Sec. 20.3. (a) Minimum premiums or rates may be disapproved at the following times:

(1) At any time subsequent to the effective date.

(2) Before the effective date.

(b) Minimum premiums or rates may be disapproved for any of the following reasons:

(1) If the company fails to comply with the filing requirements under section 20.2 of this chapter.

(2) If the commissioner finds that the minimum premium or rate is excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory.

(c) The following procedure shall be used for disapproval of minimum premiums or rates:

(1) The commissioner may disapprove, without hearing, minimum premiums or rates filed under section 20.2 or 28.1 of this chapter that have not become effective. However, the bureau or a company whose minimum premiums or rates have been disapproved shall be given a hearing upon a written request made within thirty (30) days after the date of the disapproval order.

(2) Every company or the bureau shall provide within Indiana reasonable means whereby any person aggrieved by the application of its filings may be heard on written request to review the manner in which such rating system has been applied in connection with the insurance afforded or offered. If the company or the bureau fails to grant or reject such request within thirty (30) days, the aggrieved person may proceed in the same manner as if the request had been rejected. Any aggrieved person affected by the action of such company or the bureau on such request may, within thirty (30) days after written notice of such action, appeal to the commissioner who, after a hearing held upon not less than ten (10) days written notice to the aggrieved person and to such company or the bureau, may affirm, modify, or reverse such action.

(d) If the commissioner disapproves a minimum premium or rate, the commissioner shall issue an order specifying in what respects minimum premium or the rate fails to meet the requirements of this chapter and stating when within a reasonable period thereafter such minimum premium or rate shall be discontinued for any policy issued or renewed after a date specified in the order. The order shall be issued within thirty (30) days after the close of the hearing or within such reasonable time extension as the commissioner may fix. Such order may include a provision for premium adjustment for the period after the effective date of the order for policies in effect on such date.

(e) Whenever a company has no legally effective minimum premiums or rates as a result of the commissioner's disapproval of minimum premiums or rates or other act, the commissioner shall specify interim minimum premiums or rates for the company that are adequate to protect the interests of all parties and may order that a specified portion of the premiums be placed in an escrow account approved by the commissioner. When new minimum premiums or rates become legally effective, the commissioner shall order the escrowed funds or any overcharge in the interim minimum premiums or rates to be distributed appropriately, except that refunds of less than ten dollars ($10) per policyholder shall not be required.

As added by P.L.249-1989, SEC.11.