<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" citation="COMAR 31.08.03.06" title_num="31" subtitle_num="08" chapter_num="03" heading="Procedures and Requirements Regarding an Increase in Premium.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Scope.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Except as provided in §A(2) of this regulation, this regulation applies to any increase in premium by an insurer.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>This regulation does not apply to an increase in premium due to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A general increase in premiums filed with the Commissioner if the increase in premium of the insured does not result from a reclassification of the insured;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The addition of a motor vehicle to a policy;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A change of motor vehicle covered by a policy;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>A change in vehicle usage that results in a change in driver class;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>A change of territory;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>A change in the age, sex, or marital status of an insured.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>An increase in coverage limits requested by the insured;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>The addition of a driver;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(i)">
        <text>The removal of a multi-policy discount;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(j)">
        <text>Any request by an insured that results in a change in coverage, decrease in deductible, or other change to a policy;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(k)">
        <text>The removal or reduction of a discount unless the discount is removed or reduced wholly or partly due to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>An accident;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>A violation of the Maryland Vehicle Law or the vehicle law of another state;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>The claims history of the insured;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>A retiering of the insured; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>The application of a program that measures the operation of an insured vehicle during the current policy period as referenced in Insurance Article, §11-318, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(l)">
        <text>The change or modification of a rating symbol;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(m)">
        <text>The recalculation of a premium by an insurer during the 45-day underwriting period in accordance with Insurance Article, §12-106(d)(2) and (3), Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(n)">
        <text>Any other cause for an increase in premium for which the Commissioner waives the notice requirement.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Notice.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Before an insurer may increase a premium, the insurer shall comply with the notice requirements of Insurance Article, §27-614, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The insurer shall send a notice of premium increase to its insured using a first-class mail tracking method.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Form of Notice.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If an increase in premium is 15 percent or less for an entire policy, the insurer shall use MIA Form 1006-A in Regulation .07 of this chapter or a substantially similar form.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If an increase in premium is greater than 15 percent for an entire policy, the insurer shall use MIA Form 1006-B in Regulation .08 of this chapter or a substantially similar form.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If an insurer uses a form other than MIA Form 1006-A or MIA Form 1006-B, the insurer shall submit the form to the Commissioner for approval before the insurer may use the form.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>In order to be considered substantially similar to MIA Form 1006-A or MIA Form 1006-B, a form shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>At a minimum, contain the same information that is contained in MIA Form 1006-A or MIA Form 1006-B;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Be printed in 12-point word processing point size in Arial, Universal, or another font that is as large or larger in size and spacing; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Contain the language of the “Right to Protest” section from MIA Form 1006-A or MIA Form 1006-B starting on the first page of the form.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>