Key Takeaways
- Georgia P&C producers must act with honesty and good faith toward clients and insurers
- Producers must disclose material information about policies, including exclusions and limitations
- Premium handling must follow strict procedures including prompt remittance to insurers
- Records must be maintained for examination by OCI
- Georgia CE requires 3 hours of ethics training per renewal period
Last updated: January 2026
Producer Conduct and Responsibilities
Georgia P&C insurance producers have legal and ethical obligations that govern their professional conduct.
Fiduciary Duties
Georgia producers owe duties to their clients and insurers:
Key Duties
| Duty | Description |
|---|---|
| Honesty | Act honestly in all dealings |
| Good Faith | Fair dealing with all parties |
| Disclosure | Reveal material information about policies |
| Competence | Maintain professional knowledge |
| Care | Exercise reasonable care in placing coverage |
Agent Responsibilities
- Represent insurer's interests
- Act within scope of authority
- Transmit information accurately
- Collect and remit premiums properly
Disclosure Requirements
Georgia P&C producers must disclose:
Required Disclosures
- Coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums
- Policy exclusions and limitations
- Material terms and conditions
- Surplus lines status (if applicable)
- Compensation arrangements (if requested)
- Conflicts of interest
- Hurricane/named storm deductibles
When Disclosure Required
- At time of sale or recommendation
- When material facts change
- When replacing existing coverage
- When client asks specific questions
- At renewal if coverage changes
Premium Handling
Producers must handle premiums properly:
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Collection | Only collect authorized amounts |
| Deposit | Promptly to insurer or trust account |
| Commingling | Prohibited with personal funds |
| Conversion | Using premiums for personal use prohibited |
| Records | Detailed records required |
| Remittance | Per agreement with insurer |
Trust Accounts
If holding premiums:
- Must be in separate trust account
- Cannot mix with personal or business funds
- Detailed records required
- Subject to OCI examination
Record Keeping
Georgia requires producers to maintain records:
Required Records
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Applications | Per insurer/OCI requirements |
| Policy documents | Per insurer/OCI requirements |
| Client correspondence | Per insurer/OCI requirements |
| Premium records | Per insurer/OCI requirements |
| Claims records | Per insurer/OCI requirements |
Access to Records
- OCI can examine during investigations
- Must provide upon request
- Failure to maintain is a violation
Ethics Requirements
Continuing Education
Georgia requires ethics training:
- 3 hours of ethics each 2-year renewal period
- Part of 24-hour CE requirement
- Must be OCI-approved course
Exam Tip: Georgia requires 3 hours of ethics CE, one hour more than Texas's 2 hours.
Professional Standards
- Treat all clients fairly
- Maintain professional competence
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Protect client confidentiality
- Report illegal or unethical conduct
Company Appointments
Appointment Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing | Before selling insurer's products |
| Fee | Varies by insurer |
| Duration | Until terminated |
| Termination | Reported to OCI within 30 days |
Termination for Cause
When an insurer terminates a producer for cause:
- Must report to OCI within 30 days
- Must provide reason for termination
- OCI may investigate
- May affect license status
Errors and Omissions
Georgia producers should consider E&O coverage:
Protection
- Covers negligent acts or omissions
- Defense costs included
- Protects against client claims
- Recommended for all producers
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of ethics CE does Georgia require per 2-year renewal period?
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Test Your Knowledge
What happens if a Georgia producer commingles premium funds with personal funds?
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D