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 ASOPs for those companies who are 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 and/or
it is a foreign company, it may be necessary to utilize the Commissioner as the company’s ASOP. In order to do so, the party requesting this service
must comply with the following requirements:
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Create a PDF copy of the Summons and Complaint.
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Submit the PDF copy of the Summons and Complaint, along with payment of the fee of $50 per party to be served, to the Commissioner by following the instructions found
HERE.