Article 14 - Proceedings in Cases of Insolvency and Delinquency

California Insurance Code — §§ 1010-1062

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Sections (64)

Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 740, Sec. 3.9. Effective January 1, 2007.

(a)The provisions of this article shall apply to all persons, except the State Compensation Insurance Fund, subject to examination by the commissioner, or purporting to do insurance business in this state, or in the process of organization with intent to do such business therein, or from whom the commissioner’s certificate of authority is required for the transaction of business, or whose certificate of authority is revoked or suspended.
(b)Notwithstanding subdivision (a), if

any of the conditions set forth in Section 1011 exists with respect to the State Compensation Insurance Fund, and the commissioner would otherwise file a verified application with the superior court or proceed under Section 1013 against the fund, the commissioner shall instead issue a report to the Governor, the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Assembly setting forth the conditions that exist and recommending a course to remedy those conditions. The Governor, in consultation with the Legislature, shall direct a course of action to be implemented by the fund’s board of directors, or if additional legislative action is necessary, recommend a course of action to the Legislature, or both.

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 321, Sec. 7. (AB 1391) Effective January 1, 2014.

The superior court of the county in which the principal office of a person described in Section 1010 is located, upon the filing by the commissioner of the verified application showing any of the conditions in this subdivision exist, or a filing by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of the verified application showing that the conditions enumerated in subdivision (j) exist and the conditions set forth in Section 5383(e)(3) of Title 12 of the United States Code having been satisfied, shall issue its order vesting title to all of the assets of that person, wheresoever situated, in the commissioner or his or her successor in office, in his or her official capacity, and direct the commissioner forthwith to take possession of all of its books, records,

property, real and personal, and assets, and to conduct, as conservator, the business of the person, or so much thereof as to the commissioner may seem appropriate, and enjoining the person and its officers, directors, agents, servants, and employees from the transaction of its business or disposition of its property until any of the following further order of the court:

(a)That the person has refused to submit its books, papers, accounts, or affairs to the reasonable inspection of the commissioner or his or her deputy or examiner.
(b)That the person has neglected or refused to observe an order of the commissioner to make good within the time prescribed by law any deficiency in its capital if it is a stock corporation, or in its reserve if it is a mutual insurer.
(c)That the person, without first obtaining the consent in writing of the commissioner, has transferred, or attempted to transfer, substantially its entire property or business or, without consent, has entered into any transaction the effect of which is to merge, consolidate, or reinsure substantially its entire property or business in or with the property or business of any other person.
(d)That the person is found, after an examination, to be in a condition that makes its further transaction of business hazardous to its policyholders, or creditors, or to the public.
(e)That the person has violated its charter or any law of the state.
(f)That any officer of

the person refuses to be examined under oath, touching its affairs.

(g)That any officer or attorney in fact of the person has embezzled, sequestered, or wrongfully diverted any of the assets of the person.
(h)That a domestic insurer does not comply with the requirements for the issuance to it of a certificate of authority, or that its certificate of authority has been revoked.
(i)That the last report of examination of any person to whom the provisions of this article apply shows the person to be insolvent within the meaning of Article 13 (commencing with Section 980) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 1; or if a reciprocal or interinsurance exchange, within the applicable provisions of Section 1370.2, 1370.4,

1371, or 1372; or if a life insurer, within the applicable provisions of Sections 10510 and 10511.

(j)Notification is given by the United States Secretary of the Treasury that a determination has been made by the secretary, in accordance with and satisfying the provisions of Section 5383(b) of Title 12 of the United States Code, as to a person described in Section 1010 that is an insurance company as defined in Section 5381(a)(13) of Title 12 of the United States Code, and one of the following:
(1)The board of directors, or body performing similar functions, of the person acquiesces or consents to the appointment of a receiver as provided for in Section 5832(a)(1)(A)(i) of Title 12 of the United States Code, with that consent to be considered to be consent to issuance of an

order under this section.

(2)The United States District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order for the appointment of a receiver of the person as provided for in Section 5382(a)(1)(A)(iv)(I) of Title 12 of the United States Code, without regard to whether an appeal of the order is pending.
(3)A petition by the United States Secretary of the Treasury for appointment of a receiver was made to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and was granted by operation of the law as provided for in Section 5382(a)(1)(A)(v) of Title 12 of the United States Code, without regard to whether an appeal of the order is pending.

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 321, Sec. 8. (AB 1391) Effective January 1, 2014.

If a verified application is filed pursuant to Section 1011 that shows that the conditions set forth in subdivision (j) of Section 1011 exist and upon a showing that notice was provided to the person that is the subject of the verification application, all of the following apply:

(a)A superior court hearing shall be held in which the person may oppose the verified application solely on the grounds that the conditions set forth in subdivision (j) of Section 1101 do not exist. The hearing shall be completed within 24 hours after the verified application is filed with the court.
(b)The superior court shall issue an order as provided for in Section

1011 within 24 hours after the verified application was filed with the court.

(c)If the superior court does not issue an order within 24 hours as provided for in subdivision (b), then an order described in Section 1011 shall be deemed granted by operation of law upon expiration of the 24-hour period, without further notice.
(d)An order entered by the superior court pursuant to subdivision (b) or entered by operation of law pursuant to subdivision (c) shall not be subject to any stay or injunction pending appeal.

Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 534, Sec. 18. (AB 1699) Effective January 1, 2018.

The consent described in subdivision (c) of Section 1011 shall be obtained by filing an application with the commissioner in a form to be prescribed by him or her accompanied by that additional information concerning the insurer, its condition and affairs, as the commissioner requires.

A fee of six thousand three hundred fifty dollars ($6,350) shall be paid to the commissioner for the filing of the application.

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 321, Sec. 9. (AB 1391) Effective January 1, 2014.

Except in the case of an order issued based on a verified application showing the conditions in subdivision (j) of Section 1011 to exist, the order shall continue in force and effect until, on the application either of the commissioner or of that person, it shall, after a full hearing, appear to the court that the ground for the order directing the commissioner to take title and possession does not exist or has been removed and that the person can properly resume title and possession of its property and the conduct of its business.

Amended by Stats. 1935, Ch. 291.

Whenever it appears to the commissioner that any of the conditions set forth in section 1011 exist or that irreparable loss and injury to the property and business of a person specified in section 1010 has occurred or may occur unless the commissioner so act immediately, the commissioner, without notice and before applying to the court for any order, forthwith shall take possession of the property, business, books, records and accounts of such person, and of the offices and premises occupied by it for the transaction of its business, and retain possession subject to the order of the court. Any person having possession of and refusing to deliver any of the books, records or

assets of a person against whom a seizure order has been issued by the commissioner, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.

Amended by Stats. 1935, Ch. 291.

Whenever the commissioner makes any seizure as provided in section 1013, it shall, on the demand of the commissioner, be the duty of the sheriff of any county of this State, and of the police department of any municipal corporation therein, to furnish him with such deputies, patrolmen or officers as may be necessary to assist the commissioner in making and enforcing any such seizure.

Amended by Stats. 1935, Ch. 291.

Immediately after such seizure, the commissioner shall institute a proceeding as provided for in section 1011 and thereafter shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of this article.

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 321, Sec. 10. (AB 1391) Effective January 1, 2014.

(a)If at any time after the issuance of an order under Section 1011, or if at the time of instituting any proceeding under this article, including under Section 1011, it shall appear to the commissioner that it would be futile to proceed as conservator with the conduct of the business of that person, he or she may apply to the court for an order to liquidate and wind up the business of the person. Upon a full hearing of that application, the court may make an order directing the winding up and liquidation of the business of that person by the commissioner, as liquidator, for the purpose of carrying out the order to liquidate and wind up the business of that person.
(b)Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the court may issue an order to liquidate and wind up the business of a person as to whom a verified application is filed pursuant to subdivision (j) of Section 1011 based solely on the verified application and hearing as provided for in subdivision (a) of Section 1011.1, without further hearing, or may issue an order to liquidate and wind up the business of the person upon application by the commissioner after the issuance of an order under Section 1011. The court’s order may direct the winding up and liquidation of the business of the person by the commissioner, as liquidator, for the purpose of carrying out the order to liquidate and wind up the business of the person.

Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 578, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1996.

(a)In the commissioner’s application for an order for the liquidation of a domestic corporation, or at any time thereafter, the commissioner may apply for, and the court shall make, an order dissolving the corporation.
(b)At any time during a proceeding for the liquidation of a domestic corporation authorized under Section 1016, the commissioner may apply for, and the court shall make, an order to permit the commissioner to sell the charter and license of that corporation while

continuing to administer and distribute the remaining assets according to the provisions of this article. The order shall provide that the liabilities of the domestic corporation may not be transferred with the charter and license. In continuing the administration and distribution of assets the commissioner need not establish a liquidating trust or other, similar entity.

Amended by Stats. 1935, Ch. 291.

The recording in the office of a county recorder of any county in the State of an order entered pursuant to section 1011, 1016 or 1017 shall impart the same notice that would be imparted by the recordation of a deed, bill of sale or other evidence of title duly executed by such person.

Amended by Stats. 1939, Ch. 934.

Upon the issuance of an order of liquidation under section 1016, the rights and liabilities of any such person and of creditors, policyholders, shareholders and members, and all other persons interested in its assets, including the State of California, shall, unless otherwise directed by the court, be fixed as of the date of the entry of the order in the office of the clerk of the county wherein the application was made.

Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 1460.

Upon the issuance of an order either under Section 1011 or 1016, or at any time thereafter, the court shall issue such other injunctions or orders as may be deemed necessary to prevent any or all of the following occurrences:

(a)Interference with the commissioner or the proceeding.
(b)Waste of assets of such person.
(c)The institution or prosecution of any actions or proceedings.
(d)The obtaining of preferences,

judgments, attachments, or other liens against such person or its assets.

(e)The making of any levy against any such person or its assets.
(f)The sale or deed for nonpayment of taxes or assessments levied by any taxing agency of property:
(1)Owned by such person.
(2)Upon which such person holds an encumbrance.
(3)Upon which such person has prior thereto commenced an action to foreclose any deed of trust or mortgage or has exercised the power of sale under any trust deed or mortgage which sale or foreclosure proceedings have not yet been completed or upon which no trustee’s deed or judgment of court or sheriff’s certificate of sale has been issued. “Taxing agency” as used in this

section has the meaning ascribed to it by Section 121 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. The injunctions or orders authorized by this subdivision may be modified, dissolved or rescinded by the court on motion of the commissioner, the State Controller, the person charged with the collection of taxes or assessments on such property, or any person beneficially interested in the property. The recording in the office of the county recorder of any county in the State of an order or injunction issued pursuant to this section, shall constitute service of such order or injunction upon any taxing agency with respect to property or interests therein located in such county.

(g)Any managing general agent or attorney in fact from withholding from the commissioner any books, records, accounts, documents or other writing relating to the business of such person; provided, however, that, if by contract or otherwise any of the same are the property of such an

agent or attorney, the same shall be returned when no longer necessary to the commissioner or at any time the court after notice and hearing shall so direct.

Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 578, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1996.

(a)Upon the making of an order to liquidate the business of such person, the commissioner shall publish notice to its policyholders, creditors, shareholders, and all other persons interested in its assets. The order and the notice shall require claimants to file their claims with the commissioner, together with proper proofs thereof, within six months to one year, at the commissioner’s discretion, after the date of first publication of such notice, in the manner specified in this article.
(b)The time period specified in subdivision (a) shall not apply to the California Insurance Guarantee Association or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association provided it files with the commissioner a notice of possible claim within such six-month period and files actual claim or claims within such periods of time as may be permitted by order of court.
(c)Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (a), both of the following apply:
(1)If the commissioner determines that the business subject to liquidation order possesses, or is likely to possess, insufficient assets to permit significant distribution to a person interested in those assets, the commissioner may decline to handle a claim submitted pursuant to subdivision (a), as long as the notice requirements of subdivision (a) and Section 1022 are observed.
(2)If the commissioner reasonably determines that the business subject to liquidation order possesses, or is likely to possess, insufficient assets to permit significant distribution of funds to pay the expenses of administration under this article, as provided in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 1033, the commissioner may decline to continue, and may abandon, the insolvency proceeding upon providing notice pursuant to subdivision (a) and Section 1022.

Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 786, Sec. 13. (AB 2303) Effective January 1, 2013.

The notice shall be published in newspapers of general circulation in geographic areas pertinent to the liquidation. The notice shall reference a source, either the liquidated company’s or the liquidator’s Internet Web site, where ongoing information for creditors shall be provided. A copy of the notice, accompanied by an affidavit of due publication, including a statement of the date of publication, shall be filed with the clerk

of the court.

Amended by Stats. 1935, Ch. 291.

A claim must set forth, under oath, on the form prescribed by the commissioner:

(a)The particulars thereof, and the consideration therefor.
(b)Whether said claim is secured or unsecured, and, if secured, the nature and amount of such security.
(c)The payments, if any, made thereon.
(d)That the sum claimed is justly owing from such person to the claimant.
(e)That there is no offset to the claim.
(f)Such other data or supporting documents as the commissioner requires.

Amended by Stats. 1935, Ch. 291.

Unless such claim is filed in the manner and within the time provided in section 1021, it shall not be entitled to filing or allowance, and no action may be maintained thereon. In the liquidation, pursuant to the provisions of this article, of any domestic insurer which has issued policies insuring the lives of persons, the commissioner shall, within thirty days after the last day set for the filing of claims, make a list of the persons who have not filed proofs of claim with him and to whom, according to the books of said insurer, there are amounts owing under such policies, and he shall set opposite the name of each person the amount so owing to such person. Each person

whose name shall appear upon said list shall be deemed to have duly filed, prior to the last day set for the filing of claims, a claim for the amount set opposite his name on said list.

Amended by Stats. 1939, Ch. 934.

Claims founded upon unliquidated or undetermined demands must be filed within the time limit provided in this article for the filing of claims, but claims founded upon such demands shall not share in any distribution to creditors of a person proceeded against under section 1016 until such claims have been definitely determined, proved and allowed. Thereafter, such claims shall share ratably with other claims of the same class in all subsequent distributions.

An unliquidated or undetermined claim or demand within the meaning of this article shall be deemed to be any such claim or demand upon which a right of action has accrued at the

date of the order of liquidation and upon which the liability has not been determined or the amount thereof liquidated.

Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 334, Sec. 1. (SB 1408) Effective September 27, 2010.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 1021 to 1025, inclusive, the commissioner may, in lieu of requiring claimants to file separate claims:

(a)File a claim himself or herself on behalf of all claimants for return premiums.
(b)Permit any assignee of the right of the insured to a return premium

by virtue of a valid assignment, as security or otherwise, made prior to an order under Section 1011 or a seizure under Section 1013, whichever is earlier in time in the particular case, to file one claim as assignee on behalf of all insureds having assigned rights to the assignee, which shall set forth such information as may be required under Section 1023.

(c)Permit the California Insurance Guarantee Association under subdivision (b) of Section 1063.4, or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association under paragraph (1) of subdivision (k) of Section 1067.07 to file one claim, for its association, combining all assigned claims and setting forth the information that the commissioner may require under Section 1023.

Amended by Stats. 1935, Ch. 291.

Whenever any person has a cause of action against an insured and such cause is covered by a liability policy, such person, if the insurer is adjudged insolvent, may file a claim in the liquidation proceeding even if the claim is undetermined or unliquidated.

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