0845 Department of Insurance
Program Descriptions

10 - REGULATION OF INSURANCE COMPANIES AND INSURANCE PRODUCERS

The objectives of this program are to: (1) prevent losses to policyholders, beneficiaries or the public due to the insolvency of insurers; (2) prevent unlawful or unfair practices by insurers as defined by the Insurance Code; (3) ensure that insurance rates are not excessive, inadequate, unfairly discriminatory or otherwise in violation of the Insurance Code; and (4) ensure that applicants for insurance licenses, and holders of insurance licenses, satisfy and maintain the qualifications for licensure. Through the Conservation and Liquidation Office, the CDI administers the estates of insolvent and delinquent insurance companies.

12 - CONSUMER PROTECTION

The objectives of this program are to: (1) provide direct service to California consumers by protecting insurance policyholders and other parties involved in insurance transactions against unfair or illegal practices with respect to claims handling, rating or underwriting by insurers and (2) protect applicants and policyholders from discriminatory, unlawful or fraudulent practices or incompetence relating to the sale of insurance.

20 - FRAUD CONTROL

The objective of this program is to protect the public from economic loss by actively investigating, arresting and referring for prosecution or adjudication those who commit insurance fraud and other violations of the law. The program is staffed by sworn peace officers who conduct criminal investigations of insurance fraud and related criminal cases.

30 - GENERAL FUND TAX COLLECTION AND AUDITS

This General Fund tax collection program performs tax collection, accounting and tax audits of insurance companies and surplus line brokers. The program staff audit insurers' tax returns to determine compliance with the laws contained in both the Insurance Code and Revenue and Taxation Code as well as assist the Board of Equalization and the State Controller's Office with various refund, assessment and accounting matters relative to the premium program. Tax collections from this program are deposited in the General Fund.

50 - ADMINISTRATION

This program provides administrative support services to the CDI including budgets, accounting, human resources, business services and information technology, as well as legislative and legal services.