Sec. 1. (a) The purpose of this chapter is to subject certain insurers to the jurisdiction of courts of this state in suits by or on behalf of the insureds or beneficiaries under insurance contracts.

     (b) The general assembly declares that it is a subject of concern that many residents of this state hold policies of insurance issued or delivered in this state by insurers while not authorized to do business in this state, thus presenting to such residents the often insuperable obstacle of resorting to distant forums for the purpose of asserting legal rights under such policies. In furtherance of such state interest, the general assembly provides in this chapter a method of substituted service of process upon such insurers and declares that in so doing it exercises its power to protect its residents and to define, for the purpose of this chapter, what constitutes doing business in this state, and also exercises powers and privileges available to the state by virtue of 15 U.S.C. § 1011 et seq., which declares that the business of insurance and every person engaged in the business of insurance is subject to the laws of the several states.

Formerly: Acts 1955, c.203, s.1. As amended by P.L.252-1985, SEC.159; P.L.136-2018, SEC.171.