California Insurance Code & EthicsQuestion 29 of 47483% of test-takers answer this correctly

An auto broker tells a prospect that a competitor's company is 'about to go bankrupt' even though there is no public evidence to support that statement. Under California law, this conduct is best described as which prohibited unfair practice?

a.Rebating — returning part of the agent's commission to the applicant as an inducement to buy the policy
b.Twisting
c.Defamation of an insurer
d.Boycott and intimidation — a concerted agreement among insurers to refuse to deal with a producer or a market

Explanation

Section 790.03(b) of the Insurance Code prohibits making, publishing, or circulating any false or maliciously critical statement about an insurer that is intended to injure the company. That conduct is defamation of an insurer. Twisting involves misrepresentations made to induce a replacement; rebating is sharing commission with the insured; boycott/intimidation requires concerted action restraining trade.

Law Reference: Cal. Ins. Code §790.03(b)

This topic, taught in full in the Personal Lines Insurance Producer guide. Personal Lines Insurance Producer — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →

Practice all 474 questions free — no signup required.

Own the complete Personal Lines Insurance Producer guide — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 →

Related questions on this topic

Last reviewed: · editorial process

PrepPass team · Verified against California Personal Lines Insurance License Exam · How we review
Report