DC Producer Responsibilities and Prohibited Practices

Fiduciary Duties

DC insurance producers owe fiduciary duties to both clients and insurance companies:

Duties to Clients

Duties to Insurers

Prohibited Practices Under DC Law

Misrepresentation

Definition: Making false or misleading statements about insurance policies, insurers, or producers.

Examples of Misrepresentation:

• False statements about policy benefits or coverage
• Misrepresenting the financial condition of an insurer
• Using misleading policy names or titles
• Falsifying information on applications
• Misrepresenting the true nature of a policy

Penalties: License suspension/revocation, fines, criminal prosecution

Rebating

Definition: Offering valuable consideration NOT specified in the policy as an inducement to purchase insurance.

Prohibited Rebating Examples:

• Returning part of commission to client
• Offering cash or gifts to induce purchase
• Providing services not specified in policy
• Offering stock, securities, or other inducements
• Special favors or advantages not available to all

Limited Exceptions:

• Gifts of nominal value (under $25) in connection with marketing
• Discounts and benefits specified in filed policy forms
• Reductions based on group purchases if approved

Penalties: License revocation, fines up to $10,000 per violation

Exam Tip: Rebating is STRICTLY prohibited in DC. Even small gifts or commission sharing can constitute illegal rebating unless specifically permitted by filed policy forms.

Twisting

Definition: Making misrepresentations or incomplete comparisons to induce a policyholder to lapse, forfeit, surrender, or replace existing insurance.

Elements of Twisting:

1. False or misleading statements
2. About an existing policy or proposed policy
3. To induce replacement or lapse
4. For the producer's financial benefit

Examples:

• Exaggerating defects in existing policy
• Misrepresenting benefits of replacement policy
• Failing to disclose replacement disadvantages
• Using misleading comparisons between policies

Penalties: License revocation, restitution, fines

Unfair Discrimination

Definition: Making distinctions between insureds NOT based on sound actuarial or reasonable classification principles.

Prohibited Discriminatory Factors:

• Race, color, national origin
• Religion or religious affiliation
• Gender or sex
• Sexual orientation or gender identity
• Marital status
• Personal appearance
• Disability or medical condition (unless actuarially justified)

Permitted Risk-Based Factors:

• Driving record (for auto insurance)
• Claims history
• Credit-based insurance scores (if properly disclosed and justified)
• Property condition and location
• Business operations and loss history

Penalties: Fines, license action, cease and desist orders

Exam Tip: DC law allows risk-based underwriting but prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics unrelated to risk.

Record Keeping Requirements

Required Records

Producers must maintain for 5 years:

Electronic Records

• Electronic records permitted if:
  • Readily accessible to DISB
  • Secure from unauthorized access
  • Backed up regularly
  • Convertible to paper if requested

Notification Requirements

Change of Address

Producers must notify DISB of address changes within 30 days:

• Residential address changes
• Business address changes
• Email address changes
• Notify through NIPR system

Reportable Events

Producers must report within 30 days:

Critical: Failure to report within 30 days is itself a violation and can result in license action.

Disciplinary Actions and Penalties

Grounds for License Discipline

DISB may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license for:

Penalty Range

Disciplinary Process

1. Investigation - DISB investigates complaint or violation
2. Notice of Charges - Written notice of alleged violations
3. Right to Hearing - Producer may request administrative hearing
4. Hearing - Evidence presented, witnesses testify
5. Commissioner Decision - Findings and penalty determination
6. Appeal Rights - Appeal to DC Superior Court
7. Publication - Disciplinary actions published on DISB website

Professional Standards and Best Practices

Ethical Guidelines

Beyond legal requirements, producers should:

• Recommend Appropriate Coverage - Based on client needs, not commission
• Explain Policy Terms - Ensure clients understand coverage and exclusions
• Disclose Conflicts - Reveal any conflicts of interest
• Maintain Competence - Stay current on products and regulations
• Respect Client Autonomy - Honor client decisions without pressure
• Protect Privacy - Safeguard client information beyond legal minimums

Errors and Omissions Insurance

While not legally required, E&O insurance is strongly recommended:

• Protects producer from professional liability claims
• Covers legal defense costs
• Standard policy: $1-2 million coverage
• Required by many agencies and insurers

DC-Specific Requirements

Surplus Lines Transition (2026)

Effective January 1, 2026:

• All producers with surplus lines authority must transition to electronic filing
• Must use OPT_ins standardized system
• Paper filings no longer accepted
• Compliance required for license renewal

Exam Tip: Know the January 1, 2026 effective date for mandatory electronic surplus lines filing in DC.

Additional DC Regulations