2010 Arkansas Code
Title 23 - Public Utilities and Regulated Industries
Subtitle 3 - Insurance
Chapter 67 - Rates and Rating Organizations
Subchapter 2 - Regulation of Insurance Rates
§ 23-67-213 - Disapproval of rates.

23-67-213. Disapproval of rates.

(a) Basis of Disapproval. (1) The Insurance Commissioner may disapprove a rate without a hearing if the insurer fails to file the information required pursuant to this chapter.

(2) The commissioner may disapprove a rate without a hearing if he or she finds that the rate is excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory under 23-67-208(b), (c), or (d).

(b) Disapproval Procedures. (1) If the commissioner disapproves a rate without a hearing, he or she shall send a notice to the insurer or rating organization stating wherein the filing is deficient in terms of the criteria in 23-67-209. An insurer or rating organization aggrieved by any order or decision of the commissioner made without a hearing, within thirty (30) days after notice to the insurer or organization, may make written request to the commissioner for a hearing thereon. The commissioner shall hear the party or parties within twenty (20) days after receipt of the request and shall give not less than ten (10) days' written notice of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing shall be concluded within fifteen (15) days from its commencement, except that the commissioner, for good cause shown and with notice to the interested parties, may grant additional time, not to exceed thirty (30) days. Within fifteen (15) days after the hearing, the commissioner shall affirm, reverse, or modify his or her previous action, specifying his or her reasons therefor. Pending the hearing and decision thereon, the commissioner may suspend or postpone the effective date of his or her previous action.

(2) For rates in effect pursuant to 23-67-211 and 23-67-212, if the commissioner finds after a hearing that a rate is not in compliance with 23-67-208 -- 23-67-210, the commissioner shall issue an order specifying in what respects it so fails and stating when, within a reasonable period thereafter, the rates shall be deemed no longer effective.

(c) Consent to Excessive Rate. Upon written consent of the insured stating his or her reasons therefor, a rate in excess of that provided by an otherwise applicable filing may be used on a specific risk. The "consent-to-rate" shall be on a form signed by the insured that includes a statement that the insured consents to a rate in excess of the filed rate. This form shall remain on file with the producing agent or broker.