Statement of Charges.) (1) Whenever the Director finds that any company doing business in this State is engaging in any improper claims practice as defined in Section 154.5, and that a proceeding in respect thereto would be in the public interest, he shall issue and serve upon such company a statement of the charges in that respect and a notice of hearing thereon pursuant to Article XXIV, which notice shall set a hearing date not less than 10 days from the date of the notice.
     (2) The failure of a company to appear at a hearing after receipt of a statement of the charges and notice of hearing is considered a waiver of notice and hearing, a stipulation that the charges against the company are true, immediately suspends such company’s Certificate of Authority for 30 days, and subjects the company to any other applicable provisions of this Code. The Director must notify the company of any suspension or action taken under this Section.