Frequently Asked Questions

Searching for a quick answer?
Start by reviewing the following list of frequently asked questions.

Quick Links:

AGENTS LICENSING Q&A:

1. How do I become a licensed insurance agent?
Submit an electronic application at www.sircon.com/oklahoma at “Apply for a license.”  Additional license requirements and forms needed to complete the application process will be displayed under “Click here to view additional state requirements” during the electronic application process.  Correct fees will be calculated, and payment will be collected from your check, credit card or debit card.  Some license types are not yet available via electronic processing.  Find the paper applications in the Producers/Adjusters “Forms” section.  For additional assistance, call 405-521-3916.

2. How do I obtain a Letter of Certification?
Submit a request from www.sircon.com/oklahoma at “Request a letter of certification.”  Correct fees will be calculated automatically, and payment will be collected from your check, credit card or debit card.  Print the Certification letter from your own printer.  The Certification letter format allows you to print as many copies as you need from just one request.  For additional assistance, call 405-521-3916.

3. What is the continuing education requirement?
Resident insurance agents must complete sixteen (16) hours of continuing education, to include two (2) hours of ethics and two (2) hours of required electives, every two years in conjunction with license renewal.  You may view your continuing education profile from www.sircon.com/oklahoma when you click on “Look up education courses and credits” and then on “Continuing Education Transcript Inquiry.”  Continuing education courses and providers can quickly be located from the other search options listed. 
For additional assistance, call 405-521-3916.

4. I am interested in becoming an Insurance Adjuster. How do I apply?
Resident insurance adjusters” may submit an electronic application at www.sircon.com/oklahoma at “Apply for a license.”  Additional license requirements and forms needed to complete the application process will be displayed under “Click here to view additional state requirements” during the electronic application process.  Correct fees will be calculated, and payment will be collected from your check, credit card or debit card.  For additional assistance, call 405-521-3916.

Non-Resident insurance adjusters who are licensed in their home state as a Resident Adjuster may submit an electronic application at www.sircon.com/oklahoma at “Apply for a license”.  Additional license requirements and forms needed to complete the application process will be displayed under “Click here to view additional state requirements” during the electronic application process.  Correct fees will be calculated, and payment will be collected from your check, credit card or debit card.  For additional assistance, call 405-521-3916.

Non-Resident insurance adjusters who are not licensed in their home state as a Resident Adjuster should complete Form CR-1 and submit along with the appropriate fees. The instructions and fees required are included in the form. Find the paper application in the Producers/Adjusters “Forms”  For additional assistance, call 405-521-3916.

5. How do I cancel/surrender my Oklahoma license?
The Oklahoma license is the legal property of the licensed individual – no matter who paid for the license or training of the individual.  At termination from the agency/company, voluntary leave from the agency/company, or at any time when the individual requests to have their original Oklahoma license, the agency/company must return the official paper license to the licensed individual. Click here for License Surrender form.

The Oklahoma license for agents or adjusters may not be cancelled or surrendered by anyone other than the licensed individual.  The official paper license must be surrendered to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, along with written and signed notice requesting cancellation/surrender of the license by the individual holding the license.  In cases where the official paper license is lost or misplaced, please indicate “license lost” or “license misplaced” on the request for license cancellation/surrender.  In case of death, a representative for the licensed individual should submit official notice posted in the newspaper, a program from the funeral, or a copy of the death certificate with the request for license cancellation/surrender.

6. What are the license fees for Oklahoma?
Please click on this link for FEE SCHEDULE  to view Oklahoma Insurance Department license fees. 
For additional assistance, call 405-521-3916.

Note:
  Retaliatory fees will apply for some non-resident states.
  Processing applications through an electronic vendor will include their additional charges, so you should contact your preferred electronic vendor to discuss their fee schedule.

BAIL BONDS Q&A:

1. Can you have a prior conviction and still be licensed as a bondsman?
Oklahoma Statutes Tile 59 fl 1305 sets out the requirements for becoming licensed as a bondsman in the State of Oklahoma. An application must affirmatively show that they have not been previously convicted of, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony, or to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty.

2. How long does it take to process a bailbond application?
Approximately ninety (90) days.

3. Where do I get information regarding the required pre-licensing education courses?
The Oklahoma Bondsman Association provides the pre-licensing and continuing education courses. They may be reached at 222 N.E. 27th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
or by calling (405) 524-5920.

4. Can a bail bondsman post a bond for my performance as a contractor?
No. Bail bondsmen post appearance bonds for criminal defendants.

5. Is there a written exam you must pass to become licensed as a bondsman?
Yes, see our section for more information.

CLAIMS/CONSUMER ASSISTANCE Q&A:

Auto Insurance

Homeowners Insurance

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

(HIPAA) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

General Questions

FINANCIAL Q&A:

1. Can a funeral home be listed as the beneficiary of a life insurance product for the purpose of funding prepaid funeral benefits?
No. The Insurance Code provides only for an assignment of life insurance proceeds.

2. What are the licensing requirements to become a surplus lines broker?
The individual desiring to be licensed as a surplus line broker must complete the application for such license. The main requirement is that the individual must be a licensed property & casualty agent in good standing. There is a minimum $5,000 bond requirement for licensing.

3. How do I obtain an exemption from the Service Warranty Insurance Act?
You must request the exemption in writing to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, referencing the exemption for which your company is requesting.

4. What is the tax rate for surplus lines policies?
The tax rate is 6% of the premium plus any policy fees. The tax must be remitted quarterly along with the required reporting forms.

LIFE & HEALTH Q&A:

1. What are the filing fees?

Policy $ 50.00 each
Master Policy $ 50.00 each
Certificates $ 50.00 each
Applications $ 25.00 each
Endorsements $ 25.00 each
Riders $ 25.00 each
Advertisements $ 25.00 each
Rates $ 25.00 each
Informational and all others $ 25.00 each
Variable Products Filing
(Including policy plus rider, endorsements and application)
$200.00 each

2. What is the status of my filing?
The companies will have to call because the answer will vary with each filing.

3. Why do I have to change my form number?
The system that we are setting up is one that will not allow duplicate form numbers to be used. Different form numbers also make it easier to locate filings.

4. Are we a retaliatory state for filing fees?
Yes, unless retaliatory is lower then it goes by the fees set out in the Statute.

LEGAL DIVISION Q&A:

SERVICE OF PROCESS

1.   Where are the statutory requirements for service of process located?
The statutory requirements for service of process are located at Oklahoma Statutes Title 36 flfl 621 and 622.

 2.   What are the requirements to effectuate service of process on a foreign insurance company licensed to conduct business in Oklahoma?
A fee of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) and three (3) copies of all documents to be served are required for proper service on a foreign insurance company. 

3.   Can a subpoena be served on an insurance company through the Insurance Commissioner’s office?
No.  Oklahoma Statutes Title 36 fl 621(A) states that each authorized or alien insurer shall appoint the Insurance Commissioner as its agent to receive service of legal process, other than a subpoena, issued against it in this state upon any cause of action arising from its transaction of business in this state. 

4.   Can a domestic insurance company be served through the Insurance Commissioner’s office?
No.  A domestic insurance company, or one that is domiciled in Oklahoma, cannot be served through the Insurance Commissioner’s office.  It must be served directly to the insurance company.

5.   What happens after service of process is received by the Insurance Commissioner’s office?
Once service of process is received and if everything is in order, one copy is mailed to the insurance company and one copy is mailed to the service agent on file for the insurance company.  Both are mailed via certified mail with postage prepaid and return receipt requested.  The final copy is kept on file at the Insurance Commissioner’s office.

6.  How do I get proof of service from the Insurance Commissioner’s office?
No return of service is provided.  You are required to send your documents for service via certified mail with postage prepaid and return receipt requested and the green card that you receive back is your proof of service.  (See Oklahoma Statutes Title 36 fl 622(A)).

PROPERTY & CASUALTY Q&A:

Auto Insurance

Homeowners Insurance

Personal and Commercial Miscellaneous Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

REAL ESTATE APPRAISER Q&A:

1. What are the qualifications to become licensed or certified? Qualifications are listed as below:

• • Two years (24 months/2500 hours) experience in real property appraisal for Certified Residential.

  • A total 3,000 hours, including a minimum 1,500 hours of non-residential appraisal work, completed in a period of not less than 30 months for Certified General.

  • 2000 hours of appraisal experience is required for the license level.

  • License or certification is required in real estate appraisers who appraise property that involves federal monies.

  • After an individual completes required qualifications, he/she must submit the appraisal application to the Oklahoma Real Estate Appraiser Board for approval and processing to sit for the State examination.

2. How many hours required for qualifying and continuing education?
Forty-Two (42) hours every three years (upon expiration of license/certification).

3. What schools are available?
We have a list of schools available if you will call our office.

4. Where are the examinations given?
You will need to contact our office for this information.

5. What are the fees for examination and licensure?

• • Examination Fee $150.00
  • Re-examination Fee $150.00
  • License/Certificate Fee $175.00 annually
  • Federal Registry Fee $ 25.00 annually (included in the license fee)

SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING PROGRAM (SHICP) Q&A:

1. What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?
Part A is Hospital Insurance that pays for care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, and home health and hospice care. Part B is Medical Insurance that pays for doctors, outpatient hospital care and some other medical service that Part A does not cover, such as the services of physical and occupational therapists. Part B covers all doctor services that are medically necessary.

2. Do I need Medicare Part B?
To have complete Medicare coverage, you must purchase Part B.

3. Do I need a Medigap Policy? What is it?
A Medigap policy is a health insurance policy sold by private insurance companies to fill "gaps" in original Medicare Plan coverage

4. Does Medicare pay for prescription coverage?
Medicare Part A pays for medication while hospitalized. Medicare Part B pays for limited outpatient medications. There are Medicare Supplemental plans that cover prescription drug costs.

5. Does Medicare pay for nursing home coverage?
Medicare only covers approved skilled nursing care in a Medicare approved facility. These benefits are available when you satisfy the guidelines as defined by Medicare.

6.  How do I report Medicare Fraud?
The Medicare program is under the jurisdiction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.  If you would like to report an allegation of fraud, you may call their toll-free number, 1-800-447-8477 or see www.medicare.gov/fraudabuse/howtoreport.asp for more options.

TITLE Q&A:

1. Are title insurance rates and policy forms regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department?
No.

2. Does the Oklahoma Insurance Department regulate abstract companies and the fees they charge?
We regulate abstract companies who are also licensed title insurance agents only in their capacity of issuing title insurance policies. The State Auditor and Inspector licenses and regulates abstract companies and requires that each abstract company file with their office a current fee schedule.

3. How often is the title insurance licensing exam given?
Every day of the workweek except for Friday.

4. Is study material available to prepare for the title insurance licensing exam?
Yes. A title insurance study manual is available for $40.00 and can be obtained by sending a written request along with a check made payable to Oklahoma Insurance Department to the Title Division or dropping by the Oklahoma City office.

5. What are the requirements for being a title insurance agent?

• • Applicants for licensure must be 18 years of age or older, competent, trustworthy, financially responsible, and of good personal and business reputation.

  • Applicants shall not be a full-time employee of the government of the United States or of the executive or administrative branches of the government of this state or any county or municipality in this state. (Shall not apply to persons who hold an elective office except the office of Insurance Commissioner).

  • Application shall be made on forms provided by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Application shall be accompanied by an insurance company appointment and applicable fees.

  • Applicant must pass the licensing examination with a grade of 70% or better.

TULSA OFFICE Q&A:

1. What is the primary function of the Tulsa Office?
The Tulsa Office of the Oklahoma Insurance Department provides virtually all of the services available in Oklahoma City, including Bail Bonds testing.

2. How many people are employed at this facility?
Seven.

3. Is full service available or if my situation is unique, do I have to travel to Oklahoma City?
Sometimes a situation will arise that must be handled from the Oklahoma City office of the Insurance Department. However, most often a trip to Oklahoma City will not be necessary.

4. Can I test for my license at the Tulsa Office?
It depends what you are testing for.  At this time only Bail Bonds exams are given at the Tulsa office.

5. What are the hours of the Tulsa Office?
The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.