HI SB953

Creates new requirement for motor vehicle insurers to pay applicable general excise tax and certificate of ownership fee when settling total loss claims with third-party claimants, unless claimant fails to provide documentation within 33 days.

Increases monetary thresholds for insurance fraud penalties: Class C felony threshold rises from $300 to $750, and misdemeanor applies to amounts not exceeding $750 (previously $300 or less).

Adds $300 application fee for motor vehicle self-insurance certificate of authority and requires insurers to use Uniform Certificate of Authority Application from National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Allows insurance commissioner to issue pre-event declaration authorizing nonresident adjusters rather than requiring declaration only after a catastrophe occurs.

Conforming changes to producer licensing requirements effective January 1, 2019 to align with National Association of Insurance Commissioners Producer Licensing Model Act, eliminating producer-to-producer appointment relationships.