Ch. 634                                    1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2)     The notice must be in triplicate and on a form approved by the
Commissioner.

(3)     The notice must state in clear and specific terms:

(i) the proposed action to be taken, including:

1. for a premium increase, the amount of the increase and the
type of coverage to which it is applicable; and

2. for a reduction in coverage, the type of coverage reduced and
the extent of the reduction;

(ii) the proposed effective date of the action;

(iii) subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, the actual reason of the
insurer for proposing to take the action;

(iv) if there is coupled with the notice an offer to continue or renew the
policy in accordance with § 27-606 of this subtitle:

1. the name of the individual or individuals to be excluded from
coverage; and

2. the premium amount if the policy is continued or renewed
with the named individual or individuals excluded from coverage;

(v) the right of the insured to replace the insurance through the
Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund and the current address and telephone number of
the Fund; AND

(vi) EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF A PREMIUM INCREASE THAT IS
CONSISTENT WITH THE INSURER'S SURCHARGE PLAN AS FILED WITH THE
COMMISSIONER AND AUTHORIZED UNDER THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF TITLE
11 OF THIS ARTICLE;

1. (VI) the right of the insured to protest the proposed action
of the insurer and, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF A PREMIUM INCREASE THAT IS CONSISTENT
WITH THE INSURER'S SURCHARGE PLAN AS FILED WITH THE COMMISSIONER AND
AUTHORIZED UNDER THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF TITLE 11 OF THIS ARTICLE,
request a hearing before the Commissioner on the proposed action by signing two copies
of the notice and sending them to the Commissioner within 30 days after the mailing date
of the notice:

[(vii)]2. that if a protest is filed by the insured, the insurer must
maintain the current insurance in effect until a final determination is made by the
Commissioner, subject to the payment of any authorized premium due or becoming due
before the determination; and

[(viii)]3. the authority of the Commissioner to award reasonable
attorney fees to the insured for representation at a hearing if the Commissioner finds the
proposed action of the insurer to be unjustified.

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