Pennsylvania insurance appointments and license lookup
Last updated
Appointments are on the Pennsylvania exam. The Insurance Regulation section of both the Life (16-01) and Accident and Health (16-02) outlines lists "Appointment procedures": producer appointment (40 P.S. 310.71) and appointment termination (40 P.S. 310.71a). [1] [2] Those are sections 671-A and 671.1-A of the Insurance Department Act of 1921. [3] Here is what they say, how the Department handles appointments, and how to look up a license.
When a producer needs an appointment (Section 671-A)
- Acting for an insurer: a producer may not act on behalf of, or as a representative of, an insurer unless that insurer has appointed the producer. [3]
- Not acting for an insurer: a producer who is not representing an insurer does not need an appointment. [3]
- Acting for the consumer: a producer representing an insurance consumer must first sign a written agreement with the consumer that spells out the services and fully discloses the fee the consumer will pay the producer. [3]
How an appointment is made
The insurer, not the producer, files a notice of appointment with the Department. The notice says which companies in the insurer's holding company system or group the appointment covers. The Department then checks whether the producer is eligible and tells the insurer if not. [3] The Department requires appointments and terminations to be submitted electronically, through an authorized business partner via the National Insurance Producer Registry. [4]
How long an appointment lasts
An appointment stays in place until the insurer terminates it in writing to the producer, or until the producer's license is suspended, revoked or otherwise terminated. [3]
The appointment fee
The fee is billed to the insurer, each year, for every producer it appointed during the prior calendar year, no matter how long the appointment lasted. [3] [4] The statute gives the insurer 30 days to pay. [3]
Ending an appointment (Section 671.1-A)
- The insurer notifies the Department within 30 days after the termination takes effect, on an approved form or electronically. [5]
- If the termination was for a violation of the Act, or the insurer knew the producer had engaged in prohibited activity, the insurer must say so in the notice. [5]
- The insurer mails the producer a copy of that notice within 15 days, by certified mail or overnight delivery. [5]
- The producer then has 30 days to file written comments with the Department, and must send a copy to the insurer. [5]
How to look up a Pennsylvania license
The Department's licensee search lets consumers, licensees and insurers verify licensing status. You can search by license number, by name, or by city and state. [6]
Practice questions
1. A producer wants to sell an insurer's policies on its behalf. What must happen first?
A. The producer files an appointment with the Department
B. The insurer appoints the producer
C. The producer pays the appointment fee
D. Nothing; a license is enough
Answer: B. (Section 671-A(a); 40 P.S. 310.71) [3]
2. Who files the notice of appointment with the Department?
Answer: The insurer. (Section 671-A(c)) [3]
3. A producer represents a consumer, not an insurer. What is required before acting for the consumer?
Answer: A written agreement describing the services and disclosing the fee the consumer will pay. (Section 671-A(b)) [3]
4. When does an appointment end?
Answer: When the insurer terminates it in writing to the producer, or the producer's license is suspended, revoked or otherwise terminated. (Section 671-A(d)) [3]
5. Who pays the annual appointment fee?
Answer: The insurer. (Section 671-A(e)) [3]
6. How long does an insurer have to notify the Department of a termination?
Answer: 30 days after the termination takes effect. (Section 671.1-A(a)) [5]
7. An insurer ends an appointment because of a violation of the Act. What else must its notice include?
Answer: The reason. (Section 671.1-A(b)) [5]
8. After the producer receives a copy of the notice, how long do they have to respond?
Answer: 30 days to file written comments with the Department. (Section 671.1-A(d)(2)) [5]
Study tips
- The insurer appoints, files and pays. The producer does not appoint themselves.
- Know the termination numbers: 30 days to notify the Department, 15 days to send the producer a copy, 30 days for the producer to comment.
- Test yourself on licensing law with the free Pennsylvania insurance law practice test.
Prep Retention is independent and is not affiliated with PSI or the state.
Sources
Laws and exam documents quoted as of October 2026.
- PSI, Pennsylvania Life outline, Series 16-01 (effective 3/1/2026): https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-01xx.pdf
- PSI, Pennsylvania Accident and Health outline, Series 16-02 (effective 3/1/2026): https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/PAINS/16-02xx.pdf
- Insurance Department Act of 1921 (Act of May 17, 1921, P.L. 789, No. 285), Section 671-A: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/unconsolidated/law-information/view-statute?iFrame=true&txtType=HTM&SessYr=1921&SessInd=0&ActNum=0285
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Appointment Changes and Reports: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance/licensing/company-licensing/appointment-changes-and-reports
- Insurance Department Act of 1921 (Act of May 17, 1921, P.L. 789, No. 285), Section 671.1-A: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/unconsolidated/law-information/view-statute?iFrame=true&txtType=HTM&SessYr=1921&SessInd=0&ActNum=0285
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Find and Research an Insurance Agent or Company: https://apps02.ins.pa.gov/producer/ilist1.asp