Whenever facts exist by reason of which, under any provision of this code, or other laws the commissioner may suspend, revoke, or deny any license or certificate of authority granted under any provision of this code, if the making or maintenance in force of a contract of insurance is one of the circumstances out of which such facts arise, or if, by reason of the existence of such facts, or in connection therewith a contract of insurance is made or maintained in force, the commissioner may, in lieu of or in addition to, such suspension, revocation or denial of license or certificate, by order require the immediate cancellation of such contract, unless such contract, by its terms, is not subject to cancellation by the insurer and the insured did not knowingly participate in such wrongful acts.

The commissioner may also, in any such case, notify the insured, stating the reason why such cancellation was required.

In any such case, whether or not the particular contract is thus required to be canceled or is subject to such cancellation, the commissioner may order the insurer, insurance agent, broker, solicitor, surplus line broker, or life agent soliciting, negotiating, or effecting such insurance to refrain from effecting insurance upon the property, risk, or insured under such contract for not exceeding five years from the date of the order.

The commissioner may suspend or revoke, or deny an application for, any license or certificate of authority granted under any provision of this code to any applicant or licensee violating any order issued by him pursuant to this section.

(Added by Stats. 1937, Ch. 724.)