(a) In any suit brought in this state against an insurer, process may be served upon the insurer as follows:
(1) As to domestic insurers, service of process may be had only in the manner as provided by § 16-58-124;
(2) As to licensed foreign or alien insurers, service on and after January 1, 2003, may be made as provided in § 23-63-301 et seq.;
(3) As to suits against unauthorized insurers, service of process shall be made as provided in §§ 23-65-101 -- 23-65-104, § 23-65-201 et seq., and §§ 23-65-301 -- 23-65-318 for unauthorized insurers and surplus lines.
(b) Any service of process shall be returnable to the court having jurisdiction under § 23-79-204.