(1) An insurance producer or title insurance agent shall not act as an agent of an insurer unless the insurance producer or title insurance agent becomes an appointed agent of that insurer. An insurance producer who is not acting as an agent of an insurer is not required to become appointed.

(2) To appoint an insurance producer or title insurance agent as its agent, the appointing insurer shall file, in a format approved by the commissioner, a notice of appointment within fifteen days from the date the agency contract is executed or the first insurance application is submitted, whichever is earlier.

(3) Upon receipt of the notice of appointment, the commissioner shall verify within a reasonable time, not to exceed thirty days, that the insurance producer or title insurance agent is eligible for appointment. If the insurance producer or title insurance agent is determined to be ineligible for appointment, the commissioner shall notify the insurer within ten days of the determination.

(4) An insurer shall pay an appointment fee, in the amount and method of payment set forth in RCW 48.14.010, for each insurance producer or title insurance agent appointed by the insurer.

(5) Contingent upon payment of the appointment renewal fee as set forth in RCW 48.14.010, an appointment shall be effective until terminated by the insurer, insurance producer, or title insurance agent and notice has been given to the commissioner as required by RCW 48.17.595.

Effective date—2009 c 162: See note following RCW 48.03.020.

Effective date, implementation—1979 ex.s. c 269: See note following RCW 48.14.010.