Connecticut-Specific Laws, Rules and Regulations
The regulator
The Connecticut Insurance Department, headed by a Commissioner appointed by the Governor, licenses companies and producers, reviews forms and rates, conducts financial and market-conduct examinations, and enforces the state's unfair insurance and trade practice statutes. Remedies include cease-and-desist orders, fines, license suspension or revocation, and restitution.
Licensing and continuing education
Producers must hold a license for each line sold and be appointed by each insurer they represent, generally within 30 days of submitting the first application. Licenses renew on a two-year cycle, and Connecticut requires continuing education each term - commonly 24 hours, including at least 3 hours of ethics. Producers must report changes of address, criminal prosecutions, and administrative actions taken by other states to the Commissioner promptly. A temporary license (up to 180 days) may be issued to a surviving spouse or designee of a deceased or disabled producer to service existing business.
Consumer protections frequently tested
A 10-day free-look period on individual life policies and annuities delivered in Connecticut. Replacement regulations require a notice of replacement and a comparison when existing life insurance or annuity coverage is being replaced. Small employer groups (generally 1 to 50 employees) are guaranteed issue and guaranteed renewable, subject to ACA market rules. The Connecticut Insurance Guaranty Association pays covered claims up to statutory caps per individual - commonly $300,000 for life death benefits and $100,000 for net cash surrender value. Viatical and life settlement transactions are regulated, with a rescission right for the seller.
Traps: do not import another state's free-look length or CE hour count; Connecticut's figures differ from neighbors. Also distinguish the Commissioner's authority from the legislature's - the Commissioner does not write statutes.
Rule of thumb: when a number appears, decide whether it is a filing deadline, a free look, or a CE requirement - the three sets candidates most often mix up, and verify current figures with the Department before exam day.