South Carolina § 38-75-970 - Premium rates.

§ 38-75-970. Premium rates.

(A) Premium rates may not be inadequate, excessive, or unfairly discriminatory.

(B) Rates are excessive if in the aggregate they are likely to produce a long-run profit that is unreasonably high in relation to the riskiness of the class of business, or if expenses are unreasonably high in relation to the services rendered.

(C) Rates are inadequate if they are clearly insufficient, together with investment income attributable to them, to sustain projected losses and expenses or if the continued use of the fees have the effect of substantially lessening competition or the effect of tending to create a monopoly.

(D) Premium rates are unfairly discriminatory if the premium charged for any classification is not reasonably related to the services performed or the risks assumed by the insurer. Within rate classifications, premiums, to a reasonable degree, may be less in the case of smaller insurances and the excess may be charged against larger insurances without rendering the rate unfairly discriminatory.

(E) In making or reviewing rates, due consideration must be given to past and prospective loss experience, to exposure to loss, to underwriting practice and judgment, to past and prospective expenses including amounts paid to or retained by title agents, to investment income, to a reasonable margin for profit and contingencies, and to all other relevant factors both within and outside this State. A five-year experience period is required for all filings of rates provided that the filing of any insurer in existence less than five years must be supported by experience consistent with the period of its existence.

HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 562.