In addition to examinations and investigations expressly authorized by this chapter, the commissioner may conduct examinations and investigation of insurance matters he or she considers proper to determine whether any person has violated any provision of this chapter or to secure information useful in the lawful administration of his or her duties. If the commissioner determines, after notice and hearing, that any person is transacting insurance in an illegal, improper or unjust manner or is failing to pay losses and obligations when they become due, excepting claims to which there is a substantial defense, he or she may order the person to discontinue the illegal, improper or unjust manner of transacting insurance, to adjust and pay his or her obligations as they become due: Provided, That in any order issued pursuant to subsection (j), section nine of this article or entered as a result of a regulatory enforcement action initiated and prosecuted by the commissioner pursuant to this section or section eleven, article three of this chapter, the commissioner may, in addition to or in lieu of any other penalties or remedies provided therein, order an insurer to pay restitution to affected persons. If a person fails or refuses within twenty days after notice to obey the order, the commissioner may revoke any license issued by the commissioner and held by the person. In addition, the commissioner may apply to the circuit court, or the judge in vacation, having jurisdiction for an injunction or the appointment of a receiver, or for both. The court or judge may enforce the order of the commissioner by injunction or by appointment of a receiver to take charge of the affairs and property of the person, or both, and may make further orders as may be necessary and proper to effectuate the injunction or receivership.
Structure West Virginia Code
Article 2. Insurance Commissioner
§33-2-1. Office Continued; Appointment, Qualifications and Term
§33-2-2. Compensation and Expenses of Commissioner and Employees; Location of Office
§33-2-3. Duties of the Commissioner; Employment of Legal Counsel
§33-2-3a. Administrative Investigations
§33-2-4. Authority to Take Depositions, Subpoena Witnesses, etc.
§33-2-6. Service of Subpoena; Compelling Compliance
§33-2-8. Insured to Produce Records Upon Request
§33-2-9. Examination of Insurers, Agents, Brokers and Solicitors; Access to Books, Records, etc.
§33-2-9a. Imposing a One-Time Assessment on All Insurance Carriers
§33-2-10. Rules and Regulations
§33-2-10a. Insurance Emergencies -- Suspension of Deadlines
§33-2-11. Enforcement of Orders; Revocation of Licenses; Court Action
§33-2-15. Annual Report by Commissioner
§33-2-15a. Annual Flood Insurance Communication to Public Entities by Commissioner
§33-2-15b. Reports to the Legislature
§33-2-15c. Reports to the Legislature
§33-2-15d. Report to the Legislature
§33-2-17. Office of Consumer Advocacy
§33-2-19. Confidentiality of Information
§33-2-21a. State Agency Workers' Compensation Programs
§33-2-23. Transfer of Assets of the State Office of the National Flood Insurance Program