15 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
6% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. K.S.A. § 40-246a. Annual report to KDOI.
ELIGIBILITY
KDOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Kentucky
DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from KY DOI. KRS Ch. 304. Domestic insurer requirements per KRS 304.3. Annual NAIC financial filings.
MGAS
KY producer license required. KRS § 304.9-031 et seq. MGA written agreement and quarterly reports required.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with KY SOS. Annual report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. KY state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 per appointment. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. KRS § 304.10-010. Documentation and annual report to KY DOI.
ELIGIBILITY
KY DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Louisiana
LDI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from LA DOI. La. R.S. Title 22. Hurricane/coastal exposure creates unique carrier requirements. Citizens Insurance Co. of Louisiana as residual market.
MGAS
LA producer license required. La. R.S. § 22:1651 et seq. Written MGA agreement; quarterly reports. LDI oversight for catastrophe-exposed MGAs. Coastal Property Insurance Reform Act affects MGA binding authority.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with LA SOS. Annual report. Registered agent in LA.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. LA state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. Property flood coverage CE required for coastal agents.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $25 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
5% of gross premium + 0.25% LSLA assessment
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations required. La. R.S. § 22:433. Affidavit of diligent search required. Coastal property especially scrutinized.
ELIGIBILITY
LDI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Maine
MBureau/DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from ME Bureau of Insurance. 24-A M.R.S.A. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer formation per Bureau requirements.
MGAS
ME producer license required. MGA Act per 24-A M.R.S.A. § 1901. Written agreement required.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with ME SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. ME state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $25 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. 24-A M.R.S.A. § 2009-A. Quarterly SL reports to Bureau.
ELIGIBILITY
ME Bureau eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Maryland
MIA
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from MD Insurance Administration (MIA). Ins. Art. Title 4 MD Code. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic formation requires MIA charter. Significant health insurer domicile.
MGAS
MD producer license required. Ins. Art. § 8-401 et seq. Written MGA agreement; quarterly reports. MIA registration for binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with MD SDAT. Annual personal property return. Registered agent required.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs (Life/Health), 40 hrs (P&C). MD state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $50 appointment fee. Annual renewal. MD known for strict enforcement. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations required. Ins. Art. § 3-305. Annual SL report to MIA. Industrial insured exemption per NRRA.
ELIGIBILITY
MIA eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Massachusetts
MA DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from MA DOI. M.G.L. Ch. 175. Unique managed competition auto insurance market. State-operated workers' compensation market (Workers' Comp Rating Bureau).
MGAS
MA producer license required. M.G.L. Ch. 175 § 162-P MGA provisions. Written MGA agreement and quarterly reports required.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with MA SOC (Corporations Division). Annual report. MA imposes additional insurance entity regulatory filings beyond NAIC standard.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs (P&C or Life/Health). MA-specific state exam — reputation for difficulty.
CE REQUIREMENT
12 hrs / 2-yr cycle — notably fewer required hours than most states. Includes ethics requirement.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. Appointment fee: $50. Non-residents must hold MA license for auto insurance transactions due to managed competition rules.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
4% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. M.G.L. Ch. 168 § 119. Licensed SL broker required. Quarterly SL reports to MA DOI.
ELIGIBILITY
MA DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Michigan
DIFS
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from MI DIFS. MCL 500.100 et seq. Domestic formation per DIFS requirements. Annual NAIC filings. MI no-fault auto insurance reforms (PA 21 of 2019) added carrier obligations.
MGAS
MI producer license required. MCL § 500.410a MGA provisions. Written MGA agreement; quarterly reports. DIFS registration for binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with LARA. Annual report. Registered agent in MI required.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs (P&C or Life/Health). MI state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. No-fault auto training required for property agents post-2019.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $5 appointment fee (very low). Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. MCL § 500.1910. Annual SL report to DIFS. No affidavit requirement for commercial buyers.
ELIGIBILITY
DIFS eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Minnesota
MN DOC
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from MN Dept. of Commerce (Insurance Division). Minn. Stat. Ch. 60A. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer min. capital per line of authority.
MGAS
MN producer license required. Minn. Stat. § 60A.56 et seq. Written MGA agreement; quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with MN SOS. Annual renewal. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. MN state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. Minn. Stat. § 60A.206. Quarterly SL reports to DOC.
ELIGIBILITY
MN DOC eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Mississippi
MID
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from MS Insurance Dept. Miss. Code § 83-1 et seq. Annual NAIC filings. Coastal/hurricane exposure adds carrier requirements (wind pool participation).
MGAS
MS producer license required. § 83-17-451 et seq. MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with MS SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. MS state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $20 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
4% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 83-21-17. Annual SL report to MID.
ELIGIBILITY
MID eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Missouri
MO DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from MO DOI. RSMo Title XXIV Ch. 375. Annual NAIC filings. Major insurance domicile; large number of domestics.
MGAS
MO producer license required. RSMo § 375.474 MGA provisions. Written MGA agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with MO SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. MO state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
5% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. RSMo § 384.016. Annual SL reports to MO DOI.
ELIGIBILITY
MO DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Montana
MT CSI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from MT Commissioner of Securities & Insurance (CSI). MCA Title 33. Annual NAIC filings.
MGAS
MT producer license required. MCA § 33-17-1101 et seq. Written MGA agreement and quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with MT SOS. Annual report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. MT state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 per appointment. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2.75% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. MCA § 33-2-311. Annual SL report to CSI.
ELIGIBILITY
CSI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Nebraska
NDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from NE DOI. Neb. Rev. Stat. Ch. 44. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer min. capital requirements per line.
MGAS
NE producer license required. § 44-5704 et seq. MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with NE SOS. Biennial report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. NE state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
30 hrs / 2-yr cycle — higher than most states. Incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 44-5504. Annual SL report to NDOI.
ELIGIBILITY
NDOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Nevada
NV DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from NV DOI. NRS Title 57. Major captive insurer domicile. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic formation per NV DOI.
MGAS
NV producer license required. NRS § 683A.065 et seq. Written MGA agreement, quarterly reports. NV DOI registration for MGAs with binding authority.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with NV SOS. Annual list/report. NV known for business-friendly entity laws.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. NV state exam via Pearson VUE.
CE REQUIREMENT
30 hrs / 3-yr cycle — Nevada uses a 3-year CE cycle. Incl. 3 hrs ethics, 1 hr Nevada law.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $40 appointment fee. Annual renewal. NV exam waived for reciprocal states.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3.5% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. NRS § 685A.070. Annual SL report to NV DOI.
ELIGIBILITY
NV DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
New Hampshire
NH DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from NH DOI. RSA Title XXXVII Ch. 400-A et seq. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer formation per DOI.
MGAS
NH producer license required. RSA § 402-J MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with NH SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs per line. NH state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $25 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. RSA § 405:27. Annual SL report to NH DOI.
ELIGIBILITY
NH DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
New Jersey
NJ DOB/DOBI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance (DOBI). N.J.S.A. Title 17 and 17B. Annual NAIC filings. NJ FAIR Plan for residual market.
MGAS
NJ producer license required. N.J.S.A. § 17:22A-25 et seq. MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports. DOBI registration for binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with NJ Division of Revenue. Annual report. Registered agent in NJ.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs (P&C), 40 hrs (Life/Health). NJ state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 2 hrs ethics. NJ requires 1 hr flood/homeowners training for P&C agents.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. Annual renewal. $25 appointment fee. NJ known for enforcement activity. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
5% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. N.J.S.A. § 17:22-6.41. Affidavit of diligent search required. Annual SL report to DOBI.
ELIGIBILITY
DOBI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
New Mexico
OSI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from NM Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI). NMSA 1978 § 59A et seq. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer formation per OSI.
MGAS
NM producer license required. § 59A-12A MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with NM PRC. Annual report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. NM state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3.003% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. NMSA § 59A-14-4. Annual SL report to OSI.
ELIGIBILITY
OSI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
New York
NY DFS
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from NY Dept. of Financial Services (DFS). NY Ins. Law. DFS is one of the most powerful state regulators. Domestic insurer formation requires legislative charter plus DFS approval. Substantial capital/surplus — often 2-3x NAIC minimums. Financial examination every 3 years. DFS cybersecurity regulation (23 NYCRR 500) applies to all licensed carriers.
MGAS
NY Insurance Law § 2101 et seq. — NY distinguishes broker vs. agent. MGAs must hold appropriate NY license. DFS authorization required for binding authority. NY has its own stringent provisions (not NAIC uniform model). MGAs binding NY risk subject to NY rate/form requirements (prior approval state). Written MGA agreement filed with DFS.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with NY DOS. Biennial statement. DFS cybersecurity regulation requires certified compliance program for all licensees. Privacy regulation under 23 NYCRR 500 adds significant compliance burden.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs (P&C), 40 hrs (Life/Accident/Health). NY-specific licensing exams — separate exams for broker and agent.
CE REQUIREMENT
15 hrs / 2-yr cycle — lower than most states but with NY-specific content. Incl. 1 hr ethics, 1 hr anti-fraud, 1 hr insurance law update.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
NY uses 'designation' rather than appointment. Significant distinction between 'agent' (carrier's representative) and 'broker' (insured's representative). DFS electronic via NIPR. NY is effectively non-reciprocal — very rigorous, NY-specific exam often required.
Surplus Lines Management
STAMPING OFFICE
ELANY (Excess Line Association of New York) — mandatory stamping. All SL transactions must be filed with ELANY within 45 days. ELANY issues certificate of qualification. Among the most active and rigorous stamping offices in the U.S.
SL TAX RATE
3.6% of gross premium + 1% NY Fire Marshal tax (certain property risks) + ELANY stamping fee (0.2%)
DILIGENT SEARCH
NY Ins. Law § 2118 — SL brokers must demonstrate 'diligent effort.' 3 declinations from NY-authorized admitted carriers. Affidavit filed with ELANY for each placement. NY has unique rules for 'free trade zone' placements. Separate SL broker license required.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be on DFS's Approved SL Insurer List. $45M min. surplus required — highest in the country. Alien insurers: NAIC IID list plus DFS acceptance.
North Carolina
NCDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from NC DOI. G.S. Chapter 58. NC Rate Bureau system for auto/homeowners (unique bureau filing system). Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer formation per DOI.
MGAS
NC producer license required. G.S. § 58-34-1 et seq. MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports. NCDOI registration for binding authority.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with NC SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. NC state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $12 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
5% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. G.S. § 58-21-20. Annual SL report. NC Industrial Commission involvement for WC SL placements.
ELIGIBILITY
NCDOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
North Dakota
NDDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from ND DOI. N.D.C.C. Title 26.1. State-operated monopoly workers' comp fund (ND Workforce Safety). Annual NAIC filings for private carriers.
MGAS
ND producer license required. N.D.C.C. § 26.1-26.6 MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with ND SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. ND state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2.5% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. N.D.C.C. § 26.1-44-03. Annual SL report.
ELIGIBILITY
NDDOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Ohio
ODI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from Ohio DOI (ODI). ORC Title XXXIX. Major insurance domicile. Annual NAIC filings. State-operated workers' comp fund (BWC) for employers. Domestic insurer formation with substantial capital requirements.
MGAS
OH producer license required. ORC § 3905.46 et seq. Written MGA agreement, quarterly reports. ODI oversight for large binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with OH SOS. Annual report. Statutory agent in OH required. Insurance holding company act applies.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs per line. OH state exam via Pearson VUE.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. Life agents: LTC-specific requirements.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
5% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. ORC § 3905.33. Annual SL report to ODI. Industrial insured exemption per NRRA.
ELIGIBILITY
ODI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Oklahoma
OID
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from OK Insurance Dept. (OID). 36 O.S. § 101 et seq. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic formation per OID requirements.
MGAS
OK producer license required. 36 O.S. § 1450 MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with OK SOS. Annual certificate. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. OK state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
6% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. 36 O.S. § 1109. Annual SL report to OID.
ELIGIBILITY
OID eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Oregon
OR DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from OR Dept. of Consumer & Business Services (DCBS/DOI). ORS Ch. 731. State-operated workers' comp fund (SAIF). Annual NAIC filings.
MGAS
OR producer license required. ORS § 744.690 et seq. Written MGA agreement, quarterly reports. OR DOI registration for binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with OR SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. OR state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $30 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. ORS § 735.410. Annual SL report to OR DOI.
ELIGIBILITY
OR DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Pennsylvania
PID
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from PA Insurance Dept. (PID). 40 P.S. Title 40. Annual NAIC filings. Major domestic insurer domicile. State WC insurance fund (SWIF) competes with private market.
MGAS
PA producer license required. 40 P.S. § 461.1 et seq. MGA Act. Written MGA agreement required, quarterly reports. PID oversight for large binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with PA Dept. of State (DSCB). Annual report. Registered office required. Insurance holding company act (40 P.S. § 991.1401) applies.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
24 hrs per line. PA state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. LTC agents: additional LTC CE. Flood coverage CE required for P&C agents.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $20 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Cause terminations reported to PID within 30 days. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. 40 P.S. § 991.1604. Affidavit required. Annual SL report to PID. Industrial insured exemption per NRRA.
ELIGIBILITY
PID eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Rhode Island
RI DOB
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from RI Dept. of Business Regulation (DBR) — Insurance Div. R.I. Gen. Laws Title 27. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic formation per DBR.
MGAS
RI producer license required. R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-2.4 MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with RI Secretary of State. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs per line. RI state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $25 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
4% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 27-3-38. Annual SL report to RI DBR.
ELIGIBILITY
RI DBR eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
South Carolina
SCDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from SC DOI. S.C. Code Title 38. Annual NAIC filings. SCWIS wind pool for coastal risks. Domestic formation per SCDOI.
MGAS
SC producer license required. § 38-37-10 et seq. MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with SC SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. SC state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $40 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
6% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 38-45-20. Annual SL report to SCDOI.
ELIGIBILITY
SCDOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
South Dakota
SDDOL
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from SD DOL — Division of Insurance. SDCL Title 58. Annual NAIC filings. SD is a captive-friendly domicile.
MGAS
SD producer license required. SDCL § 58-34C MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with SD SOS. Annual report.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. SD state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. SDCL § 58-32-8. Annual SL report to SDDOL.
ELIGIBILITY
SDDOL eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Tennessee
TDCI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from TN Dept. of Commerce & Insurance. T.C.A. Title 56. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer formation per TDOC requirements. Major captive domicile.
MGAS
TN producer license required. T.C.A. § 56-6-501 et seq. MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports. TDOC registration for binding authority.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with TN SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. TN state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $15 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
5% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. T.C.A. § 56-14-108. Annual SL report. Industrial insured exemption per NRRA.
ELIGIBILITY
TDOC eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Texas
TDI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from TX Dept. of Insurance (TDI). Texas Insurance Code. One of the largest insurance markets in the U.S. Domestic insurer formation requires TDI charter. Annual NAIC filings. TX Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) for coastal risks. TX allows 'protected cell' structures for captives.
MGAS
TX producer license required. Ins. Code Ch. 4053 (MGA chapter). TDI registration/license required for MGAs. Written MGA agreement mandatory with TDI-required contract provisions. MGAs must maintain separate underwriting records. Quarterly financial reports to TDI. Anti-fraud plan required. Premium trust account requirements for MGAs holding premium.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with TX SOS. Annual report (Public Information Report to TX Comptroller). Registered agent required. Insurance holding company registration with TDI (Ins. Code Ch. 823). TX franchise tax applies to all entities with TX nexus.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
30-40 hrs depending on line (General Lines P&C: 40 hrs; General Lines Life/Health: 40 hrs; Personal Lines: 30 hrs). TX state exam via Pearson VUE.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 2 hrs ethics, 1 hr TX laws update. Life/health agents: 8 hrs product-specific CE. Flood CE required for P&C agents since Harvey reforms.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Appointment must be filed before or within 30 days of first transaction. TDI electronic via NIPR. $50 appointment fee per carrier. Annual appointment renewal (Jan 1). Cause terminations: TDI notification within 30 days. 'Without cause' terminations: 90-day advance notice. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
STAMPING OFFICE
TSLO (Texas Surplus Lines Office) — mandatory stamping. All SL transactions must be filed with TSLO within 60 days. One of the most active stamping offices nationally.
SL TAX RATE
4.85% of gross premium + TSLO stamping fee (0.3%)
DILIGENT SEARCH
TX Ins. Code § 981.004 — diligent effort required. Must attempt placement with 3 authorized TX carriers. Licensed TX SL agent required. Export list available (certain classes exempt from diligent search). Industrial insured exemption applies. Affidavit required for non-export placements.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be on TDI's eligible SL insurer list. $15M min. surplus (TX-domiciled); $45M for alien insurers. TX also maintains an export list of risk categories eligible without diligent search.
Utah
UDOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from UT DOI. Utah Code Title 31A. Annual NAIC filings. Captive insurer-friendly state. Domestic formation per UDOI.
MGAS
UT producer license required. § 31A-23a-501 et seq. MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with UT Division of Corporations. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. UT state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2.25% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 31A-15-103. Annual SL report to UDOI.
ELIGIBILITY
UDOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Vermont
DFR
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from VT Dept. of Financial Regulation (DFR). 8 V.S.A. Title 8. Vermont is the #1 captive insurance domicile in the U.S. — more captive insurers than any other state. Annual NAIC filings for admitted carriers.
MGAS
VT producer license required. 8 V.S.A. § 4800e et seq. Written MGA agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with VT SOS. Annual report. VT captive formation is streamlined through DFR.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. VT state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $20 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. 8 V.S.A. § 5019. Annual SL report to DFR.
ELIGIBILITY
DFR eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Virginia
VA SCC/BOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from VA SCC — Bureau of Insurance (BOI). Va. Code Title 38.2. Annual NAIC filings. VA is a major domicile for specialty and captive insurers. Domestic formation via BOI.
MGAS
VA producer license required. § 38.2-1800 et seq. MGA Act. Written MGA agreement; quarterly reports. BOI registration for binding authority MGAs.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with VA SCC. Annual report. Registered agent in VA required.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. VA state exam via PSI.
CE REQUIREMENT
16 hrs / 2-yr cycle — lower than most states. Incl. 2 hrs ethics. Property agents: 2 hrs flood insurance CE.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. BOI electronic via NIPR. $20 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2.25% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 38.2-4811. Annual SL report to BOI. Industrial insured exemption per NRRA.
ELIGIBILITY
BOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Washington
OIC
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from WA Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC). RCW Title 48. Annual NAIC filings. State-operated workers' comp system (L&I) — monopoly, no private market for basic WC. Domestic insurer formation via OIC.
MGAS
WA producer license required. RCW § 48.17.010 et seq. / WAC 284-17 MGA provisions. Written MGA agreement required. OIC registration for binding authority MGAs. Quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with WA SOS. Annual report. Registered agent. Insurance entities subject to OIC dual regulation.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
40 hrs per line. WA state exam via PSI.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics. WA requires 3 hrs WA-specific law/rules. LTC: 8 hrs LTC CE per cycle.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $50 appointment fee (higher than average). Annual renewal. WA exam waived for reciprocal states.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. RCW § 48.15.090. Annual SL report to OIC. Industrial insured exemption per NRRA.
ELIGIBILITY
OIC eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
West Virginia
WV OIC
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from WV Office of Insurance Commissioner. WV Code Ch. 33. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer formation per OIC.
MGAS
WV producer license required. § 33-12E MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with WV SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. WV state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $15 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
4% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 33-12C-3. Annual SL report.
ELIGIBILITY
OIC eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Wisconsin
OCI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from WI Office of Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). Wis. Stat. Ch. 600 et seq. Annual NAIC filings. Major insurance domicile. Domestic formation per OCI.
MGAS
WI producer license required. § 628.47 MGA provisions. Written MGA agreement, quarterly reports. OCI registration for binding authority.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with WI DFI. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. WI state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $20 appointment fee. Annual renewal. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
3% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 618.42. Annual SL report to OCI.
ELIGIBILITY
OCI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Wyoming
WY DOI
Entity Registration & Management
CARRIERS
COA from WY DOI. Wyo. Stat. Title 26. Annual NAIC filings. Domestic insurer formation per WY DOI. Small insurance market; many insurers licensed but not domiciled.
MGAS
WY producer license required. § 26-9-201 et seq. MGA Act. Written agreement, quarterly reports.
ENTITY FILING
Foreign entity with WY SOS. Annual report. Registered agent.
Producer Licensing & Appointments
PRE-LICENSE
20 hrs per line. WY state exam.
CE REQUIREMENT
24 hrs / 2-yr cycle incl. 3 hrs ethics.
APPOINTMENTS & NON-RESIDENT
Before transacting. NIPR. $10 appointment fee. Reciprocal licensing.
Surplus Lines Management
SL TAX RATE
2% of gross premium
DILIGENT SEARCH
3 declinations. § 26-11-123. Annual SL report to WY DOI.
ELIGIBILITY
WY DOI eligible SL list. $15M min. surplus.
Recent Regulatory News, Legislation & Updates
Ready to Work with Saratoga Compliance?
Eliminate Compliance Infractions, Reduce Costs & Unleash Your Teams to Sell with Saratoga