A foreign insurer without an Arizona office is sued by an Arizona policyowner. Under A.R.S. 20-191, who acts as the insurer's attorney for service of process?

Why B is correct

A.R.S. 20-191 requires insurers to appoint the Director of the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions as their attorney for service of process. Papers served on the Director are valid service on the insurer, and under Arizona practice the insurer need not appear before 30 days after service, giving it time to respond through counsel.

Why the other options are wrong

• A) A home-state manager cannot accept Arizona service; the statutory agent under A.R.S. 20-191 is the Director.
• C) The attorney general is not the statutory agent for service of process; that role belongs to the Director under A.R.S. 20-191.
• D) The producer has no authority to accept legal service on behalf of the insurer.

Memory hook

Sued in Arizona? Serve the Director — A.R.S. 20-191 makes DIFI the insurer's mailbox.

Why A is correct

Under A.R.S. 20-191, insurers transacting business in Arizona appoint the Director of the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions as their attorney for service of process. This appointment guarantees that Arizona policyholders and claimants can always serve an insurer with legal papers within the state, even when the insurer is headquartered elsewhere.

Why the other options are wrong

• B) Wrong because the home state regulator has no role in Arizona litigation; A.R.S. 20-191 designates the Arizona Director for service of process.
• C) Wrong because the governor has no statutory function in insurance service of process; A.R.S. 20-191 names the Director.
• D) Wrong because a county sheriff executes service of papers but is not the appointed statutory agent for receiving process under A.R.S. 20-191.

Memory hook

Sue an insurer in Arizona? Serve the Director — 20-191 makes DIFI the mailbox.