Ins 4.10(6)(b)1.1. Four members shall be nominated by national and state associations that represent property and casualty insurers. If more than four members are nominated, the commissioner shall designate the four members from the list of nominations. Ins 4.10(6)(b)2.2. All other insurers not members of the associations in subd. 1 shall elect one member by weighted votes based on each insurer’s weighted premiums written. Ins 4.10(6)(b)3.3. The commissioner shall appoint members to represent:
stock agents—one member
mutual agents—one member
consumers and other persons not affiliated in any way with the insurance industry—4 members Ins 4.10(6)(b)4.4. Not more than one insurer in a group under the same management or ownership shall serve on the governing committee at the same time. Nominees for individuals to serve as consumer members and as representatives of other persons not affiliated in any way with the insurance industry shall be sought from community groups, local agencies, and from other members of the governing committee. Ins 4.10(7)(a)(a) The governing committee shall meet as often as may be required to perform the general duties of the administration of the Plan or on the call of the commissioner. Six members of the committee present or by proxy shall constitute a quorum. Members of the committee who choose to appoint a proxy shall give a written proxy to the person elected to act as proxy. The written proxy shall then be filed with the governing committee, thus ensuring the validity of the proxy’s actions as the governing committee performs its duties. Ins 4.10(7)(b)(b) The governing committee shall be empowered to appoint a manager, who shall serve at the pleasure of the committee, to budget expenses, levy assessments, disburse funds, and perform all other duties of the Plan. The adoption of or substantive changes in pension plans or employee benefit programs for the manager and staff shall be subject to approval of the governing committee. Ins 4.10(7)(c)(c) The governing committee may designate, with the approval of the commissioner, a rate service organization as defined in s. 625.02 (2), Stats., to make inspections as required under the Plan and to perform such other duties as may be authorized by the governing committee. Ins 4.10(7)(d)(d) The manager shall annually prepare an operating budget which shall be subject to approval of the governing committee. Ins 4.10(7)(e)(e) The governing committee shall submit to the commissioner periodic reports setting forth information as the commissioner may request. Ins 4.10(7)(f)(f) The governing committee shall separately code all policies written by the Plan so that appropriate records may be compiled for purposes of performing loss prevention and other studies of the operation of the Plan. Ins 4.10(7)(g)(g) The governing committee shall authorize the manager to file rates, surcharge schedules and forms for prior approval by the commissioner. Ins 4.10(7)(h)(h) The governing committee shall prepare such agreements and contracts as may be necessary for the execution of this section consistent with its provisions. Ins 4.10(8)(a)(a) There shall be an annual meeting of the insurers on a date fixed by the governing committee at which time members may be chosen under sub. (6) (b) 1., 2. and 4. Ins 4.10(8)(b)(b) A special meeting shall be called within 40 days by the governing committee after receipt of a written request from any 10 insurers, not more than one of which may be in a group under the same management or ownership. Ins 4.10(8)(c)(c) The time and place of all meetings shall be reasonable. Twenty days’ notice of an annual or special meeting shall be given in writing by the governing committee to all insurers as defined by sub. (3) (d). Six members present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum. Voting by proxy shall be permitted. Ins 4.10(8)(d)(d) Any matter not inconsistent with the law or this section may be proposed and voted upon at any special meeting of the committee. Notice of any such proposal shall be mailed to each insurer not less than 20 days prior to the final date fixed by the committee for voting thereon. Ins 4.10(9)(a)(a) Any person having an insurable interest in an eligible risk under sub. (4) (a), and who has received within the last 6 months a notice of rejection or cancellation from an insurer, may apply for insurance by the Plan. The notice of rejection or cancellation shall accompany the application. Ins 4.10(9)(b)(b) An inspection need not be made if the governing committee determines that insurance can be provided for specified classes of risks on the basis of representations of the applicant or the insurance agent. Ins 4.10(9)(c)(c) The Plan may bind coverage. The Plan may wait until receipt of the inspection report or receipt of additional underwriting information before determining whether to bind coverage. Ins 4.10(10)(a)(a) The inspection by the Plan shall be without cost for the applicant. Ins 4.10(10)(b)(b) The manner and scope of the inspection shall be prescribed by the Plan with the approval of the commissioner. Ins 4.10(10)(c)(c) An inspection report shall be made for each property inspected covering pertinent structural and occupancy features as well as the general condition of the building and surrounding structures. Representative photographs may be taken during the inspection to indicate the pertinent features of building, construction, maintenance, occupancy, and surrounding property. Ins 4.10(10)(e)(e) After the inspection, a copy of the completed inspection report and any relevant photographs shall be kept on file by the Plan. The report shall include a description of any deficient physical condition charges proposed by the inspector. A copy of the inspection report shall be made available to the applicant or agent upon request. Ins 4.10(11)(11) Procedure after inspection and receipt of application. Ins 4.10(11)(a)(a) After receipt of the application, the inspection report, and any additional underwriting information requested from the applicant, and the application, the Plan shall within 5 business days complete and send to the applicant an action report advising him or her of one of the following: Ins 4.10(11)(a)1.1. That the risk is acceptable. If the inspection reveals substandard conditions, appropriate charges may be imposed but the report shall specify the improvements necessary for removal of each such charge. Ins 4.10(11)(a)2.2. That the risk is declined unless reasonable improvements noted in the action report are made by the applicant and confirmed by reinspection. Ins 4.10(11)(a)3.3. That the risk is declined because it fails to meet reasonable underwriting standards as set forth in sub. (12) or (13). Reasonable underwriting standards as set forth in sub. (12) or (13) shall not include neighborhood or area location or any environment hazard beyond the control of the property owner. Ins 4.10(11)(b)(b) If the risk is accepted, the action report shall advise the applicant of: Ins 4.10(11)(b)2.2. The amount of coverage the Plan agrees to write, if specified improvements are made. Ins 4.10(11)(b)3.3. The amount of coverage the Plan agrees to write only if a large or special deductible is agreed to by the applicant. Ins 4.10(11)(c)(c) If the risk is accepted, the Plan, upon receipt of the premium, shall deliver the policy to the applicant or to the licensed agent designated by the applicant for delivery to the applicant. The Plan shall remit the commissions to the licensed agent designated by the applicant. If no licensed agent is so designated, the policy shall be delivered to the applicant and the commission shall be retained by the Plan. Ins 4.10(11)(d)(d) If the risk is conditionally declined under par. (a) 2. but can be improved to meet reasonable standards the Plan shall promptly advise the applicant what improvements noted in the action report should be made to the property. Upon completion of the improvements by the applicant or property owner, the Plan when so notified, shall have the property promptly reinspected under sub. (10) and shall send a new action report to the applicant. Ins 4.10(11)(e)(e) If a risk is declined under par. (a) 3., the Plan shall promptly send copies of the inspection and action reports to the applicant and shall advise the applicant of the right to a hearing set forth in sub. (16) (a). Ins 4.10(12)(12) Reasonable underwriting standards for property coverage. The following characteristics may be used in determining whether a risk is acceptable for property coverage. Where there is more than one cause for declination, all shall be listed and complied with before the property may be accepted for insurance purposes. Ins 4.10(12)(a)(a) Physical condition of property; however, the mere fact that a property does not satisfy all current building code specifications will not, of itself, suffice as a reason for declination. Ins 4.10(12)(b)(b) The property’s present use such as extended vacancy or extended unoccupancy of the property for 60 consecutive days. Properties that are vacant or unoccupied for more than 60 days may be insured while rehabilitation or reconstruction work is actively in process meaning that the insured or owner should make monthly progress in order to complete the rehabilitation or reconstruction within a one year time frame. Ins 4.10(12)(c)(c) Other specific characteristics of ownership, condition, occupancy or maintenance, that violate the law and that result in substantial increased exposure to a loss. Any circumstance considered under this paragraph must relate to the peril insured against. Ins 4.10(12)(d)(d) Characteristics of ownership or maintenance of building including any 2 of the following conditions: Ins 4.10(12)(d)1.1. Failure to pay real estate taxes on the property after the taxes have been delinquent for one year or more. Real estate taxes shall not be deemed to be delinquent for this purpose even if they are due and constitute a lien so long as a grace period remains under local law during which such taxes may be paid without penalty. Ins 4.10(12)(d)2.2. Failure, within the insured’s control, to furnish water for 30 consecutive days or more. Ins 4.10(12)(d)3.3. Failure, within the insured’s control, to furnish heat for 30 consecutive days or more during the heating season. Ins 4.10(12)(d)4.4. Failure, within the insured’s control, to furnish public lighting for 30 consecutive days or more. Ins 4.10(12)(e)(e) Physical condition of buildings which results in an outstanding order to vacate, an outstanding demolition order or in being declared unsafe in accordance with the applicable law. Ins 4.10(12)(f)(f) One or more of the conditions for nonrenewal as listed in sub. (14) currently exist. The Plan shall, upon notice that conditions at the buildings have changed, consider new application for coverage. Ins 4.10(12)(g)(g) Vandalism and malicious mischief coverage shall not be provided for a dwelling or commercial property where the property has been subject to 2 vandalism and malicious mischief losses, each loss amounting to at least $500.00 in the immediately preceding 12-month period or 3 or more such losses in the immediately preceding 24-month period. Ins 4.10(12)(h)(h) Previous loss history or matters of public record concerning the applicant or any person defined as an insured under the policy. Ins 4.10(12)(i)(i) Any other guidelines which have been approved by the commissioner. Ins 4.10(13)(13) Reasonable underwriting standards for liability coverage. The following characteristics may be used in determining whether a risk is acceptable for liability insurance on homeowner policies: Ins 4.10(13)(a)(a) Liability insurance shall only be provided as contained in the Wisconsin Insurance Plan homeowners policy. Ins 4.10(13)(c)(c) Liability insurance shall not be provided for risks with any of the following deficiencies, as disclosed by the application or inspection, until they have been corrected. Ins 4.10(13)(c)1.1. Broken, cracked, uneven or otherwise faulty steps, porches, decks, sidewalks, patios and similar areas. Ins 4.10(13)(c)2.2. Downspouts or drains which discharge onto sidewalks or driveways. Ins 4.10(13)(c)4.4. Animals known to be vicious or animals which have caused a liability claim. Ins 4.10(13)(c)5.5. Swimming pools or private ponds not fenced in accordance with local regulations. Ins 4.10(13)(c)7.7. Junk cars, empty refrigerators or other potentially dangerous objects in the yard which are an attraction to children. Ins 4.10(13)(d)(d) Previous loss history or matters of public record concerning the applicant or any person defined as an insured under the policy. Ins 4.10(13)(e)(e) Any other guidelines which have been approved by the commissioner. Ins 4.10(13)(f)(f) Liability insurance may not be provided where there is a business operating at the insured location, unless the applicant has in force a business liability policy with limits of at least $100,000 per occurrence providing premises liability coverage. Ins 4.10(13)(g)(g) Liability insurance shall not be provided where the applicant owns three or more horses or other riding animals, unless the applicant has in force a liability policy with limits of at least $100,000 per occurrence providing coverage for the ownership and use of these horses or these other riding animals. Ins 4.10(14)(14) Cancellation; nonrenewal and limitations; review of eligibility. Ins 4.10(14)(a)(a) The Plan shall not cancel or refuse to renew a policy issued by the Plan except for the following: Ins 4.10(14)(a)1.1. Facts as confirmed by inspection or investigation which would have been grounds for nonacceptance of the risk by the Plan had they been known to the Plan at the time of acceptance. Ins 4.10(14)(a)2.2. Changes in the physical condition of the property or other changed conditions as confirmed by inspection or investigation that make the risk uninsurable under sub. (12) or (13). Ins 4.10(14)(a)4.4. At least 65% of the rental units in the building are unoccupied, and the insured has not received prior approval from the Plan of a rehabilitation program which necessitates a high degree of unoccupancy. Ins 4.10(14)(a)5.5. Unrepaired damage exists and the insured has stated that repairs will not be made or such time has elapsed as clearly indicates that the damage will not be repaired. The elapsed time under this subdivision is a length of time over 60 days where the damage remains unrepaired, unless there are known to be extenuating circumstances. Ins 4.10(14)(a)6.6. After a loss, permanent repairs following payment of the claim have not been commenced within 60 days, unless there are known to be extenuating circumstances. The 60-day period starts upon acceptance of payment of the claim. Ins 4.10(14)(a)8.8. Utilities such as electric, gas or water services have been disconnected or the insured has failed to pay an account for such services within 120 days; Ins 4.10(14)(a)9.9. Real estate taxes have not been paid for a 2-year period after the taxes have become delinquent. Real estate taxes shall not be deemed to be delinquent for this purpose if they are due and constitute a lien, so long as a grace period remains under local law under which taxes may be paid without penalty. Ins 4.10(14)(a)10.10. There is good cause to believe based on reliable information that the building will be burned for the purpose of collecting the insurance on the property. The removal of damaged salvageable items, such as normally permanent fixtures, from the building shall be considered under this item when the insured can give no reasonable explanation of such removal. Ins 4.10(14)(a)11.11. A named insured or loss payee or other person having a financial interest in the property being convicted of the crime of arson or a crime involving a purpose to defraud an insurance company. The fact that an appeal has been entered shall not negate the use of this subdivision. Ins 4.10(14)(a)12.12. The property has been subject to more than 2 losses, each loss amounting to at least $500 or 1% of the insurance in force, whichever is greater, in the immediately preceding 12-month period, or more than 3 such losses in the immediately preceding 24-month period, provided that the cause of such losses is due to the conditions which are the responsibility of the owner named insured or due to the actions of any person defined as an insured under the policy. Ins 4.10(14)(a)13.13. Theft frequency in which there have been more than 2 thefts, each loss amounting to at least $500 in a 12-month period. Ins 4.10(14)(a)15.15. On homeowners policies, excessive theft or liability losses. If on a given property there have been 2 or more losses within a 2-year period or 3 or more losses within a 5-year period, with theft and liability evaluated separately, the Plan may convert the homeowners policy to a dwelling policy. Ins 4.10(14)(a)16.16. On homeowner policies, excessive vandalism and malicious mischief losses. In the event that a given property has been subject to 2 vandalism and malicious mischief losses, each loss amounting to at least $500.00, in the immediately preceding 12-month period or 3 or more such losses in the immediately preceding 24-month period, the Plan may convert the homeowners policy to a dwelling policy without vandalism and malicious mischief coverage. Ins 4.10(14)(e)(e) At the completion of 36 months of coverage and prior to 48 months, each risk shall be reviewed for its eligibility for coverage in the voluntary market. The risk shall be submitted by the Plan to the agent of record, if any, for a search of the voluntary market. If the agent resubmits the risk to the Plan, it must be resubmitted by a new application and accompanied by a current rejection notice. The Plan shall reinspect the risk before coverage is provided. Ins 4.10(15)(a)(a) Participation and assessments by and upon each insurer in the Plan for losses and expenses in connection with Plan business shall be levied and assessed by the governing committee of the Plan on the basis of participation factors determined annually, giving effect to the proportion which such insurer’s weighted premiums written bears to the aggregate weighted premiums written by all insurers in the Plan.
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