ORDERS:
ORDER AND DECISION
This matter comes before me pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 38-73-10, et seq.,
(Rev. 1989 & Supp. 1994) and S.C. Code Ann. §§ 1-23-310, et seq. (Rev. 1986 & Supp. 1994)
upon a request for a joint property and casualty commercial multiple peril insurance premium rate
increase. A hearing was conducted on April 19, 1995. The request was not contested by the
Department of Insurance or any member of the public. Upon review of the testimony and
evidence submitted, the rate increase request is approved.
FINDINGS OF FACT
By a preponderance of the evidence, I find:
(1) Petitioners submitted on September 20, 1994 (amended January 31, 1995 and April 4, 1995)
to the South Carolina Department of Insurance a formal filing for revision of joint property and
casualty commercial multiple peril insurance premium rates, having an overall premium increase
impact of 2.5%.
(2) By notice dated February 6, 1995, and published in several newspapers of general circulation
throughout the State thirty (30) or more days in advance of the hearing, the public was advised
that an application for a rate increase by Petitioners had been made and that a hearing would be
held on April 19, 1995.
(3) The filing includes revisions to the program modification factors applicable to fire and allied
lines, glass, inland marine, crime and general liability for mercantile-dealers and service programs.
(4) The Department of Insurance conducted an independent investigation of the filing.
(5) The Department of Insurance, through its Chief Casualty Actuary, Mr. Martin M. Simons,
testifying as an expert witness, represents that the rate increase request, as amended, will produce
rates that are not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory.
(6) The rate increase request was not contested by the State Consumer Advocate or any member
of the public.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact, I conclude, as a matter of law, the following:
(1) The South Carolina Administrative Law Judge Division is empowered to hear this case
pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 38-73-910 (Rev. 1989) and Chapter 23 of Title I of the 1976 Code,
as amended.
(2) Generally, a request for an insurance rate increase is governed by S.C. Code Ann.
§§ 38-73-10, et seq. (Rev. 1989 & Supp. 1994).
(3) Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 38-73-910 (Rev. 1989), notice of the filing and of the public
hearing was given in all newspapers of statewide circulation at least 30 days in advance of the
hearing.
(4) Petitioner met the burden of proof in a rate increase request by establishing that the revised
rates would not be excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory. See, S.C. Code Ann. §
38-73-10(a)(1) (Supp. 1994).
ORDER
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the insurance rate increase requested by Petitioners is
approved, effective on or after September 1, 1995.
____________________________________
STEPHEN P. BATES
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE
April 28, 1995
Columbia, South Carolina |
