33-2-309. Liability of insurer as to losses and unearned premiums. - Montana Statutes

     33-2-309. Liability of insurer as to losses and unearned premiums. (1) As to a surplus lines risk that has been assumed by an unauthorized insurer pursuant to The Surplus Lines Insurance Law and if the premium on the surplus lines risk has been received by the surplus lines insurance producer who placed the insurance, in all questions arising under the coverage as between the insurer and the insured, the insurer is considered to have received the premium due to it for the coverage. The insurer is liable to the insured for losses covered by the insurance and for unearned premiums that may become payable to the insured upon cancellation of the insurance, whether or not in fact the surplus lines insurance producer is indebted to the insurer with respect to the insurance or for any other cause. This provision does not affect rights as between the insurer and the surplus lines insurance producer.
     (2) A payment of premium to a surplus lines insurance producer acting for a person other than individually in negotiating, continuing, or reviewing a policy of insurance under this part is considered to be payment to the insurer, notwithstanding any conditions or stipulations that may be inserted in the policy or contract.
     (3) Each unauthorized insurer assuming a surplus lines direct risk under The Surplus Lines Insurance Law is considered to have subjected itself to the terms of this section.

     History: En. Sec. 193, Ch. 286, L. 1959; R.C.M. 1947, 40-3418; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 537, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 285, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 713, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1082, Ch. 56, L. 2009.