Chapter 616

616.54(7) (7) Assurance of performance; deposit or irrevocable letter of credit.

616.54(7)(a) (a) A provider may satisfy sub. (5) by providing security to compensate any service contract holder who sustains a loss due to the failure of the provider to perform its obligations under a service contract as a result of insolvency or other financial impairment. The commissioner shall approve the amount and form of the security.

616.54(7)(b) (b) The security under this subsection shall be in one or a combination of the following forms:

616.54(7)(b)1. 1. A deposit of securities under s. 601.13 for the benefit of Wisconsin consumers.

616.54(7)(b)2. 2. An irrevocable letter of credit that is from a bank properly chartered by the federal government or any state, that is acceptable to the commissioner, and that is issued for a term of at least 5 years with provision for renewal 2 years before termination. The letter of credit shall be payable to the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee for the benefit of Wisconsin consumers upon a finding by the commissioner that a provider is insolvent or financially impaired and unable to meet its obligations under service contracts issued in Wisconsin. The provider shall notify the commissioner in writing of the nonrenewal of a letter of credit within 30 days after receiving a notice of nonrenewal. No provider whose letter of credit has been nonrenewed may offer or sell or renew any service contract on or after the date of nonrenewal until the provider obtains security satisfying the requirements of this subsection or satisfies the requirements of sub. (6).

616.54(7)(c) (c) The security under this subsection shall be not less than $50,000 plus one of the following:

616.54(7)(c)1. 1. If the provider has not appointed an administrator under s. 616.54 (1), 15 percent of the provider fees collected from service contract holders for all unexpired service contracts in force in Wisconsin on January 1 of each year.

616.54(7)(c)2. 2. If the provider has appointed an administrator under s. 616.54 (1), 22.5 percent of the provider fees collected from service contract holders for all unexpired service contracts in Wisconsin on January 1 of each year.

616.54(7)(d) (d) The security under this subsection shall continue until released by the commissioner pursuant to a finding that it is not necessary for the reasonable protection of Wisconsin consumers.

616.54(8) (8) Financial statements. A provider using a deposit or irrevocable letter of credit as specified in sub. (7) to satisfy sub. (5) shall, by each March 31, submit financial statements for the most recent fiscal year to the commissioner that are prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that are audited by an independent certified public accountant.

616.54(9) (9) Commissioner limitation. Except for the requirements specified in sub. (5), no other financial security requirements shall be required by the commissioner for providers.

616.54(10) (10) Payment of claims. A provider shall be subject to and shall pay claims under a service contract in accordance with s. 628.46 (1) and (2).

616.54(11) (11) Service contract sellers. A service contract seller is not subject to licensure or registration under this subchapter.

616.54 History History: 2011 a. 226; 2017 a. 365 s. 112; 2019 a. 66.

616.56 616.56 Form filing and required disclosures.

616.56(1) (1) A service contract may not be marketed, sold, offered for sale, issued, made, proposed to be made, or administered in this state unless the service contract has been filed with and approved by the commissioner in a manner and format prescribed by the commissioner. Service contracts shall be filed in the final printed format or typed facsimile exactly as they will be offered for issuance or delivery in this state.

616.56(2) (2) Service contracts shall be written, printed, or typed in commonly understood language, shall be legible, appropriately divided, and captioned by their various sections, and their various sections shall be presented in a meaningful sequence. Contract filings shall be accompanied by a certificate of compliance and readability signed by an officer of the provider or administrator submitting the contract for review and approval.

616.56(3) (3) Service contracts shall contain the following statement printed in bold and capitalized type: “THIS CONTRACT IS SUBJECT TO LIMITED REGULATION BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE.”

616.56(4) (4) Service contracts insured under a reimbursement insurance policy pursuant to s. 616.54 (6) shall contain a statement in substantially the following form: “Obligations of the provider under this service contract are insured under a service contract reimbursement insurance policy.” The service contract shall state the name and address of the insurer; state that if a provider does not provide, or reimburse or pay for, a service that is covered under a service contract within 60 days after a contract holder provides proof of loss, or if the provider becomes insolvent or otherwise financially impaired, the contract holder may file a claim directly with the service contract reimbursement insurer for reimbursement, payment, or provision of the service; and state the instructions on how to file a claim.

616.56(5) (5) Service contracts not insured under a reimbursement insurance policy pursuant to s. 616.54 (6) shall contain a statement in substantially the following form: “Obligations of the provider under this service contract are backed by the full faith and credit of the provider.”

616.56(6) (6) Service contracts shall state the name and address of the provider, and shall identify any administrator that is different from the provider, the service contract seller, and the service contract holder, if the name of the service contract holder has been furnished by the service contract holder. The identities of such parties are not required to be preprinted on the service contract and may be added to the service contract at the time of sale.

616.56(7) (7) Service contracts shall state the total purchase price and the terms under which the service contract is sold. The purchase price is not required to be preprinted on the service contract and may be negotiated at the time of sale with the service contract holder.

616.56(8) (8) Service contracts shall identify any applicable deductible amount.

616.56(9) (9) Service contracts shall specify the merchandise and services to be provided and any limitations, exceptions, or exclusions.

616.56(10) (10) Service contracts covering motor vehicles shall state whether the use of nonoriginal manufacturers’ parts is allowed.

616.56(11) (11) Service contracts shall state any applicable restrictions governing the transferability of the service contract.

616.56(12) (12) Service contracts shall state the terms, restrictions, or conditions governing cancellation of the service contract by the provider prior to the termination or expiration date of the service contract. A service contract may be cancelled by a provider only for nonpayment of the provider fee, material misrepresentation by the contract holder to the provider or administrator, or substantial breach of duties by the service contract holder relating to the covered product or its use. A provider shall comply with all of the following when cancelling a service contract:

616.56(12)(a) (a) The provider shall mail a written notice to the service contract holder at the last-known address of the service contract holder contained in the records of the provider at least 5 days prior to cancellation by the provider.

616.56(12)(b) (b) The notice under par. (a) shall state the effective date of the cancellation and the reason for the cancellation.

616.56(12)(c) (c) If a service contract is cancelled by the provider for a reason other than nonpayment of the provider fee, the provider shall refund to the service contract holder 100 percent of the unearned pro rata provider fee, less any claims paid.

616.56(12)(d) (d) A provider may charge a reasonable administrative fee for cancellation, which may not exceed 10 percent of the provider fee.

616.56(13) (13) Service contracts shall set forth all of the obligations and duties of the service contract holder, including the duty to protect against any further damage and any requirement to follow the owner’s manual.

616.56(14) (14) Service contracts shall state whether or not the service contract provides for or excludes consequential damages or preexisting conditions. Service contracts may, but are not required to, cover damage resulting from rust, corrosion, or damage caused by a noncovered part or system.

616.56(15) (15) Service contracts shall require the provider to permit the service contract holder to return the service contract within 20 days of the date the service contract was mailed to the service contract holder, or within 10 days of delivery if the service contract is delivered to the service contract holder at the time of sale, or within a longer period permitted under the service contract. Upon return of the service contract to the provider within the applicable period, if no claim has been made under the service contract prior to its return to the provider, the service contract is void and the provider shall refund to the service contract holder, or credit the account of the service contract holder, the full purchase price of the service contract. Unless otherwise stated in a service contract, the right to void a service contract under this paragraph is not transferable and shall apply only to the original service contract purchaser. If a provider does not pay or credit a refund within 45 days after the return of a service contract to the provider, the provider shall pay a 10 percent per month penalty of the refund amount outstanding which the provider shall add to amount of the refund.

616.56(16) (16) Service contracts shall provide that, subsequent to the period specified in sub. (15) for voiding a service contract or if a claim has been made under a service contract within such period, a service contract holder may cancel the service contract and the provider shall refund to the service contract holder 100 percent of the unearned pro rata provider fee, less any claims paid. A provider may charge a reasonable administrative fee for the cancellation, which may not exceed 10 percent of the provider fee.

616.56(17) (17) A service contract shall be subject to s. 631.85.

616.56(18) (18) In the event of a total loss of property covered by a service contract that is not covered by a replacement of the property pursuant to the terms of the contract, a service contract holder shall be entitled to cancel the service contract and receive a pro rata refund of any unearned provider fee, less any claims paid.

616.56 History History: 2011 a. 226; 2013 a. 165 s. 115.

616.58 616.58 Prohibited acts.

616.58(1) (1) 

616.58(1)(a) (a) A provider shall not use in its name used in this state the words “insurance,” “casualty,” “surety,” or “mutual” or any other words descriptive of the insurance, casualty, or surety business; or a name deceptively similar to the name or description of any insurance or surety corporation, or to the name of any other provider. The word “guaranty” or a similar word may be used by a provider.

616.58(1)(b) (b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a provider that was using any language prohibited under par. (a) in its name used in this state prior to April 20, 2012.

616.58(2) (2) 

616.58(2)(a) (a) No provider, administrator, service contract seller, or provider’s representative may make or cause to be made any communication relating to a service contract, the service contract business, insurance business, any insurer, any administrator, or any provider that contains false or misleading information, including information that is misleading due to incompleteness. Filing a report and, with intent to deceive a person examining it, making a false entry in a record or intentionally refraining from making a proper entry, are “communications” within the meaning of this paragraph. No provider or administrator may use any business name, slogan, emblem, or related device that is misleading or likely to cause the provider or administrator to be mistaken for another provider or administrator already in business.

616.58(2)(b) (b) If an administrator or representative of a provider distributes cards or documents, exhibits a sign, or publishes an advertisement that violates par. (a), having reference to a particular provider that the administrator or representative represents, such violation creates a rebuttable presumption that the violation was also committed by the provider.

616.58(3) (3) A person, including a bank, savings and loan association, lending institution, manufacturer, or seller of any product, shall not require the purchase of a service contract as a condition of a loan or a condition for the sale of any property, except that a person buying or selling a home may condition the purchase or sale of the home on the seller’s or buyer’s procurement of a service contract that covers the home.

616.58(4) (4) A motor vehicle service contract provider or its representative shall not, directly or indirectly, represent in any manner, whether by written solicitation or telemarketing, a false, deceptive, or misleading statement with respect to any of the following:

616.58(4)(a) (a) The provider’s affiliation with a motor vehicle manufacturer.

616.58(4)(b) (b) The provider’s possession of information regarding a motor vehicle owner’s current motor vehicle manufacturer’s original equipment warranty.

616.58(4)(c) (c) The expiration of a motor vehicle owner’s current motor vehicle manufacturer’s original equipment warranty.

616.58(4)(d) (d) A requirement that a motor vehicle owner purchase a new motor vehicle service contract with the provider in order to maintain coverage under the motor vehicle owner’s current motor vehicle service contract or manufacturer’s original equipment warranty.

616.58 History History: 2011 a. 226.

616.60 616.60 Record-keeping requirements.

616.60(1) (1) 

616.60(1)(a) (a) A provider shall keep accurate accounts, books, and records concerning transactions regulated under this subchapter.

616.60(1)(b) (b) A provider’s accounts, books, and records shall include all of the following:

616.60(1)(b)1. 1. Copies of each type of service contract sold.

616.60(1)(b)2. 2. The name and address of each service contract holder that has furnished such information to the provider.

616.60(1)(b)3. 3. A list of the locations where service contracts are marketed, sold, or offered for sale in this state.

616.60(1)(b)4. 4. Written claims files that shall contain at least the dates, descriptions, and amounts paid or denied for claims related to the service contracts.

616.60(1)(b)5. 5. The effective date, expiration date, name of the seller, and provider fee paid for each service contract sold in this state.

616.60(1)(c) (c) Except as provided in sub. (2), a provider shall retain all records required to be maintained under this subsection for a service contract for at least one year after the period of coverage specified in the contract has expired.

616.60(1)(d) (d) The records required under this subsection may be, but are not required to be, maintained on a computer disk or other record-keeping technology. If the records are maintained in other than hard copy, the records shall be capable of duplication to electronic copy or legible hard copy at the request of the commissioner.

616.60(2) (2) A provider discontinuing business in this state shall maintain its records until it furnishes the commissioner satisfactory proof that it has discharged all obligations to service contract holders in this state.

616.60 History History: 2011 a. 226.

616.62 616.62 Enforcement.

616.62(1) (1) The commissioner may conduct examinations of providers, administrators, servicer contract sellers, or other persons under ss. 601.43 to 601.45 to enforce the provisions of this subchapter and protect service contract holders in this state. Upon request of the commissioner, a provider shall make all accounts, books, and records concerning service contracts sold by or on behalf of the provider available to the commissioner which are necessary to enable the commissioner to reasonably determine compliance with this subchapter.

616.62(2) (2) The commissioner may take any action under ss. 601.41 and 601.61 to 601.73 that is necessary or appropriate to enforce the provisions of this subchapter and the commissioner’s rules and orders and to protect service contract holders in this state. The commissioner may subject a provider to any reporting and replying requirement under s. 601.42.

616.62 History History: 2011 a. 226.

subch. IV of ch. 616 SUBCHAPTER IV

MOTOR CLUB SERVICE CONTRACTS

616.71 616.71 Motor club service; definitions. As used in this subchapter, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:

616.71(1) (1) “Agent” means one who solicits the purchase of service contracts, as herein defined, or transmits for another any such contract, or application therefor, to or from the company, or acts or aids in any manner in the delivery or negotiation of any such contract, or in the renewal or continuance thereof.

616.71(2) (2) “Bail bond service” means any act by a company, as herein defined, the purpose of which is to furnish to, or procure for, any person accused of violation of any law of this state a cash deposit, bond or other undertaking required by law in order that the accused might enjoy personal freedom pending trial.

616.71(3) (3) “Buying and selling service” means any act by a company, as herein defined, whereby the holder of a service contract with any such company is aided in any way in the purchase or sale of an automobile.

616.71(4) (4) “Commissioner” means the commissioner of insurance, or the commissioner’s assistants or deputies, or other persons authorized to act for the commissioner.

616.71(5) (5) “Company” means any person, firm, partnership, company, association or corporation engaged in selling, furnishing or procuring, as principal, for a consideration, motor club service.

616.71(6) (6) “Discount service” means any act by a company, as herein defined, resulting in the giving of special discounts, rebates or reductions of price on gasoline, oil, repairs, parts, accessories or service for motor vehicles, to holders of service contracts with any such company.

616.71(7) (7) “Emergency road service” means any act by a company, as herein defined, consisting of the adjustment, repair or replacement of the equipment, tires or mechanical parts of an automobile so as to permit it to be operated under its own power.

616.71(8) (8) “Financial service” means any act by a company, as herein defined, whereby loans or other advances of money, with or without security, are made to holders of service contracts with any such company.

616.71(9) (9) “Insurance service” means any act by a company, as herein defined, consisting of the selling or giving with a service contract, as herein defined, or as a result of membership in or affiliation with a company, as herein defined, a policy of insurance covering liability or loss by the holder of a service contract with any such company as the result of injury to the person of such service contract holder following an accident resulting from the ownership, maintenance, operation or use of a motor vehicle.

616.71(10) (10) “Legal service” means any act by a company, as herein defined, consisting of the hiring, retaining, engaging or appointing of an attorney or other person to give professional advice to, or represent, holders of service contracts with any such company, in any court, as the result of liability incurred by the right of action accruing to the holder of a service contract as a result of the ownership, operation, use or maintenance of a motor vehicle.

616.71(11) (11) “Map service” means any act by a company, as herein defined, by which road maps are furnished without cost to holders of service contracts with any such company.

616.71(12) (12) “Motor club service” means the rendering, furnishing or procuring of 3 or more of the following, to any person, in connection with that person’s ownership, operation, use, or maintenance, of a motor vehicle, in consideration of that person’s being or becoming a member of, affiliated with or entitled to membership or other motor club service from any company rendering, procuring or furnishing those services by virtue of any agreement or understanding with any such company:

616.71(12)(a) (a) Towing service.

616.71(12)(b) (b) Emergency road service.

616.71(12)(c) (c) Insurance service.

616.71(12)(d) (d) Bail bond service.

616.71(12)(e) (e) Legal service.