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Alabama insurance laws

Insurance regulations, rate filing requirements, department info, and recent bulletins for Alabama. Updated Mar 31, 2026.

Department of Insurance

DepartmentAlabama Department of Insurance
CommissionerMark Fowler
Rate Filing SystemPrior Approval (personal lines, workers' comp, medical malpractice, commercial rate increases ≥10%); File & Use (commercial lines)
Regulatory CodeTitle 27, Code of Alabama 1975, §§ 27-1-1 to 27-62-6
Overview

Alabama operates a mixed rate filing system with prior approval required for personal lines insurance and certain commercial products. The state does not mandate workers' compensation insurance for most employers but maintains robust consumer protections including mandatory uninsured motorist coverage for auto policies. Alabama has modernized its insurance market through recent legislation on surplus lines, data security, and expanded health coverage mandates.

Auto Insurance

Min Pd$25,000
Pip MinNot applicable
StatuteAL Code §§ 32-7-6, 32-7-23, 32-7A-1 to 32-7A-16; AL Code § 27-23-2 et seq.
Fault SystemTort/Fault-based
Min Bi Per Person$25,000
Uninsured PenaltyFirst offense: fine up to $500, license suspension; subsequent offenses: higher fines and extended suspension
Min Bi Per Accident$50,000
Sr22 Duration Years3
Noncompliance PenaltyInsurers face license suspension or revocation for violations; civil penalties determined case-by-case
Rate Filing RequirementPrior approval required for personal auto rate filings; rate increases of any amount subject to Department review and approval before use
Avg Full Coverage Premium$2,155

Notable Laws

  • AL Code § 32-7-6: Mandatory liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000
  • AL Code § 32-7-23: Mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage unless rejected in writing
  • AL Code § 32-7A-6: Proof of insurance requirement for vehicle registration and operation
  • AL Code § 27-23-2 et seq.: Automobile liability insurance cancellation procedures and consumer protections
  • AL Admin Code 482-1-125: Trade practices regulation prohibiting unfair cancellation and claims practices

Homeowners Insurance

StatuteAL Code §§ 27-22-43, 27-40-11; HB 8 (2024); AL Admin Code 482-1-127
Wind PoolAlabama Insurance Underwriting Association (AIUA) - coastal wind coverage for Baldwin and Mobile counties
Fair Plan NameAlabama Insurance Underwriting Association (AIUA)
Noncompliance PenaltyLicense suspension or revocation; civil penalties for improper cancellation practices; requirement to reinstate improperly cancelled policies
Rate Filing RequirementPrior approval required for homeowners rate filings; must demonstrate actuarial justification for rate changes

Notable Laws

  • AL Code § 27-40-11: Cancellation notice requirements for property insurance policies
  • HB 8 (2024): 90-day advance notice required for cancellation, nonrenewal, or coverage reduction
  • AL Admin Code 482-1-127: Credit scoring regulation for homeowners insurance underwriting
  • Bulletin 2025-03: Standards for use of aerial imagery in underwriting and claims decisions
  • AL Code § 27-22-43: Required disclosure of earthquake and flood exclusions on policy checklist

Recent Bulletins

Filing Requirements for the Group Capital Calculation

#2026-012026-01-05

Establishes filing requirements for group capital calculation submissions by insurance groups operating in Alabama.

View bulletin

Unlawful trade practices - property and automobile insurance-prohibition against certain cancellations, non-renewals, or premium increases

#2025-082026-02-04Effective: 2026-01-01

Prohibits property and automobile insurers from cancelling, non-renewing policies or increasing premiums based on natural disasters or certain claims activities. Effective January 1, 2026.

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Federal Shutdown

#2025-072025-11-05

Provides guidance to insurers regarding operations and filing procedures during federal government shutdowns.

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Adoption of SLIP+ for Reporting and Payment of Surplus Line Taxes

#2025-062025-10-24

Announces the adoption of SLIP+ for States platform for reporting and paying Alabama surplus lines premium taxes.

View bulletin

Temporary moratorium on licensing or registration of new captive insurers and risk retention groups in Alabama

#2025-052025-09-02

Establishes temporary moratorium on new captive insurance licenses pending regulatory review and updates.

View bulletin

Recent Law Changes

SB 2472026Health Insurance

Nonprofit Health Care Service Corporation Reorganization

Allows nonprofit health care service corporations (such as Blue Cross Blue Shield) to reorganize under the control of a nonprofit holding company, with provisions for asset transfers and regulatory oversight.

Affects health insurers, allowing organizational restructuring while maintaining regulatory protections for policyholders.

Effective: 2026-07-01

HB 1072025Workers' Compensation

Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Program

Establishes workers' compensation coverage for public education employees through PEEHIP, expanding benefits to teachers and education workers previously excluded from coverage.

Education employees gain workers' compensation benefits, affecting thousands of teachers and school staff statewide.

Effective: 2025-10-01

SB 46 (Act 2024-71)2024Commercial Insurance

Surplus Lines Insurance Modernization

Updates surplus lines broker laws to align with the Nonadmitted Insurance Model Act, modernizing requirements for unauthorized insurers and multi-state compliance.

Surplus lines brokers and commercial insurers must comply with updated licensing and reporting standards.

Effective: 2024-07-01

HB 82024Homeowners Insurance

Property Insurance Cancellation Notice Requirements

Requires property insurers to provide at least 90 days' written notice before canceling, non-renewing, or restricting coverage, up from the previous 30-60 day requirement.

Homeowners receive extended notice period before policy cancellation, providing more time to secure alternative coverage.

Effective: 2024-09-01

Medical Cannabis Insurance Framework2023Commercial Insurance

Medical Cannabis Insurance Market Creation

Following medical marijuana legalization, the Department issued guidance allowing insurers to develop commercial coverage products for medical cannabis businesses.

Cannabis businesses can now obtain commercial insurance coverage, expanding the state's insurance market.

Effective: 2023-05-04

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