Arizona § 20-157 - Access and powers relating to insurers' records

Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-157 — Access and powers relating to insurers' records, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20-157. Access and powers relating to insurers' records

A. Every person being examined and its officers, employees, agents and representatives shall produce and make freely accessible to the director or the director's examiners the accounts, records, documents, files, assets and matters in the person's possession or control relating to the subject of the examination.

B. If the director finds accounts to be inadequate, or improperly kept or posted, the director may employ experts to rewrite, post or balance them at the expense of the person being examined if the person fails to complete or correct the accounting after the director has given the person notice and a reasonable opportunity to do so.

C. If the director deems it necessary to value any real estate involved in any examination, the director may employ one or more competent appraisers for the purpose.  The reasonable expense of the appraisal is a part of the cost of examination to be borne by the person being examined.

D. Any insurer or other person licensed under this title may cause its accounts, records, documents and files described in subsection A of this section to be created, recorded, copied or reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic, optical disk, electronic imaging, electronic data processing, electronically transmitted facsimile, printout or reproduction of electronically stored data or other process that accurately reproduces or forms a durable medium for storing the account, record, document or file. If the items so stored are not the original, the original may be destroyed unless held in a custodial or fiduciary capacity, but only if the data is easily accessible to the department in readable form and readable reproduced copies are obtainable. A record so stored is admissible in evidence as the original in any judicial or administrative proceeding whether the original is in existence or not. The introduction of a reproduced record does not preclude admission of the original. This shall not be construed to exclude from evidence any document or copy that is otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence.

 

Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 20-157

What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-157 cover?

Section 20-157 ("Access and powers relating to insurers' records") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. 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 Arizona § 20-157?

A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-157" (Arizona). 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 Arizona law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.

How does Arizona § 20-157 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona 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 Arizona.