Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Fund shall pay to a fund producer of a policyholder to whom a policy is issued a commission: for private passenger auto insurance issued by the Fund, at a rate determined by the Fund but not less than 5% and not to exceed 15% of the total premium; and for any other insurance issued by the Fund, at a rate determined by the Fund but not to exceed 10% of the total premium. The Fund may not pay a commission: on a fully earned basis; if a prospective insured fails to qualify under § 20–502 of this subtitle; if a prospective insured’s initial payment to the Fund, a fund producer, or premium finance company is not honored; or on a policy written directly by the Fund without the involvement of a fund producer. If a policy issued by the Fund is canceled, the Fund shall refund any unearned commissions.