South Carolina § 38-63-230 - Methods of rescission by insurer.

§ 38-63-230. Methods of rescission by insurer.

(A) An insurer may rescind a life insurance policy within the two-year contestability period in Section 38-63-220(d) by:

(1) a mutual rescission agreement executed by all parties based on false statements included in the application; or

(2) proving a fraudulent or material misrepresentation by clear and convincing evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(B) Mutual rescission of a policy may be accomplished by:

(1) if the owner is living, mailing a certified letter to the last known address on record of the insured or policy owner. If the owner is deceased, mailing a certified letter to the beneficiary and the deceased's estate, notifying the estate, insured, policy owner, or beneficiary, as appropriate, that the insurer is seeking a mutual rescission of the policy. The letter must state the policy is being rescinded for false statements included in the application and include the important notice language set forth in subsection (C). The letter must also specify which statements in the application were false along with a brief explanation of the facts supporting the determination that the statements were false;

(2) including a check reimbursing the insured, policy owner, or beneficiary the premium paid to the insurer with language stamped on the back of the check that reads: "I understand that cashing or depositing this check voids the policy and no benefits will be payable under the policy and am agreeing to the rescission of this policy"; and

(3) signing and cashing or depositing the premium reimbursement check by the insured, policyowner, or beneficiary, which will be deemed an acceptance of the proposed mutual rescission of the policy.

(C) Any certified letter proposing the rescission of a life insurance policy during the contestability period must include the following language in 12-point bold face type:

"IMPORTANT NOTICE:

You are the insured, owner, or beneficiary of an insurance policy the company proposes to rescind. This letter is notice the company seeks your consent to void and rescind the policy issued to you or that names you as a beneficiary based on false statements made in the application for insurance. If rescinded, the policy is void and no benefits will be payable under the policy. You do not have to agree to the rescission of this policy. If you do not agree, do not cash or deposit the enclosed check. Return it to the insurer or destroy it.

By cashing or depositing the enclosed premium reimbursement check, you are agreeing to rescind this policy. No benefits will be due or payable under the voided policy. If you do not agree to rescind this policy, the insurer has the right, in its sole discretion, to bring a court action to rescind the policy in accordance with South Carolina law.

You also have the right to bring an action in court if your policy is canceled or your claim for benefits is denied for material misrepresentation.

You may want to speak with an attorney about this notice. If you have any questions concerning this proposal, either you or your attorney may contact the insurer at the number listed in the letter.

Information regarding the specific misrepresentation that was made in your policy and a brief explanation of the insurer's determination that the representation is false is included with this letter."

(D) Insurance policies that are guaranteed issue or are not underwritten are not subject to mutual rescission.

HISTORY: 2022 Act No. 191 (H.4220), SECTION 1, eff May 16, 2022.