Key Takeaways
- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) regulates all insurance activities in Pennsylvania under the Pennsylvania Insurance Code (Title 40)
- The Insurance Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate
- PID handles licensing, enforcement, consumer complaints, rate review, and market conduct examinations
- Pennsylvania insurance law is found in Title 40 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (40 Pa.C.S.)
- Pennsylvania does not require fingerprinting for insurance license applicants
Pennsylvania Insurance Department
Important: This study guide covers Pennsylvania state-specific Life & Health insurance content only. You should complete the national Life & Health exam preparation first, as it covers the foundational insurance concepts tested on your exam.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is the state agency responsible for regulating the insurance industry in Pennsylvania. The Department operates under the Pennsylvania Insurance Code, found in Title 40 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
The Insurance Commissioner
The Insurance Commissioner is:
- Appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania
- Confirmed by the State Senate
- Serves at the pleasure of the Governor
- Responsible for enforcing the Pennsylvania Insurance Code
- Authorized to adopt regulations, investigate violations, and discipline licensees
Commissioner Powers and Duties
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue, suspend, and revoke producer licenses |
| Rulemaking | Adopt regulations interpreting the Insurance Code |
| Enforcement | Investigate and prosecute violations |
| Rate Review | Approve or disapprove insurance rates |
| Consumer Protection | Handle complaints and protect policyholders |
| Market Conduct | Examine insurer business practices |
The Pennsylvania Insurance Code
Pennsylvania insurance law is found in Title 40 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (40 Pa.C.S.). The Insurance Code contains:
- Licensing requirements for producers and insurers
- Policy standards and required provisions
- Consumer protections and disclosure requirements
- Prohibited practices and penalties
- Claims handling requirements
Exam Tip: Remember that the Insurance Commissioner is APPOINTED in Pennsylvania (by the Governor). This differs from states like California where the Commissioner is elected.
PID Organization
PID operates through several bureaus:
- Bureau of Licensing and Compliance - Handles producer licensing
- Bureau of Market Regulation - Reviews rates and forms
- Bureau of Consumer Services - Handles consumer complaints
- Bureau of Enforcement - Investigates violations
- Office of Insurance Product Regulation - Reviews policy forms
How is the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner selected?
Where is Pennsylvania insurance law primarily found?