Mission

The mission of the Insurance Division is to administer the Insurance Code for the protection of the insurance-buying public while supporting a positive business climate.

We ensure the financial soundness of insurers and promote the availability and affordability of insurance and the fair treatment of consumers by doing the following:

• Licensing insurance companies and monitoring their solvency.
• Reviewing insurance products and premium rates for compliance.
• Licensing insurance producers and consultants.
• Resolving consumer complaints.
• Investigating and penalizing companies and producers for violations of insurance law.
• Monitoring the marketplace conduct of insurers and producers.
• Educating the public about insurance issues.
• Advocating reforms that protect the insurance buying public.

Administration

Telephone: (503) 947-7980

The Administrator's Office provides policy direction, develops legislation and administrative rules, and offers budget, personnel and computer support for the division. It advises the director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, who serves as state insurance commissioner, on insurance policy, regulatory reform and consumer services. The Administrator's Office works with the department's communications' staff on public information.

Market Regulation Section

Producer Licensing Unit

Telephone: (503) 947-7981

The Producer Licensing Unit reviews applications for producers, firms, and corporations licensed to sell insurance in Oregon. The unit establishes licensing requirements for insurance producers, oversees the development and administration of licensing examinations, and processes continuing education course registrations.

Rates & Forms Unit

Telephone: (503) 947-7983

The Rates & Forms Unit reviews each rate and form filing carefully to be certain it complies with Oregon insurance laws and that consumers pay fair and non-discriminatory rates for insurance products. In addition, actuarial and reserving information is reviewed, and in some cases advertising and marketing practices are reviewed.

Consumer Advocacy Unit

Telephone: (503) 947-7984

The Consumer Advocacy Unit assists insureds in resolving complaints against insurers and producers. The unit also develops proactive public education materials and programs to empower citizens to become educated consumers

Market Surveillance Unit

Telephone: (503) 947-7242

The Market Surveillance Unit investigates allegations of violations of Oregon law against insurers and producers, performs market conduct exams on insurers transacting business in Oregon, develops policy recommendations for legislative and administrative actions to correct inequities in the insurance marketplace, provides broad surveillance of the insurance marketplace through market analysis, and takes other actions necessary to protect the insurance-buying public.

Financial Regulation Section

Telephone: (503) 947-7982

The Financial Regulation Section is responsible for financial and corporate oversight of insurers transacting business in Oregon. This includes licensing insurers as well as ongoing financial analysis and examination. The section collects and audits insurance taxes.

In cases of insolvency of an insurance company, Financial Regulation is responsible for rehabilitation and liquidation efforts. Security deposits by insurers are also supervised and monitored. Lastly, section staff maintains surplus lines, risk retention and purchasing group filings.

DCBS Director's Office

The Insurance Division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). The director of DCBS serves as Oregon's Insurance Commissioner, appoints the division's administrator, and is ultimately responsible for the division's activities. The director is appointed by the governor.