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HomeInsurance CodeDiv. 1Pt. 2Ch. 1Art. 3§ 704 Insurer Certificate Suspension

§ 704 Insurer Certificate Suspension

Insurance Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 704 Insurer Certificate Suspension

This law lets the insurance commissioner pause an insurer’s license for up to one year if the insurer commits fraud, doesn’t act honestly, or regularly forces people to settle for less or go to court to get what they’re owed.

Key Takeaways

  • •The commissioner can suspend an insurer’s license for up to one year.
  • •A hearing and notice are required before suspension.
  • •Suspension can happen for fraud, bad‑faith actions, or forcing claimants to settle for less or sue.
  • •The exact length of the suspension is set in the suspension order.

Example

A family’s house burns down. Their insurance policy says the insurer will pay $200,000, but the insurer only offers $100,000 and tells the family they must sue to get the rest.

Because the insurer is trying to make the family accept less money or go to court, the commissioner can hold a hearing and, if the insurer is found to be doing this on purpose, suspend its license for up to a year.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 704 Insurer Certificate Suspension

The commissioner may suspend the certificate of authority of an insurer for not exceeding one year whenever he finds, after proper hearing following notice, that such insurer engages in any of the following practices: (a) Conducting its business fraudulently. (b) Not carrying out its contracts in good faith. (c) Habitually and as a matter of ordinary practice and custom compelling claimants under policies, or liability judgment creditors of the insured, to either accept less than the amount due under the terms of the policies or resort to litigation against such insurer to secure the payment of the amount due. The order of suspension shall prescribe the period of such suspension. The proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the commissioner shall have all the powers granted therein. (Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 1452.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

judgmentliabilityinsurancecommissioncontractclaimfraudhearing

Related Statutes

  • § 742.37 Certificate Suspension For Misconduct
  • § 706.5 Insurer Financial Solvency Requirements
  • § 700 Insurance Business Licensing Requirements
  • § 700.025 Auto Insurer Capital Requirements
  • § 701 Insurer Certificate Revocation Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Insurance Code. Section 704.
View Official Source