(a) Any authorized agency may require, in writing, the insurance company at interest to release to the requesting agency any or all relevant information or evidence considered important to the authorized agency which the company may have in its possession, relating to any specific motor vehicle theft or motor vehicle insurance fraud. Relevant information includes:
(1) pertinent insurance policy information relevant to theft or fraud under investigation and any application for a policy;
(2) policy premium payment records which are available;
(3) history of previous claims made by the insured;
(4) material relating to the investigation of the loss including statements of any person, proof of loss, and any other evidence relevant to the investigation.
(b) When an insurance company has reason to believe that a motor vehicle loss in which it has an interest may involve theft or a fraudulent claim, the company may notify, in writing, an authorized agency and provide it with any or all material developed from the company's inquiry into the loss; however, when this information includes possible evidence of motor vehicle theft or motor vehicle insurance fraud involving specifically named persons, the information in all cases may be furnished to the solicitor in the circuit where the loss occurred and he shall furnish the information to other authorized agencies if he considers the action appropriate. When an insurance company provides any one of the authorized agencies with notice of a theft or fraud, it is sufficient notice for the purpose of this article.
(c) The authorized agency provided with information may release or provide the information to any agency asked to participate in the investigation.
(d) Any insurance company providing information to an authorized agency has the right to be informed, upon written request, as to the status of the case by the agency within a reasonable time, as determined by the authorized agency.
(e) Any insurance company or authorized agency which releases information, whether oral or written, and any person acting in their behalf, pursuant to this article, is immune from any liability arising out of the release.
HISTORY: Former 1976 Code Section 38-37-1630 [1986 Act No. 513, Section 3] recodified as Section 38-77-1130 by 1987 Act No. 155, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 77 - Automobile Insurance
Section 38-77-10. Declaration of purpose.
Section 38-77-20. Construction.
Section 38-77-30. Definitions.
Section 38-77-113. Conditions for waiver of license reinstatement fee.
Section 38-77-120. Requirements for notice of cancellation of or refusal to renew policy.
Section 38-77-126. Disclosure where rate level higher than lowest tier for that insurer or group.
Section 38-77-127. Insurer may issue verification of coverage electronically.
Section 38-77-130. Group automobile insurance; rate.
Section 38-77-140. Bodily injury and property damage limits; general requirements.
Section 38-77-143. Maintenance, selling, etc. policies and contracts to be primary.
Section 38-77-144. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage not mandated.
Section 38-77-151. Collected funds to be placed in Uninsured Motorists Fund; use of funds.
Section 38-77-155. Distribution of funds; obtaining premium information.
Section 38-77-160. Additional uninsured motorist coverage; underinsured motorist coverage.
Section 38-77-161. Uninsured or underinsured coverage not required in excess or umbrella policy.
Section 38-77-220. Additional liability which automobile insurance policy need not cover.
Section 38-77-260. General release, assignment of claims, and like documents.
Section 38-77-270. Christian Science or any licensed healing art care and treatment.
Section 38-77-280. Collision coverage; comprehensive coverage.
Section 38-77-320. Enforcement of article; promulgation of regulations.
Section 38-77-340. Agreement to exclude designated natural person from coverage.
Section 38-77-341. Unfair trade practices.
Section 38-77-350. Form to be used when optional coverages are offered.
Section 38-77-370. Obligations of insurance-support organizations; access to personal information.
Section 38-77-395. Absence of liability or cause of action in certain situations; exceptions.
Section 38-77-400. Underwriting restrictions provided upon request of director.
Section 38-77-720. Number, qualifications, and compensation of arbitrators; fee paid by claimant.
Section 38-77-750. Enforcement of subpoenas; warrant to produce witnesses; certification of records.
Section 38-77-760. Decision of arbitrators.
Section 38-77-770. Right to appeal decision; procedures.
Section 38-77-830. Assigned Risk Pool.
Section 38-77-840. Powers of director.
Section 38-77-841. Information to be supplied by Associated Auto Insurers Plan producers.
Section 38-77-845. Review of applications.
Section 38-77-850. Confidentiality of information filed with director.
Section 38-77-860. Disclosure of reasons for director's decisions not required; liability.
Section 38-77-1110. Short title.
Section 38-77-1120. Definitions.
Section 38-77-1150. Prohibitions relative to disclosure or nondisclosure of information.