§ 33-17A-6 — Discriminatory terminations and declinations prohibited

No insurer may decline to issue or terminate a policy of insurance subject to this article if the declination or termination is:

(a) Based upon the race, religion, nationality, ethnic group, age, sex or marital status of the applicant or named insured;

(b) Based solely upon the lawful occupation or profession of the applicant or named insured, unless the decision is for a business purpose that is not a mere pretext for unfair discrimination: Provided, That this provision does not apply to any insurer, agent or broker that limits its market to one lawful occupation or profession or to several related lawful occupations or professions;

(c) Based upon the age or location of the residence of the applicant or named insured unless the decision is for a business purpose that is not a mere pretext for unfair discrimination or unless the age or location materially affects the risk;

(d) Based upon the fact that another insurer previously declined to insure the applicant or terminated an existing policy in which the applicant was the named insured;

(e) Based upon the fact that the applicant or named insured previously obtained insurance coverage through a residual market insurance mechanism;

(f) Based upon the fact that the applicant has not previously been insured;

(g) Based upon the fact that the applicant did not have insurance coverage for a period of time prior to the application; or

(h) Based solely upon an adverse credit report or adverse credit scoring.

Legislative History

2000 Reg. Sess., HB4650; 1990 Reg. Sess., SB162