2013 Maryland Code
INSURANCE
§ 20-504 - Add-on coverage

§20-504.

(a) (1) In this section, “add-on coverage” means coverages or services sold in connection with a policy issued by the Fund, other than coverages authorized to be offered by the Fund under this subtitle.

(2) “Add-on coverage” includes:

(i) rental reimbursement coverage;

(ii) personal effects theft coverage;

(iii) collision and comprehensive deductible waiver coverage, other than collision and comprehensive coverages provided by the Fund or other authorized insurers;

(iv) supplemental hospital benefit coverage;

(v) emergency living expense coverage;

(vi) vehicle towing coverage; and

(vii) emergency vehicle repair service coverage.

(3) “Add-on coverage” does not include fire, life, and health insurance coverages that are not directly related to the underlying motor vehicle insurance coverage and are written by an authorized insurer.

(b) (1) At the time coverage provided by the Fund is bound and before any add-on coverage is sold, a fund producer shall provide a clear and conspicuous written disclosure, in the form approved by the Commissioner, that:

(i) states that the cost of add-on coverage is not part of the premium for the related policy issued by the Fund;

(ii) includes an itemized list of any add-on coverages to be sold to the insured;

(iii) states the nature and cost of each add-on coverage to be sold; and

(iv) states that add-on coverage is optional and is not required under § 17-103 of the Transportation Article.

(2) Before an insured may purchase add-on coverage, the insured shall expressly consent to the purchase by signing the disclosure form.

(c) On continuation of a policy that includes add-on coverage, an insured need not sign a disclosure form if:

(1) the number and type of add-on coverages under the continuation do not change from the preceding policy; and

(2) the insured has signed the original disclosure form.

(d) (1) A fund producer may not:

(i) require an insured or prospective insured to purchase an add-on coverage as a condition to purchasing the related policy issued by the Fund; or

(ii) sell add-on coverage or any combination of add-on coverages in an amount that exceeds $200 per covered vehicle in connection with a private passenger auto insurance policy.

(2) A pattern or practice of violations of this section by a fund producer is subject to the same penalties as a violation of § 20-513 of this subtitle.