Alabama § 27-10-33 - Service of Process in Action or Proceeding Against Insurer.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 27-10-33 — Service of Process in Action or Proceeding Against Insurer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27-10-33. Service of Process in Action or Proceeding Against Insurer.
(a) Any unauthorized insurer issuing a policy or assuming a direct insurance risk under this surplus line law shall be deemed thereby to have appointed the commissioner as its attorney upon whom may be served all lawful process in any action or proceeding against it in this state arising out of such insurance.
(b) Service of process upon the commissioner as process agent of the insurer shall be made by the proper officer of Montgomery County by serving copies in triplicate of the process upon the commissioner or upon his assistant, deputy, or other person in charge of his office. Upon receiving such service, the commissioner shall promptly forward a copy thereof by certified mail or registered mail to the person last designated to receive the same, as provided in subsection (c) of this section, return one copy with his admission of service, and retain one copy in the files of the department.
(c) Each such policy, or the certificate of insurance issued by the broker, shall contain a provision stating the substance of this section and designating the person to whom the commissioner shall mail process as provided for in subsection (b) of this section. The broker shall, likewise, file the name of such person with the commissioner. As to the same unauthorized insurer and all insurance coverages issued or accepted by it under this surplus line law, no more than one person shall at any one time be the designee to whom copies of process against the insurer, served upon the commissioner, shall be forwarded.
(d) Where process is served upon the commissioner as an insurer’s process agent, the insurer shall not be required to answer or plead except within 30 days after the date upon which the commissioner mailed a copy of the process served upon him as required by subsection (b) of this section.
(e) Process served upon the commissioner, and copy thereof forwarded as in this section provided, shall for all purposes constitute valid and binding service thereof upon the insurer.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 27-10-33
What does Code of Alabama § 27-10-33 cover?
Section 27-10-33 ("Service of Process in Action or Proceeding Against Insurer.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 27-10-33?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 27-10-33" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 27-10-33 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.