Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner regulates all insurance activities under Georgia Insurance Code (Title 33)
- The Insurance Commissioner is elected by Georgia voters to a 4-year term
- Georgia requires 8 hours of pre-license education per line (16 hours for dual Life & Health)
- Pearson VUE administers Georgia insurance licensing exams with a 70% passing score required
- The Georgia Insurance Code is found in Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.)
Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
Important: This study guide covers Georgia state-specific Life & Health insurance content only. You should complete the national Life & Health exam preparation first, as it covers the foundational insurance concepts tested on your exam.
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is the state agency responsible for regulating the insurance industry in Georgia. Georgia's Insurance Commissioner is elected by voters.
The Insurance Commissioner
The Insurance Commissioner is:
- Elected by Georgia voters to a 4-year term
- One of only 11 states where the commissioner is elected
- Responsible for enforcing the Georgia Insurance Code (Title 33)
- Also serves as Safety Fire Commissioner
- Authorized to adopt rules, investigate violations, and discipline licensees
Commissioner Powers and Duties
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue, suspend, and revoke producer licenses |
| Rulemaking | Adopt regulations interpreting Title 33 |
| Enforcement | Investigate and prosecute violations |
| Rate Review | Review and approve insurance rates |
| Consumer Protection | Handle complaints and protect policyholders |
| Market Conduct | Examine insurer business practices |
The Georgia Insurance Code
Georgia insurance law is found in Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.):
- Licensing requirements for producers and insurers
- Policy standards and required provisions
- Consumer protections and disclosure requirements
- Prohibited practices and penalties
- Claims handling requirements
Exam Tip: Remember that the Insurance Commissioner is ELECTED in Georgia (one of only 11 states). Georgia's Insurance Code is in Title 33 of the O.C.G.A.
Office Organization
The Office of Insurance operates through several divisions:
- Agent Licensing Division - Handles producer licensing and renewals
- Consumer Services Division - Handles consumer complaints
- Enforcement Division - Investigates violations
- Financial Regulation Division - Monitors insurer solvency
- Policy Services Division - Reviews policy forms and rates
How is the Georgia Insurance Commissioner selected?
Where is Georgia insurance law primarily found?