Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Office of Insurance Commissioner (OCI) regulates all P&C insurance activities under the Georgia Insurance Code
- The Insurance Commissioner is ELECTED by Georgia voters (one of only 11 states with elected commissioners)
- Georgia uses a "prior approval" rate system for personal lines requiring OCI approval before rate changes
- The Commissioner has authority over licensing, rate review, market conduct, and consumer protection
- Georgia requires fingerprint-based background checks for all insurance license applicants
Office of Insurance Commissioner (OCI)
Important: This study guide covers Georgia state-specific Property & Casualty insurance content only. You should complete the national Property & Casualty exam preparation first, as it covers the foundational insurance concepts tested on your exam.
The Georgia Office of Insurance Commissioner (OCI) is the state agency responsible for regulating the Property & Casualty insurance industry in Georgia.
The Insurance Commissioner
The Insurance Commissioner is:
- ELECTED by Georgia voters (important distinction!)
- Serves a 4-year term
- One of only 11 states with an elected commissioner
- Responsible for enforcing the Georgia Insurance Code
- Authorized to adopt regulations, review rates, investigate violations, and discipline licensees
Exam Tip: Georgia's elected Insurance Commissioner is frequently tested. Remember: Georgia voters ELECT their Commissioner—this is different from most states where the Governor appoints the Commissioner.
Commissioner Powers for P&C Insurance
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue, suspend, and revoke producer licenses |
| Rate Review | Prior approval for personal lines |
| Market Conduct | Examine insurer business practices |
| Enforcement | Investigate and prosecute violations |
| Consumer Protection | Handle complaints and protect policyholders |
| Rulemaking | Adopt rules interpreting the Insurance Code |
Georgia Rate Regulation
Georgia uses different rate systems for different lines:
Rate Systems by Line
| Line of Insurance | Rate System |
|---|---|
| Personal Auto | Prior approval |
| Homeowners | Prior approval |
| Commercial Lines | File and use |
| Workers' Compensation | File and use |
| Title Insurance | Regulated rates |
Prior Approval
Under Georgia prior approval:
- Rates must be approved BEFORE use
- OCI reviews rate filings for compliance
- Rates must not be excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory
- Review typically within 60 days
Exam Tip: Georgia uses prior approval for personal lines (auto and homeowners), which is more restrictive than Texas's file and use system.
How is the Georgia Insurance Commissioner selected?
What rate system does Georgia use for personal auto insurance?