Bulletin 2000-05 Pre-Paid Legal Services

Pre-Paid Legal Services (Issued upon June 8, 2000) To: Property and Casualty Insurers From: Mr. Ernst N. Csiszar, Director Subject: Pre-Paid Legal Services Legislation has been enacted recently that affects the Property and Casualty Industry. Bill 4939 was signed on June 6, 2000 and takes effect on July 1, 2000. This bulletin is intended to bring the provisions of that Act to the attention of insurers in South Carolina. The contact person for this Bulletin is Ms. Nancy Hoffman, Casualty Actuary, 300 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite 1200, Columbia, SC 29223, Phone 803-737-6230, Fax 803-737-6233, E-mail nhoffman@doi.sc.gov. If Ms. Hoffman is not available, ask for an employee of the Property and Casualty Division. The definition of "Legal Insurance" is deleted in the following section: SECTION 2. Section 38-1-20(26) of the 1976 Code, as amended by Act 181 of 1993, is further amended to read: "(26) Reserved." Insurance statutes that referred to legal insurance are repealed. SECTION 4. Sections 38-75-510 and 38-75-520 of the 1976 Code are repealed. Prepaid legal services will no longer be statutorily defined as insurance under South Carolina Law. Prepaid legal service contracts will be regulated by the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs.