Illinois Code § 141.02

§ 141.02.

(1) Definitions. For purposes of this Section an independent insurance agent is any licensed agent representing an insurance company on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee. This term shall include only those agents not obligated by contract to place insurance accounts with any insurance company or group of companies. This Section shall only apply to contracts which have been effective for more than one year between an independent insurance agent and any company authorized in this State for the purpose of transacting the kind or kinds of business enumerated in Class 2 or Class 3 of Section 4 of this Code, except accident and health insurance. (2) Rehabilitation. In an effort to avoid termination, the company and agent may endeavor to reach mutual agreement on a written plan for rehabilitation for a period of time agreed by them. Any written plan agreed upon shall identify the problem areas and specify what the agent must do in an effort to avoid termination. (3) Notice of Termination. Contracts between the independent insurance agent and any company shall not be terminated by the company except by signed mutual agreement at the time of written termination notice or unless the company provides 180 days written notice to the independent insurance agent prior to the effective date of termination. The effective date of termination shall be 180 days from the date of mailing of the termination notice. The company must maintain proof of mailing of the termination notice on a recognized U.S. Post Office form. (4) Renewals following termination. A. During the 180 days notice or other mutually agreed time period the independent insurance agent shall not write or bind any new business on behalf of the terminating company without specific written approval. B. The terminating company shall, following the date of termination, renew all policies written by the independent insurance agent for one policy term or for a period of one year if the policy period is longer than one year unless: (a) the policies do not meet the insurer's underwriting standards; or (b) the independent insurance agent notifies the insurer in writing that the policy has been placed with another insurer. C. If a renewal policy does not meet the underwriting requirements, the terminating insurer must give the independent insurance agent 60 days notice of its intention not to renew. D. The rate of commission and renewal terms shall be in accordance with those in effect immediately prior to termination. The commission must be paid only through the first renewal subsequent to the effective date of the termination. (5) Paragraphs (1) through (4) of this Section shall not apply to terminations for abandonment, insolvency of the terminating company, gross and willful misconduct, refusal, suspension, revocation or termination of the agent's license by the Director of Insurance, sale or material change of ownership of agency, fraud, material misrepresentation or failure to pay such independent insurance agent's account less the independent insurance agent's commission and any disputed items within 30 days after written demand by the company. (Source: P.A. 85-334.)