(a) As used in this section, “records” means all data relating to the property, assets, business, and affairs of the insurer being examined.

(b) In addition to the Commissioner’s authority in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-2-185 through N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-2-200 to compel the production of records, in lieu of sending examiners to the location of an insurer’s records to conduct an examination under the Examination Law, the Commissioner may require the insurer to send copies of its records to the Department. The chief executive or financial officer of the insurer shall certify under oath that the copies are true and accurate copies of the insurer’s records. The insurer being examined shall pay all expenses associated with the examination. The insurer is not liable for the salaries and benefits of Department employees. The refusal by an insurer to pay for expenses under this subsection is grounds for the suspension, revocation, or refusal of a license.

(c) If the Commissioner sends examiners to the location of an insurer’s records to conduct an examination under the Examination Law, the insurer shall pay for the travel and subsistence expenses and other administrative expenses associated with the examination. The insurer is not liable for the salaries and benefits of Department employees. The refusal by an insurer to pay for expenses under this subsection is grounds for the suspension, revocation, or refusal of a license. (2002-144, s. 8; 2003-284, s. 22.2; 2004-124, s. 21.1.)