(1) The license of any service warranty association may be revoked or suspended, or the office may refuse to renew any such license, if it is determined that the association has violated any lawful rule or order of the commission or office or any provision of this part.
(2) The license of any service warranty association shall be suspended or revoked if it is determined that such association:
(a) Is in an unsound financial condition, or is in such condition as would render its further transaction of service warranties in this state hazardous or injurious to its warranty holders or to the public.
(b) Has refused to be examined or to produce its accounts, records, and files for examination, or if any of its officers have refused to give information with respect to its affairs or have refused to perform any other legal obligation as to such examination, when required by the office.
(c) Has failed to pay any final judgment rendered against it in this state within 60 days after the judgment became final.
(d) Has, without just cause, refused to pay proper claims arising under its service warranties or, without just cause, has compelled warranty holders to accept less than the amount due them, or to employ attorneys, or to bring suit against the association to secure full payment or settlement of such claims.
(e) Is affiliated with, and under the same general management or interlocking directorate or ownership as, another service warranty association which transacts direct warranties in this state without having a license therefor.
(f) Is using such methods or practices in the conduct of its business as would render its further transaction of service warranties in this state hazardous or injurious to its warranty holders or to the public.
(3) The office may, pursuant to s. 120.60, in its discretion and without advance notice or hearing thereon, immediately suspend the license of any service warranty association if it finds that one or more of the following circumstances exist:
(a) The association is insolvent or impaired as defined in s. 631.011.
(b) The association’s reserve account required by s. 634.406(1) is not being maintained.
(c) A proceeding for receivership, conservatorship, or rehabilitation or any other delinquency proceeding regarding the association has been commenced in any state.
(d) The financial condition or business practices of the association otherwise pose an imminent threat to the public health, safety, or welfare of the residents of this state.
(e) The association fails to affirm or deny coverage of claims upon the written request of the agreement holder within a reasonable time after notification of the claim.
(f) The association fails to promptly provide a reasonable explanation in writing to the agreement holder of the basis in the service agreement, in relation to the facts or applicable law, for denial of a claim or for the offer of a compromise settlement.
(4) A violation of this part by an insurer is grounds for suspension or revocation of the insurer’s certificate of authority in this state.
History.—s. 5, ch. 78-255; s. 3, ch. 81-148; s. 2, ch. 81-318; s. 3, ch. 83-265; ss. 7, 36, 37, 38, ch. 83-322; s. 54, ch. 91-106; s. 20, ch. 93-195; s. 1495, ch. 2003-261.