What distinguishes an unauthorized insurer?

An unauthorized insurer is characterized by the fact that it presents its insurance products without having received approval from the appropriate regulatory authority in the state where it operates. This lack of approval means that the insurer is not officially licensed to conduct business in that jurisdiction, which can lead to various risks for consumers and businesses engaging with such insurers.

Unauthorized insurers operate outside the conventional regulatory framework that governs licensed insurers, which includes obtaining a state license, ensuring financial solvency, and adhering to consumer protection laws. This distinction is vital for understanding how surplus lines insurance operates, as it allows for coverage when licensed markets do not provide specific types or amounts of insurance. Thus, recognizing what qualifies an insurer as unauthorized helps guide consumers and agents in compliance with state laws regarding surplus lines coverage.