California 2017-2018 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB1398 Compare Versions

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1-Assembly Bill No. 1398 CHAPTER 228 An act to add Section 10168.45 to the Insurance Code, relating to annuities. [ Approved by Governor September 11, 2017. Filed with Secretary of State September 11, 2017. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1398, Kalra. Annuities: cash surrender benefits.Existing law governs annuities and, for those insurance contracts that provide cash surrender benefits, prescribes the cash surrender benefit available prior to maturity. Existing law also requires the death benefit under these contracts to be at least equal to the cash surrender benefit. Existing law requires, with exceptions, that no contract of annuity be delivered or issued for delivery in this state unless it contains, in substance, specified provisions, or corresponding provisions that in the opinion of the commissioner are at least as favorable to the contractholder, upon cessation of payment of considerations under the contract.This bill, among other things, would require the insurer, for an individual annuity contract issued on or after January 1, 2019, to return to the owner all moneys due for annuity contracts that are surrendered by the contract owner as expeditiously as possible after the request for surrender is received, as defined, but no later than 45 days from the date of surrender, as specified. The bill would authorize insurers to require that a request to surrender a contract be in writing and contain various elements, including, the contract number of the contract and the name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner, on the contract to be surrendered. The bill would also authorize the insurer to require the contract owner to complete an administrative form, as provided, as part of the surrender process, and would require the surrender be processed and all moneys due be returned within 30 days from the effective date of the surrender if the contract owner completes and submits the administrative form within 14 days of the surrender request. The bill would require a contract to include language or be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender of the contract, as specified.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 10168.45 is added to the Insurance Code, immediately following Section 10168.4, to read:10168.45. (a) (1) For an individual annuity contract subject to this article that is surrendered by the contract owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that contract as expeditiously as possible but not later than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b).(2) An insurer may defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months if the approval described in subdivision (b) of Section 10168.1 has been received by the insurer.(b) (1) (A) A surrender of a contract is effective on the date the request is received if the request is made to the insurer, or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf, and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract.(B) The effective date of the surrender of a contract may be up to 45 days after the request for surrender is received if it is permitted by the contract and requested by the contract owner.(2) The insurer may require the request for surrender to be in writing.(3) The elements the insurer may require as part of the request for surrender are limited to the following:(A) A statement that makes it clear that the contract owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.(B) The contract number of the contract to be surrendered.(C) The name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner on the contract to be surrendered.(D) A clear method of delivery and payee instructions for payment of the surrender value.(E) For partial surrender, the withdrawal amount, including requested beginning date, frequency, and maximum annual withdrawal amount, and instructions on subaccount withdrawals.(F) Instructions for tax withholding.(G) The signature of the owner of the contract, which may be either a wet signature or an electronic signature at the insurers discretion, and if required by the contract or by a legally binding document that the insurer has actual notice of, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the contract through the legally binding document.(H) Either the contract itself, or, in lieu of the contract, a statement that the contract has been lost or destroyed.(4) The insurer may require the contract owner to complete an administrative form as part of the surrender process. The insurers administrative form may only request information required to complete the surrender transaction, as set forth in paragraph (3). An administrative form shall be provided to the contract owner within two business days of the request, and shall be available for the contract owner to access on the insurers Internet Web site if the contract owner accesses his or her account information through the insurers Internet Web site. The insurers requirement to complete an administrative form shall not further the effective date of the surrender or extend the 45-day period in which the surrender is required to be processed.(A) The administrative form shall be designed to provide the insurer with the information needed to complete the surrender transaction consistent with the contract owners request.(B) If the insurer requires an administrative form and the contract owner completes and submits that form within 14 days of the surrender request, the insurer shall return all moneys due as expeditiously as possible but not later than 30 days from the effective date of the surrender.(c) When the contract owner requests information about surrendering a contract from the insurer or servicing agent, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, upon request, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurers requirements.(d) A contract subject to this section shall do either of the following:(1) Include language, which may be included by endorsement, setting forth the permitted requirements for surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the contract language may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(2) Be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the notice may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(e) (1) For a written request and for purposes of this section, received means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf.(2) (A) An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received and not on a later date due to the insurers or servicing agents internal routing or delivery procedures.(B) If the procedure required pursuant to subparagraph (A) is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the earliest of the following:(i) The delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier.(ii) Two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service.(iii) One business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent.(C) For purposes of this paragraph, business day has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215.(D) Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.(f) (1) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values, unless that contractual provision applies a valuation date other than the effective date of surrender described in subdivision (b) to the calculation of cash or surrender or other values.(2) The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a contract owner may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run and a date certain for the insurer to use for the valuation of the contract.(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), an insurer may request information that is reasonably necessary to process the surrender in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). An insurers request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a contract owners compliance with subdivision (b).(4) An insurer may request a signature guarantee if there is reason to believe a fraudulent situation may occur.(g) This section shall only apply to contracts issued on or after January 1, 2019.
1+Enrolled August 29, 2017 Passed IN Senate July 20, 2017 Passed IN Assembly August 28, 2017 Amended IN Senate June 20, 2017 Amended IN Assembly May 01, 2017 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1398Introduced by Assembly Member KalraFebruary 17, 2017 An act to add Section 10168.45 to the Insurance Code, relating to annuities. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1398, Kalra. Annuities: cash surrender benefits.Existing law governs annuities and, for those insurance contracts that provide cash surrender benefits, prescribes the cash surrender benefit available prior to maturity. Existing law also requires the death benefit under these contracts to be at least equal to the cash surrender benefit. Existing law requires, with exceptions, that no contract of annuity be delivered or issued for delivery in this state unless it contains, in substance, specified provisions, or corresponding provisions that in the opinion of the commissioner are at least as favorable to the contractholder, upon cessation of payment of considerations under the contract.This bill, among other things, would require the insurer, for an individual annuity contract issued on or after January 1, 2019, to return to the owner all moneys due for annuity contracts that are surrendered by the contract owner as expeditiously as possible after the request for surrender is received, as defined, but no later than 45 days from the date of surrender, as specified. The bill would authorize insurers to require that a request to surrender a contract be in writing and contain various elements, including, the contract number of the contract and the name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner, on the contract to be surrendered. The bill would also authorize the insurer to require the contract owner to complete an administrative form, as provided, as part of the surrender process, and would require the surrender be processed and all moneys due be returned within 30 days from the effective date of the surrender if the contract owner completes and submits the administrative form within 14 days of the surrender request. The bill would require a contract to include language or be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender of the contract, as specified.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 10168.45 is added to the Insurance Code, immediately following Section 10168.4, to read:10168.45. (a) (1) For an individual annuity contract subject to this article that is surrendered by the contract owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that contract as expeditiously as possible but not later than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b).(2) An insurer may defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months if the approval described in subdivision (b) of Section 10168.1 has been received by the insurer.(b) (1) (A) A surrender of a contract is effective on the date the request is received if the request is made to the insurer, or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf, and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract.(B) The effective date of the surrender of a contract may be up to 45 days after the request for surrender is received if it is permitted by the contract and requested by the contract owner.(2) The insurer may require the request for surrender to be in writing.(3) The elements the insurer may require as part of the request for surrender are limited to the following:(A) A statement that makes it clear that the contract owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.(B) The contract number of the contract to be surrendered.(C) The name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner on the contract to be surrendered.(D) A clear method of delivery and payee instructions for payment of the surrender value.(E) For partial surrender, the withdrawal amount, including requested beginning date, frequency, and maximum annual withdrawal amount, and instructions on subaccount withdrawals.(F) Instructions for tax withholding.(G) The signature of the owner of the contract, which may be either a wet signature or an electronic signature at the insurers discretion, and if required by the contract or by a legally binding document that the insurer has actual notice of, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the contract through the legally binding document.(H) Either the contract itself, or, in lieu of the contract, a statement that the contract has been lost or destroyed.(4) The insurer may require the contract owner to complete an administrative form as part of the surrender process. The insurers administrative form may only request information required to complete the surrender transaction, as set forth in paragraph (3). An administrative form shall be provided to the contract owner within two business days of the request, and shall be available for the contract owner to access on the insurers Internet Web site if the contract owner accesses his or her account information through the insurers Internet Web site. The insurers requirement to complete an administrative form shall not further the effective date of the surrender or extend the 45-day period in which the surrender is required to be processed.(A) The administrative form shall be designed to provide the insurer with the information needed to complete the surrender transaction consistent with the contract owners request.(B) If the insurer requires an administrative form and the contract owner completes and submits that form within 14 days of the surrender request, the insurer shall return all moneys due as expeditiously as possible but not later than 30 days from the effective date of the surrender.(c) When the contract owner requests information about surrendering a contract from the insurer or servicing agent, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, upon request, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurers requirements.(d) A contract subject to this section shall do either of the following:(1) Include language, which may be included by endorsement, setting forth the permitted requirements for surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the contract language may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(2) Be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the notice may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(e) (1) For a written request and for purposes of this section, received means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf.(2) (A) An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received and not on a later date due to the insurers or servicing agents internal routing or delivery procedures.(B) If the procedure required pursuant to subparagraph (A) is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the earliest of the following:(i) The delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier.(ii) Two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service.(iii) One business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent.(C) For purposes of this paragraph, business day has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215.(D) Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.(f) (1) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values, unless that contractual provision applies a valuation date other than the effective date of surrender described in subdivision (b) to the calculation of cash or surrender or other values.(2) The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a contract owner may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run and a date certain for the insurer to use for the valuation of the contract.(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), an insurer may request information that is reasonably necessary to process the surrender in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). An insurers request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a contract owners compliance with subdivision (b).(4) An insurer may request a signature guarantee if there is reason to believe a fraudulent situation may occur.(g) This section shall only apply to contracts issued on or after January 1, 2019.
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3- Assembly Bill No. 1398 CHAPTER 228 An act to add Section 10168.45 to the Insurance Code, relating to annuities. [ Approved by Governor September 11, 2017. Filed with Secretary of State September 11, 2017. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1398, Kalra. Annuities: cash surrender benefits.Existing law governs annuities and, for those insurance contracts that provide cash surrender benefits, prescribes the cash surrender benefit available prior to maturity. Existing law also requires the death benefit under these contracts to be at least equal to the cash surrender benefit. Existing law requires, with exceptions, that no contract of annuity be delivered or issued for delivery in this state unless it contains, in substance, specified provisions, or corresponding provisions that in the opinion of the commissioner are at least as favorable to the contractholder, upon cessation of payment of considerations under the contract.This bill, among other things, would require the insurer, for an individual annuity contract issued on or after January 1, 2019, to return to the owner all moneys due for annuity contracts that are surrendered by the contract owner as expeditiously as possible after the request for surrender is received, as defined, but no later than 45 days from the date of surrender, as specified. The bill would authorize insurers to require that a request to surrender a contract be in writing and contain various elements, including, the contract number of the contract and the name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner, on the contract to be surrendered. The bill would also authorize the insurer to require the contract owner to complete an administrative form, as provided, as part of the surrender process, and would require the surrender be processed and all moneys due be returned within 30 days from the effective date of the surrender if the contract owner completes and submits the administrative form within 14 days of the surrender request. The bill would require a contract to include language or be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender of the contract, as specified.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO
3+ Enrolled August 29, 2017 Passed IN Senate July 20, 2017 Passed IN Assembly August 28, 2017 Amended IN Senate June 20, 2017 Amended IN Assembly May 01, 2017 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1398Introduced by Assembly Member KalraFebruary 17, 2017 An act to add Section 10168.45 to the Insurance Code, relating to annuities. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1398, Kalra. Annuities: cash surrender benefits.Existing law governs annuities and, for those insurance contracts that provide cash surrender benefits, prescribes the cash surrender benefit available prior to maturity. Existing law also requires the death benefit under these contracts to be at least equal to the cash surrender benefit. Existing law requires, with exceptions, that no contract of annuity be delivered or issued for delivery in this state unless it contains, in substance, specified provisions, or corresponding provisions that in the opinion of the commissioner are at least as favorable to the contractholder, upon cessation of payment of considerations under the contract.This bill, among other things, would require the insurer, for an individual annuity contract issued on or after January 1, 2019, to return to the owner all moneys due for annuity contracts that are surrendered by the contract owner as expeditiously as possible after the request for surrender is received, as defined, but no later than 45 days from the date of surrender, as specified. The bill would authorize insurers to require that a request to surrender a contract be in writing and contain various elements, including, the contract number of the contract and the name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner, on the contract to be surrendered. The bill would also authorize the insurer to require the contract owner to complete an administrative form, as provided, as part of the surrender process, and would require the surrender be processed and all moneys due be returned within 30 days from the effective date of the surrender if the contract owner completes and submits the administrative form within 14 days of the surrender request. The bill would require a contract to include language or be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender of the contract, as specified.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO
4+
5+ Enrolled August 29, 2017 Passed IN Senate July 20, 2017 Passed IN Assembly August 28, 2017 Amended IN Senate June 20, 2017 Amended IN Assembly May 01, 2017
6+
7+Enrolled August 29, 2017
8+Passed IN Senate July 20, 2017
9+Passed IN Assembly August 28, 2017
10+Amended IN Senate June 20, 2017
11+Amended IN Assembly May 01, 2017
12+
13+ CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
414
515 Assembly Bill No. 1398
6-CHAPTER 228
16+
17+Introduced by Assembly Member KalraFebruary 17, 2017
18+
19+Introduced by Assembly Member Kalra
20+February 17, 2017
721
822 An act to add Section 10168.45 to the Insurance Code, relating to annuities.
9-
10- [ Approved by Governor September 11, 2017. Filed with Secretary of State September 11, 2017. ]
1123
1224 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1325
1426 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1527
1628 AB 1398, Kalra. Annuities: cash surrender benefits.
1729
1830 Existing law governs annuities and, for those insurance contracts that provide cash surrender benefits, prescribes the cash surrender benefit available prior to maturity. Existing law also requires the death benefit under these contracts to be at least equal to the cash surrender benefit. Existing law requires, with exceptions, that no contract of annuity be delivered or issued for delivery in this state unless it contains, in substance, specified provisions, or corresponding provisions that in the opinion of the commissioner are at least as favorable to the contractholder, upon cessation of payment of considerations under the contract.This bill, among other things, would require the insurer, for an individual annuity contract issued on or after January 1, 2019, to return to the owner all moneys due for annuity contracts that are surrendered by the contract owner as expeditiously as possible after the request for surrender is received, as defined, but no later than 45 days from the date of surrender, as specified. The bill would authorize insurers to require that a request to surrender a contract be in writing and contain various elements, including, the contract number of the contract and the name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner, on the contract to be surrendered. The bill would also authorize the insurer to require the contract owner to complete an administrative form, as provided, as part of the surrender process, and would require the surrender be processed and all moneys due be returned within 30 days from the effective date of the surrender if the contract owner completes and submits the administrative form within 14 days of the surrender request. The bill would require a contract to include language or be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender of the contract, as specified.
1931
2032 Existing law governs annuities and, for those insurance contracts that provide cash surrender benefits, prescribes the cash surrender benefit available prior to maturity. Existing law also requires the death benefit under these contracts to be at least equal to the cash surrender benefit. Existing law requires, with exceptions, that no contract of annuity be delivered or issued for delivery in this state unless it contains, in substance, specified provisions, or corresponding provisions that in the opinion of the commissioner are at least as favorable to the contractholder, upon cessation of payment of considerations under the contract.
2133
2234 This bill, among other things, would require the insurer, for an individual annuity contract issued on or after January 1, 2019, to return to the owner all moneys due for annuity contracts that are surrendered by the contract owner as expeditiously as possible after the request for surrender is received, as defined, but no later than 45 days from the date of surrender, as specified. The bill would authorize insurers to require that a request to surrender a contract be in writing and contain various elements, including, the contract number of the contract and the name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner, on the contract to be surrendered. The bill would also authorize the insurer to require the contract owner to complete an administrative form, as provided, as part of the surrender process, and would require the surrender be processed and all moneys due be returned within 30 days from the effective date of the surrender if the contract owner completes and submits the administrative form within 14 days of the surrender request. The bill would require a contract to include language or be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender of the contract, as specified.
2335
2436 ## Digest Key
2537
2638 ## Bill Text
2739
2840 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 10168.45 is added to the Insurance Code, immediately following Section 10168.4, to read:10168.45. (a) (1) For an individual annuity contract subject to this article that is surrendered by the contract owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that contract as expeditiously as possible but not later than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b).(2) An insurer may defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months if the approval described in subdivision (b) of Section 10168.1 has been received by the insurer.(b) (1) (A) A surrender of a contract is effective on the date the request is received if the request is made to the insurer, or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf, and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract.(B) The effective date of the surrender of a contract may be up to 45 days after the request for surrender is received if it is permitted by the contract and requested by the contract owner.(2) The insurer may require the request for surrender to be in writing.(3) The elements the insurer may require as part of the request for surrender are limited to the following:(A) A statement that makes it clear that the contract owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.(B) The contract number of the contract to be surrendered.(C) The name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner on the contract to be surrendered.(D) A clear method of delivery and payee instructions for payment of the surrender value.(E) For partial surrender, the withdrawal amount, including requested beginning date, frequency, and maximum annual withdrawal amount, and instructions on subaccount withdrawals.(F) Instructions for tax withholding.(G) The signature of the owner of the contract, which may be either a wet signature or an electronic signature at the insurers discretion, and if required by the contract or by a legally binding document that the insurer has actual notice of, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the contract through the legally binding document.(H) Either the contract itself, or, in lieu of the contract, a statement that the contract has been lost or destroyed.(4) The insurer may require the contract owner to complete an administrative form as part of the surrender process. The insurers administrative form may only request information required to complete the surrender transaction, as set forth in paragraph (3). An administrative form shall be provided to the contract owner within two business days of the request, and shall be available for the contract owner to access on the insurers Internet Web site if the contract owner accesses his or her account information through the insurers Internet Web site. The insurers requirement to complete an administrative form shall not further the effective date of the surrender or extend the 45-day period in which the surrender is required to be processed.(A) The administrative form shall be designed to provide the insurer with the information needed to complete the surrender transaction consistent with the contract owners request.(B) If the insurer requires an administrative form and the contract owner completes and submits that form within 14 days of the surrender request, the insurer shall return all moneys due as expeditiously as possible but not later than 30 days from the effective date of the surrender.(c) When the contract owner requests information about surrendering a contract from the insurer or servicing agent, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, upon request, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurers requirements.(d) A contract subject to this section shall do either of the following:(1) Include language, which may be included by endorsement, setting forth the permitted requirements for surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the contract language may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(2) Be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the notice may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(e) (1) For a written request and for purposes of this section, received means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf.(2) (A) An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received and not on a later date due to the insurers or servicing agents internal routing or delivery procedures.(B) If the procedure required pursuant to subparagraph (A) is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the earliest of the following:(i) The delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier.(ii) Two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service.(iii) One business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent.(C) For purposes of this paragraph, business day has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215.(D) Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.(f) (1) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values, unless that contractual provision applies a valuation date other than the effective date of surrender described in subdivision (b) to the calculation of cash or surrender or other values.(2) The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a contract owner may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run and a date certain for the insurer to use for the valuation of the contract.(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), an insurer may request information that is reasonably necessary to process the surrender in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). An insurers request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a contract owners compliance with subdivision (b).(4) An insurer may request a signature guarantee if there is reason to believe a fraudulent situation may occur.(g) This section shall only apply to contracts issued on or after January 1, 2019.
2941
3042 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
3143
3244 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
3345
3446 SECTION 1. Section 10168.45 is added to the Insurance Code, immediately following Section 10168.4, to read:10168.45. (a) (1) For an individual annuity contract subject to this article that is surrendered by the contract owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that contract as expeditiously as possible but not later than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b).(2) An insurer may defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months if the approval described in subdivision (b) of Section 10168.1 has been received by the insurer.(b) (1) (A) A surrender of a contract is effective on the date the request is received if the request is made to the insurer, or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf, and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract.(B) The effective date of the surrender of a contract may be up to 45 days after the request for surrender is received if it is permitted by the contract and requested by the contract owner.(2) The insurer may require the request for surrender to be in writing.(3) The elements the insurer may require as part of the request for surrender are limited to the following:(A) A statement that makes it clear that the contract owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.(B) The contract number of the contract to be surrendered.(C) The name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner on the contract to be surrendered.(D) A clear method of delivery and payee instructions for payment of the surrender value.(E) For partial surrender, the withdrawal amount, including requested beginning date, frequency, and maximum annual withdrawal amount, and instructions on subaccount withdrawals.(F) Instructions for tax withholding.(G) The signature of the owner of the contract, which may be either a wet signature or an electronic signature at the insurers discretion, and if required by the contract or by a legally binding document that the insurer has actual notice of, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the contract through the legally binding document.(H) Either the contract itself, or, in lieu of the contract, a statement that the contract has been lost or destroyed.(4) The insurer may require the contract owner to complete an administrative form as part of the surrender process. The insurers administrative form may only request information required to complete the surrender transaction, as set forth in paragraph (3). An administrative form shall be provided to the contract owner within two business days of the request, and shall be available for the contract owner to access on the insurers Internet Web site if the contract owner accesses his or her account information through the insurers Internet Web site. The insurers requirement to complete an administrative form shall not further the effective date of the surrender or extend the 45-day period in which the surrender is required to be processed.(A) The administrative form shall be designed to provide the insurer with the information needed to complete the surrender transaction consistent with the contract owners request.(B) If the insurer requires an administrative form and the contract owner completes and submits that form within 14 days of the surrender request, the insurer shall return all moneys due as expeditiously as possible but not later than 30 days from the effective date of the surrender.(c) When the contract owner requests information about surrendering a contract from the insurer or servicing agent, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, upon request, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurers requirements.(d) A contract subject to this section shall do either of the following:(1) Include language, which may be included by endorsement, setting forth the permitted requirements for surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the contract language may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(2) Be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the notice may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(e) (1) For a written request and for purposes of this section, received means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf.(2) (A) An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received and not on a later date due to the insurers or servicing agents internal routing or delivery procedures.(B) If the procedure required pursuant to subparagraph (A) is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the earliest of the following:(i) The delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier.(ii) Two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service.(iii) One business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent.(C) For purposes of this paragraph, business day has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215.(D) Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.(f) (1) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values, unless that contractual provision applies a valuation date other than the effective date of surrender described in subdivision (b) to the calculation of cash or surrender or other values.(2) The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a contract owner may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run and a date certain for the insurer to use for the valuation of the contract.(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), an insurer may request information that is reasonably necessary to process the surrender in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). An insurers request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a contract owners compliance with subdivision (b).(4) An insurer may request a signature guarantee if there is reason to believe a fraudulent situation may occur.(g) This section shall only apply to contracts issued on or after January 1, 2019.
3547
3648 SECTION 1. Section 10168.45 is added to the Insurance Code, immediately following Section 10168.4, to read:
3749
3850 ### SECTION 1.
3951
4052 10168.45. (a) (1) For an individual annuity contract subject to this article that is surrendered by the contract owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that contract as expeditiously as possible but not later than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b).(2) An insurer may defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months if the approval described in subdivision (b) of Section 10168.1 has been received by the insurer.(b) (1) (A) A surrender of a contract is effective on the date the request is received if the request is made to the insurer, or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf, and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract.(B) The effective date of the surrender of a contract may be up to 45 days after the request for surrender is received if it is permitted by the contract and requested by the contract owner.(2) The insurer may require the request for surrender to be in writing.(3) The elements the insurer may require as part of the request for surrender are limited to the following:(A) A statement that makes it clear that the contract owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.(B) The contract number of the contract to be surrendered.(C) The name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner on the contract to be surrendered.(D) A clear method of delivery and payee instructions for payment of the surrender value.(E) For partial surrender, the withdrawal amount, including requested beginning date, frequency, and maximum annual withdrawal amount, and instructions on subaccount withdrawals.(F) Instructions for tax withholding.(G) The signature of the owner of the contract, which may be either a wet signature or an electronic signature at the insurers discretion, and if required by the contract or by a legally binding document that the insurer has actual notice of, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the contract through the legally binding document.(H) Either the contract itself, or, in lieu of the contract, a statement that the contract has been lost or destroyed.(4) The insurer may require the contract owner to complete an administrative form as part of the surrender process. The insurers administrative form may only request information required to complete the surrender transaction, as set forth in paragraph (3). An administrative form shall be provided to the contract owner within two business days of the request, and shall be available for the contract owner to access on the insurers Internet Web site if the contract owner accesses his or her account information through the insurers Internet Web site. The insurers requirement to complete an administrative form shall not further the effective date of the surrender or extend the 45-day period in which the surrender is required to be processed.(A) The administrative form shall be designed to provide the insurer with the information needed to complete the surrender transaction consistent with the contract owners request.(B) If the insurer requires an administrative form and the contract owner completes and submits that form within 14 days of the surrender request, the insurer shall return all moneys due as expeditiously as possible but not later than 30 days from the effective date of the surrender.(c) When the contract owner requests information about surrendering a contract from the insurer or servicing agent, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, upon request, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurers requirements.(d) A contract subject to this section shall do either of the following:(1) Include language, which may be included by endorsement, setting forth the permitted requirements for surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the contract language may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(2) Be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the notice may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(e) (1) For a written request and for purposes of this section, received means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf.(2) (A) An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received and not on a later date due to the insurers or servicing agents internal routing or delivery procedures.(B) If the procedure required pursuant to subparagraph (A) is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the earliest of the following:(i) The delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier.(ii) Two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service.(iii) One business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent.(C) For purposes of this paragraph, business day has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215.(D) Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.(f) (1) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values, unless that contractual provision applies a valuation date other than the effective date of surrender described in subdivision (b) to the calculation of cash or surrender or other values.(2) The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a contract owner may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run and a date certain for the insurer to use for the valuation of the contract.(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), an insurer may request information that is reasonably necessary to process the surrender in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). An insurers request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a contract owners compliance with subdivision (b).(4) An insurer may request a signature guarantee if there is reason to believe a fraudulent situation may occur.(g) This section shall only apply to contracts issued on or after January 1, 2019.
4153
4254 10168.45. (a) (1) For an individual annuity contract subject to this article that is surrendered by the contract owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that contract as expeditiously as possible but not later than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b).(2) An insurer may defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months if the approval described in subdivision (b) of Section 10168.1 has been received by the insurer.(b) (1) (A) A surrender of a contract is effective on the date the request is received if the request is made to the insurer, or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf, and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract.(B) The effective date of the surrender of a contract may be up to 45 days after the request for surrender is received if it is permitted by the contract and requested by the contract owner.(2) The insurer may require the request for surrender to be in writing.(3) The elements the insurer may require as part of the request for surrender are limited to the following:(A) A statement that makes it clear that the contract owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.(B) The contract number of the contract to be surrendered.(C) The name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner on the contract to be surrendered.(D) A clear method of delivery and payee instructions for payment of the surrender value.(E) For partial surrender, the withdrawal amount, including requested beginning date, frequency, and maximum annual withdrawal amount, and instructions on subaccount withdrawals.(F) Instructions for tax withholding.(G) The signature of the owner of the contract, which may be either a wet signature or an electronic signature at the insurers discretion, and if required by the contract or by a legally binding document that the insurer has actual notice of, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the contract through the legally binding document.(H) Either the contract itself, or, in lieu of the contract, a statement that the contract has been lost or destroyed.(4) The insurer may require the contract owner to complete an administrative form as part of the surrender process. The insurers administrative form may only request information required to complete the surrender transaction, as set forth in paragraph (3). An administrative form shall be provided to the contract owner within two business days of the request, and shall be available for the contract owner to access on the insurers Internet Web site if the contract owner accesses his or her account information through the insurers Internet Web site. The insurers requirement to complete an administrative form shall not further the effective date of the surrender or extend the 45-day period in which the surrender is required to be processed.(A) The administrative form shall be designed to provide the insurer with the information needed to complete the surrender transaction consistent with the contract owners request.(B) If the insurer requires an administrative form and the contract owner completes and submits that form within 14 days of the surrender request, the insurer shall return all moneys due as expeditiously as possible but not later than 30 days from the effective date of the surrender.(c) When the contract owner requests information about surrendering a contract from the insurer or servicing agent, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, upon request, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurers requirements.(d) A contract subject to this section shall do either of the following:(1) Include language, which may be included by endorsement, setting forth the permitted requirements for surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the contract language may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(2) Be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the notice may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(e) (1) For a written request and for purposes of this section, received means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf.(2) (A) An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received and not on a later date due to the insurers or servicing agents internal routing or delivery procedures.(B) If the procedure required pursuant to subparagraph (A) is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the earliest of the following:(i) The delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier.(ii) Two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service.(iii) One business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent.(C) For purposes of this paragraph, business day has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215.(D) Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.(f) (1) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values, unless that contractual provision applies a valuation date other than the effective date of surrender described in subdivision (b) to the calculation of cash or surrender or other values.(2) The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a contract owner may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run and a date certain for the insurer to use for the valuation of the contract.(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), an insurer may request information that is reasonably necessary to process the surrender in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). An insurers request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a contract owners compliance with subdivision (b).(4) An insurer may request a signature guarantee if there is reason to believe a fraudulent situation may occur.(g) This section shall only apply to contracts issued on or after January 1, 2019.
4355
4456 10168.45. (a) (1) For an individual annuity contract subject to this article that is surrendered by the contract owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that contract as expeditiously as possible but not later than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b).(2) An insurer may defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months if the approval described in subdivision (b) of Section 10168.1 has been received by the insurer.(b) (1) (A) A surrender of a contract is effective on the date the request is received if the request is made to the insurer, or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf, and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract.(B) The effective date of the surrender of a contract may be up to 45 days after the request for surrender is received if it is permitted by the contract and requested by the contract owner.(2) The insurer may require the request for surrender to be in writing.(3) The elements the insurer may require as part of the request for surrender are limited to the following:(A) A statement that makes it clear that the contract owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.(B) The contract number of the contract to be surrendered.(C) The name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner on the contract to be surrendered.(D) A clear method of delivery and payee instructions for payment of the surrender value.(E) For partial surrender, the withdrawal amount, including requested beginning date, frequency, and maximum annual withdrawal amount, and instructions on subaccount withdrawals.(F) Instructions for tax withholding.(G) The signature of the owner of the contract, which may be either a wet signature or an electronic signature at the insurers discretion, and if required by the contract or by a legally binding document that the insurer has actual notice of, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the contract through the legally binding document.(H) Either the contract itself, or, in lieu of the contract, a statement that the contract has been lost or destroyed.(4) The insurer may require the contract owner to complete an administrative form as part of the surrender process. The insurers administrative form may only request information required to complete the surrender transaction, as set forth in paragraph (3). An administrative form shall be provided to the contract owner within two business days of the request, and shall be available for the contract owner to access on the insurers Internet Web site if the contract owner accesses his or her account information through the insurers Internet Web site. The insurers requirement to complete an administrative form shall not further the effective date of the surrender or extend the 45-day period in which the surrender is required to be processed.(A) The administrative form shall be designed to provide the insurer with the information needed to complete the surrender transaction consistent with the contract owners request.(B) If the insurer requires an administrative form and the contract owner completes and submits that form within 14 days of the surrender request, the insurer shall return all moneys due as expeditiously as possible but not later than 30 days from the effective date of the surrender.(c) When the contract owner requests information about surrendering a contract from the insurer or servicing agent, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, upon request, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurers requirements.(d) A contract subject to this section shall do either of the following:(1) Include language, which may be included by endorsement, setting forth the permitted requirements for surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the contract language may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(2) Be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the notice may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.(e) (1) For a written request and for purposes of this section, received means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf.(2) (A) An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received and not on a later date due to the insurers or servicing agents internal routing or delivery procedures.(B) If the procedure required pursuant to subparagraph (A) is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the earliest of the following:(i) The delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier.(ii) Two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service.(iii) One business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent.(C) For purposes of this paragraph, business day has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215.(D) Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.(f) (1) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values, unless that contractual provision applies a valuation date other than the effective date of surrender described in subdivision (b) to the calculation of cash or surrender or other values.(2) The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a contract owner may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run and a date certain for the insurer to use for the valuation of the contract.(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), an insurer may request information that is reasonably necessary to process the surrender in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). An insurers request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a contract owners compliance with subdivision (b).(4) An insurer may request a signature guarantee if there is reason to believe a fraudulent situation may occur.(g) This section shall only apply to contracts issued on or after January 1, 2019.
4557
4658
4759
4860 10168.45. (a) (1) For an individual annuity contract subject to this article that is surrendered by the contract owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that contract as expeditiously as possible but not later than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b).
4961
5062 (2) An insurer may defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months if the approval described in subdivision (b) of Section 10168.1 has been received by the insurer.
5163
5264 (b) (1) (A) A surrender of a contract is effective on the date the request is received if the request is made to the insurer, or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf, and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract.
5365
5466 (B) The effective date of the surrender of a contract may be up to 45 days after the request for surrender is received if it is permitted by the contract and requested by the contract owner.
5567
5668 (2) The insurer may require the request for surrender to be in writing.
5769
5870 (3) The elements the insurer may require as part of the request for surrender are limited to the following:
5971
6072 (A) A statement that makes it clear that the contract owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.
6173
6274 (B) The contract number of the contract to be surrendered.
6375
6476 (C) The name, address, and telephone number of the contract owner on the contract to be surrendered.
6577
6678 (D) A clear method of delivery and payee instructions for payment of the surrender value.
6779
6880 (E) For partial surrender, the withdrawal amount, including requested beginning date, frequency, and maximum annual withdrawal amount, and instructions on subaccount withdrawals.
6981
7082 (F) Instructions for tax withholding.
7183
7284 (G) The signature of the owner of the contract, which may be either a wet signature or an electronic signature at the insurers discretion, and if required by the contract or by a legally binding document that the insurer has actual notice of, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the contract through the legally binding document.
7385
7486 (H) Either the contract itself, or, in lieu of the contract, a statement that the contract has been lost or destroyed.
7587
7688 (4) The insurer may require the contract owner to complete an administrative form as part of the surrender process. The insurers administrative form may only request information required to complete the surrender transaction, as set forth in paragraph (3). An administrative form shall be provided to the contract owner within two business days of the request, and shall be available for the contract owner to access on the insurers Internet Web site if the contract owner accesses his or her account information through the insurers Internet Web site. The insurers requirement to complete an administrative form shall not further the effective date of the surrender or extend the 45-day period in which the surrender is required to be processed.
7789
7890 (A) The administrative form shall be designed to provide the insurer with the information needed to complete the surrender transaction consistent with the contract owners request.
7991
8092 (B) If the insurer requires an administrative form and the contract owner completes and submits that form within 14 days of the surrender request, the insurer shall return all moneys due as expeditiously as possible but not later than 30 days from the effective date of the surrender.
8193
8294 (c) When the contract owner requests information about surrendering a contract from the insurer or servicing agent, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, upon request, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurers requirements.
8395
8496 (d) A contract subject to this section shall do either of the following:
8597
8698 (1) Include language, which may be included by endorsement, setting forth the permitted requirements for surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the contract language may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.
8799
88100 (2) Be accompanied by a notice setting forth the permitted requirements for a surrender described in this section. Alternatively, if the insurer requires only some of the elements permitted in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) for a surrender request, the notice may exclude any of the elements in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) that the insurer does not require to process the surrender.
89101
90102 (e) (1) For a written request and for purposes of this section, received means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive requests for surrender on the insurers behalf.
91103
92104 (2) (A) An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received and not on a later date due to the insurers or servicing agents internal routing or delivery procedures.
93105
94106 (B) If the procedure required pursuant to subparagraph (A) is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the earliest of the following:
95107
96108 (i) The delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier.
97109
98110 (ii) Two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service.
99111
100112 (iii) One business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent.
101113
102114 (C) For purposes of this paragraph, business day has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215.
103115
104116 (D) Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.
105117
106118 (f) (1) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values, unless that contractual provision applies a valuation date other than the effective date of surrender described in subdivision (b) to the calculation of cash or surrender or other values.
107119
108120 (2) The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a contract owner may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run and a date certain for the insurer to use for the valuation of the contract.
109121
110122 (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), an insurer may request information that is reasonably necessary to process the surrender in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). An insurers request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a contract owners compliance with subdivision (b).
111123
112124 (4) An insurer may request a signature guarantee if there is reason to believe a fraudulent situation may occur.
113125
114126 (g) This section shall only apply to contracts issued on or after January 1, 2019.