Key Takeaways
- The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) regulates all insurance activities under the Maryland Insurance Code
- The Commissioner of Insurance is appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent for a 4-year term
- Maryland uses a "file-and-use" competitive rating system for most property and casualty insurance rates
- The Commissioner has broad authority including licensing, rate review, market conduct examinations, and enforcement
- Consumer protection is prioritized through the consumer complaint hotline: 1-800-492-6116
Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA)
The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) is the state agency responsible for regulating the Property & Casualty insurance industry in Maryland. The MIA operates as an independent unit within the state government structure.
The Commissioner of Insurance
The Commissioner of Insurance is:
- Appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Maryland Senate
- Serves a 4-year term
- Can be reappointed for additional terms
- Responsible for enforcing the Maryland Insurance Code
- Authorized to adopt regulations, review rate filings, investigate violations, and discipline licensees
Current Leadership (2026)
Marie Grant currently serves as Maryland Commissioner of Insurance:
- Appointed by Governor Wes Moore on July 29, 2024
- Confirmed and took office on April 2, 2025
- Current term ends January 20, 2027
Commissioner Powers for P&C Insurance
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue, suspend, revoke, and renew producer licenses |
| Rate Filing Review | Review P&C insurance rate filings under file-and-use system |
| Form Approval | Approve all policy forms before use (prior approval required) |
| Market Conduct | Examine insurer business practices and compliance |
| Enforcement | Investigate and prosecute violations of insurance law |
| Consumer Protection | Handle complaints, mediate disputes, protect policyholders |
| Rulemaking | Adopt regulations interpreting Maryland insurance law |
| Financial Oversight | Monitor insurer solvency and financial condition |
Exam Tip: The Commissioner is APPOINTED by the Governor with Senate approval, not elected. This is a common exam question. The term is 4 years.
Rate Regulation System
Maryland uses different systems for different insurance lines:
File-and-Use (Competitive Rating)
Since the Insurance Reform Act of 1995, Maryland uses file-and-use for most P&C lines:
Applies to:
- Automobile insurance
- Homeowners insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Most other property and casualty lines
Key Provisions:
- File-and-Use: Insurers file rates with MIA and can use them immediately (no prior approval required)
- Competitive Market: Relies on market forces to keep rates reasonable
- Post-Use Review: MIA can review rates after implementation
- Rate Standards: Rates must not be excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory
- Actuarial Support: Insurers must file rates with supporting actuarial data
Prior Approval (Limited Lines)
Some insurance lines still require prior approval under Maryland Insurance Code § 11-303(a):
Applies to:
- Certain specialty lines
- Lines specified by regulation
- Market segments requiring additional oversight
Prior Approval Process:
- Insurer Files Rates: Submits rate filing with actuarial justification
- Waiting Period: 30 working days (can be extended 30 more days)
- MIA Review: Commissioner reviews filing for compliance
- Approval/Disapproval: Commissioner approves or disapproves during waiting period
- Deemed Approved: If Commissioner doesn't act within waiting period, filing is deemed approved
Exam Tip: Maryland's file-and-use system allows insurers to use rates immediately after filing. This differs from prior approval states where rates must be approved before use. Know that policy FORMS require prior approval, but most RATES use file-and-use.
Maryland Insurance Code Structure
Organization
Maryland insurance regulation is codified in the Maryland Insurance Code, organized by titles:
Key Titles for P&C Insurance:
Title 1 - Definitions and General Provisions
- Definitions used throughout the code
- General insurance principles
- Commissioner authority
Title 2 - Organization of Insurers
- Insurer licensing and authorization
- Corporate structure requirements
- Foreign and alien insurers
Title 10 - Insurance Producers
- Producer licensing requirements
- Continuing education mandates
- Producer responsibilities
- Appointment procedures
Title 11 - Insurance Rating Law
- Rate filing requirements
- Competitive rating provisions
- Prior approval procedures
- Rate standards
Title 19 - Property and Casualty Insurance
- P&C insurance specific provisions
- Policy requirements
- Coverage mandates
- Loss settlement standards
Title 27 - Unfair Trade Practices and Other Prohibited Practices
- Unfair trade practices definitions
- Prohibited acts for insurers and producers
- Unfair claims practices
- Penalties for violations
- Fraud provisions
Exam Tip: Title 27 (Unfair Trade Practices) is heavily tested. Know the prohibited practices for producers including misrepresentation, twisting, rebating, and unfair discrimination.
Maryland Insurance Administration Organization
The MIA operates through several functional divisions:
| Division | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Office of the Commissioner | Overall leadership and policy direction |
| Life & Health Division | Regulate life and health insurance |
| Property & Casualty Division | Regulate P&C insurance, rate/form review |
| Producer Licensing Division | Producer and company licensing, CE tracking |
| Consumer Services | Handle consumer complaints and inquiries |
| Financial Regulation | Monitor insurer financial condition and solvency |
| Market Conduct | Examine business practices and compliance |
| Legal Division | Legal counsel, enforcement actions |
Property & Casualty Division Functions
The Property and Casualty Division specifically handles:
- Rate Filing Review: Review P&C rate filings for compliance
- Form Approval: Approve policy forms before use
- Market Analysis: Monitor P&C insurance markets
- Statistical Reporting: Collect and analyze market data
- Consumer Education: Provide P&C insurance information to consumers
- Regulatory Guidance: Issue bulletins and guidance to insurers
Consumer Protection Functions
Consumer Services
The MIA provides robust consumer protection through:
- Consumer Complaint Hotline: 1-800-492-6116 (toll-free)
- General Information: (410) 468-2000
- Producer Licensing Email: mia.producer@maryland.gov
- Website: insurance.maryland.gov
- Online Complaint Filing: Available on MIA website
- Educational Resources: Consumer guides and insurance information
Complaint Process
-
Consumer Files Complaint:
- Online at insurance.maryland.gov
- By phone: 1-800-492-6116
- By mail to MIA offices
- By email
-
MIA Review:
- MIA staff reviews complaint for jurisdiction
- Determines if complaint involves insurance regulation
- Contacts insurer or producer for information
-
Investigation:
- MIA investigates and requests documentation
- Reviews policy, correspondence, and relevant materials
- Analyzes whether violations occurred
-
Response Required:
- Insurer/producer must respond within specified time (typically 15-30 days)
- Must provide explanation and documentation
- Failure to respond can result in penalties
-
Resolution:
- MIA facilitates resolution between parties
- May take enforcement action if violations found
- Provides written response to consumer
-
Follow-up:
- MIA tracks outcome and consumer satisfaction
- Patterns of complaints trigger market conduct exams
- Violations may result in fines, suspension, or revocation
Common Complaint Types in P&C Insurance
- Premium disputes and billing issues
- Claims handling delays and denials
- Policy cancellations and non-renewals
- Agent/producer misconduct or misrepresentation
- Coverage disputes and claim settlements
- Rate increase concerns
- Unfair discrimination allegations
Exam Tip: The Maryland consumer complaint hotline is 1-800-492-6116. The general MIA phone number is (410) 468-2000. These numbers appear on exams.
How is the Maryland Commissioner of Insurance selected?
What type of rate regulation system does Maryland use for most P&C insurance (auto, homeowners)?
What is the consumer complaint hotline number for the Maryland Insurance Administration?