For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Agent” or “Broker” means a person who solicits, negotiates, effects, procures, delivers, renews, continues, or binds policies of insurance for persons or risks residing, located, or to be performed in the District of Columbia.
(2) “Annuity contract” means an agreement to make periodic payments in fixed dollar amounts under the terms of a contract for a stated period of time or for the life of the person specified in the contract.
(3) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Department of Insurance and Securities Regulation.
(3A) “Gender identity or expression” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 2-1401.02(12A).
(4) “Insurance business” means the transaction of all matters pertaining to a contract of insurance, both before and after the effectuation of the contract, and all matters arising out of the contract or a claim thereunder.
(5) “Insurance policy” or “insurance contract” means a contract of insurance, indemnity, medical, health, or hospital service; a health maintenance organization plan or coverage; a suretyship; or an annuity that is issued, proposed for issuance, or intended for issuance.
(6) “Insured” means the party named on a policy or contract as the individual with legal rights to the benefits provided by the policy or contract.
(7) “Insurer” means a person, interinsurer, Lloyd’s insurer, fraternal benefit society, health maintenance organization, or any other legal entity engaged in the business of insurance, including agents, brokers, and third-party administrators. Insurer shall also mean medical service plans and hospital service plans.
(8) “Person” means any natural or artificial entity, including individuals, partnerships, associations, trusts, or corporations.
(9) “Unfair trade practices” means the commission of any one or more of the acts prohibited by §§ 31-2231.02 through 31-2231.21, or regulations promulgated hereunder, with such frequency to indicate a general business practice to engage in the proscribed conduct.
(Apr. 3, 2001, D.C. Law 13-265, § 101, 48 DCR 1225; June 25, 2008, D.C. Law 17-177, § 16(a), 55 DCR 3696.)
This section is referenced in § 31-3311.02.
D.C. Law 17-177 added par. (3A).
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 31 - Insurance and Securities
Chapter 22A - Unfair Insurance Trade Practices
§ 31–2231.02. General prohibition
§ 31–2231.03. Misrepresentations and false advertising of insurance policies
§ 31–2231.04. False information and advertising generally
§ 31–2231.06. Boycott, coercion, and intimidation
§ 31–2231.07. Illegal dealing in premiums; excess charges for insurance
§ 31–2231.08. False statements and entries
§ 31–2231.09. Stock operations and advisory board contracts
§ 31–2231.10. Failure to maintain marketing and performance records
§ 31–2231.11. Unfair discrimination
§ 31–2231.12. Rebates: life, health, and annuities
§ 31–2231.13. Unfair discrimination and rebates prohibited; property, casualty, and surety insurance
§ 31–2231.14. Interlocking ownerships, management
§ 31–2231.15. Unfair financial planning practices; an insurance agent or broker
§ 31–2231.16. Failure to provide claims history
§ 31–2231.17. Unfair claim settlement practices
§ 31–2231.18. Failure to maintain complaint handling procedures
§ 31–2231.19. Misrepresentation in insurance application
§ 31–2231.20. Favored agent or insurer; coercion of debtors
§ 31–2231.20a. Prohibition on offsetting short-term disability benefits
§ 31–2231.21. “Twisting” prohibited
§ 31–2231.22. Powers of the Commissioner; cease and desist orders