Alabama § 27-13-60 - Definitions.

§ 27-13-60. Definitions.

For the purposes of this article, unless otherwise stated, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

(1) RATE. The unit charge by which the measure of exposure or the amount of insurance specified in a policy of insurance or covered thereunder is multiplied to determine the premium.

(2) PREMIUM. The consideration paid or to be paid to an insurer for the issuance and delivery of any binder or policy of insurance.

(3) RATE-MAKING. The examination and analysis of every factor and influence related to and bearing upon the hazard and risk made the subject of insurance; the collection and collation of such factors and influences into rating plans; systems; and the application of such rating systems to individual risks.

(4) RATING PLAN. Every schedule, class, classification, rule, guide, standard, manual, table, rating plan, policy, policy form, or compilation by whatever name described, containing the rates used by any rating organization or by any insurer, or used by any insurer or by any rating organization in determining and ascertaining a rate.

(5) RATING ORGANIZATION. Every person or persons, corporation, partnership, company, society, bureau, or association, whether located within or outside this state, engaged in the business of rate-making for two or more insurers.

(6) INSURER. Any person or persons, corporation, association, partnership, reciprocal exchange or company authorized by the laws of this state to transact the business of insurance in this state.

(7) CASUALTY INSURANCE. As used herein this term is to be construed in its generally accepted trade sense.

(8) UNREASONABLY HIGH RATE. No rate shall be held to be unreasonably high unless:

a. Such rate is unreasonably high for the insurance provided; and

b. A reasonable degree of competition does not exist in the area with respect to the classification to which such rate is applicable.

(9) INADEQUATE RATE. No rate shall be held to be inadequate which upon reasonable assumptions of prospective loss and expense experience will produce an underwriting profit.