Several provisions within the Alabama Insurance Code (Title 27, Code of Alabama) designate the Commissioner of Insurance as agent for
service of process (ASOP) for such entities as: authorized and unauthorized insurers, foreign insurance companies, reinsurers, HMOs,
fraternal benefit societies and automobile clubs. In that capacity, the Commissioner’s designated representative within the Department
of Insurance will undertake to ensure service of legal complaints is perfected in a timely manner by delivering it to the company’s designated ASOP.
However, except for fraternal societies and foreign HMOs, it is not mandatory the Department be relied upon as a company’s ASOP. In fact, it is
normally more efficient and less costly for the plaintiff seeking service of a lawsuit upon an insurer to serve the complaint directly upon
the company(ies) by certified mail, or other means.
The ASOP for a company registered with the DOI can be found here:
Agent for Service of Process Search
Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that under certain circumstances (such as the company to be served is not registered or licensed in Alabama or
it is a foreign company) it may be necessary to serve the Commissioner as the company’s ASOP. In order to do so, the party requesting this service
must comply with the following requirements:
-
Submit the original and 2 copies of the Summons and Complaint and pay a fee of $50 per party to be served to the Commissioner at one of the following addresses:
VIA US MAIL:
Alabama Department of Insurance
Attn: Legal Division
P O Box 303351
Montgomery, AL 36130-3351
OR VIA ONE-DAY MAIL SERVICE:
Alabama Department of Insurance
Attn: Legal Division
201 Monroe Street
Suite 502
Montgomery, AL 36130-3351
- The check should be made payable to "Alabama Commissioner of Insurance".