(a) In addition to all other powers and remedies vested in the commissioner by law, the commissioner shall have administrative authority to assess the penalties prescribed in this article for violation of any provision in this chapter against insurers, brokers, agents, and other entities which have been determined by the commissioner to be engaged in the business of insurance.
(b) Upon a showing of a violation of this chapter in any civil action, a court may also assess the penalties prescribed in this article. The court shall award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff who establishes a violation of this chapter.
(c) Actions for injunctive relief, penalties prescribed in this article, damages, restitution, and all other remedies in law or equity, may be brought in superior court by the Attorney General, a district attorney, or city attorney on behalf of the people of the State of California for violation of any provision in this chapter. The court shall award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff who establishes a violation of this chapter.
(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1132, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 1993.)