Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 625 - Insurance — rate regulation.
625.22 - Disapproval of rates.

625.22 Disapproval of rates.
(1) Order in event of violation. If the commissioner finds after a hearing that a rate is not in compliance with s. 625.11, the commissioner shall order that its use be discontinued for any policy issued or renewed after a date specified in the order.
(2) Timing of order. The order under sub. (1) shall be issued within 30 days after the close of the hearing or within such reasonable time extension as the commissioner may fix.
(3) Approval of substituted rate. Within one year after the effective date of an order under sub. (1), no rate promulgated to replace a disapproved one may be used until it has been filed with the commissioner and not disapproved within 30 days thereafter.
(4) Interim rates. Whenever an insurer has no legally effective rates as a result of the commissioner's disapproval of rates or other act, the commissioner shall on request specify interim rates for the insurer that are high enough to protect the interests of all parties and may order that a specified portion of the premiums be placed in an escrow account approved by the commissioner. When new rates become legally effective, the commissioner shall order the escrowed funds or any overcharge in the interim rates to be distributed appropriately, except that refunds to policyholders that are trifling shall not be required.
History: 1979 c. 102 s. 236 (6), (21); 1979 c. 110.
Read together, ss. 625.11 and 625.22 provide that the insurance commissioner shall disapprove any rate that destroys competition, thus providing a regulatory remedy for rates that constitute restraints of trade and barring private rate-related suits for damages. Prentice v. Minnesota Title Ins. Co. 176 Wis. 2d 714, 500 N.W.2d 658 (1993).

Structure Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations