Key Takeaways
- Georgia P&C insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 1 year of expiration require retaking the state exam
- Address changes must be reported to OCI within 30 days
- OCI can discipline licensees including suspension, revocation, or fines
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Georgia P&C insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $28 |
| Late Renewal (up to 90 days) | $28 + late fee |
| Expired 90 days - 1 year | May reinstate with CE and fees |
| Expired Over 1 Year | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
Georgia requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 21 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
Exam Tip: Georgia requires 3 hours of ethics CE, compared to Texas which requires only 2 hours. This is a frequently tested difference.
First Renewal Requirement
For the first license renewal only:
- Must complete 24 hours CE
- Includes 3 hours ethics
- Must be completed before expiration
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at OCI-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
Reporting Requirements
Georgia producers must notify OCI of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
Disciplinary Actions
OCI can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Per violation penalties |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common P&C Violations
- Misrepresentation of policy terms or coverage
- Twisting (replacing policies through deception)
- Rebating (offering unauthorized inducements)
- Unfair claims practices
- Commingling of funds
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
Appointing Companies
P&C agents must be appointed by insurers to sell their products:
- Appointment Required: Before selling insurer's products
- Appointment Fee: Varies by insurer
- Termination Reporting: Insurers must report terminations to OCI within 30 days
- For Cause Terminations: May trigger OCI investigation
Georgia vs. Texas Comparison
| Requirement | Georgia | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioner Selection | ELECTED | Appointed |
| Pre-License Hours | 40 hours | 0 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% | 70% |
| CE Hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Ethics CE | 3 hours | 2 hours |
Exam Tip: Georgia and Texas both require 24 hours of CE, but Georgia requires 3 hours of ethics compared to Texas's 2 hours.
How many hours of continuing education does Georgia require for P&C license renewal?
How many hours of ethics CE does Georgia require per 2-year renewal period?