Sec. 1114.101. UNFAIR METHOD OF COMPETITION; SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES

(a) A failure by an insurer or agent to comply with this chapter constitutes a violation of Chapter 541 and is subject to sanctions and penalties as provided by that chapter. For purposes of this section, examples of violations include:

(1) deceptive or misleading information set forth in any sales material;

(2) failing to ask the applicant in completing the application the pertinent questions regarding the possibility of financing or replacement;

(3) intentionally recording an answer incorrectly;

(4) advising an applicant to respond negatively to any question regarding replacement in order to prevent notice to the existing insurer; or

(5) advising a policy or contract owner to contact the insurer directly in such a way as to attempt to obscure the identity of the replacing agent or insurer.

(b) A policy or contract owner has the right to replace an existing life insurance policy or annuity contract after indicating in or as a part of applications for new coverage that replacement is not the intention. However, patterns of that action by policy or contract owners of the same agent shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the agent's knowledge that replacement was intended in connection with the identified transactions, and those patterns of action shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the agent's intent to violate this chapter.

(c) If it is determined that the requirements of this chapter have not been met, the replacing insurer shall provide to the policy owner:

(1) an in force illustration or, if an in force illustration is not available, a policy summary for the replacement policy or an available disclosure document for the replacement contract; and

(2) the appropriate notice regarding replacements.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 904 , Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.