State RegulationsAZ specificDifficulty 2/5
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?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
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.