About Us - Duties & Responsibilities of the Surplus Line Association of California

To fill the role of the advisory organization, the SLA’s duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Discourage and prevent its Members from violating California laws and regulations in making surplus line placements, and actively promote a high standard of integrity and service by its Members.
Provide means for the receipt, record, and review documents that Members are required to file with the Commissioner, as well as provide Members with guidance for compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, to the fullest extent possible.
Conduct security reviews and evaluations of the financial strength of non-admitted insurers eligible to operate or who wish to operate as surplus line carriers in California.
Make confidential recommendations to the Commissioner regarding the suitability of a non-admitted insurer to be an eligible surplus line carrier in California.
Assist the DOI in ensuring that those seeking coverage in the California excess and surplus line market have access to financially sound and reputable non-admitted insurers which are able and willing to pay all just claims.
Help protect California consumers against fraud and possible insolvency of non-admitted insurers, by reporting to the Commissioner any known fraudulent or illegal insurance activity in the surplus line market.
Accumulate premium data by broker and provide that information to the broker on a timely basis to ensure taxes are collected.
Provide expert advice, comments, and assistance to the Commissioner in drafting legislation or regulations with regard to the matters relating to surplus lines business.
Educate and assist Members in the understanding and interpretation of California surplus lines laws and regulations.
Receive and disseminate to Members information relative to surplus line insurance on a timely basis.
Communicate with and respond to questions from organizations of admitted insurers concerning surplus line insurance.
Act as a liaison and build communication channels between the surplus line industry and the Department of Insurance.
Make itself available to meet with representatives from the Commissioner’ office monthly or on an as needed basis.
Be subject to an examination to ensure the SLA is performing the delegated duties as identified in the approved Plan of Operation.
Cooperate with federal and state regulatory enforcement agencies.