(1) An insurance producer shall not act as the agent of an insurer unless the insurance producer becomes an appointed agent of that insurer. An insurance producer who is not acting as an agent of the insurer is not required to become appointed.

    (2) An insurance producer shall not bind coverage for an insurer unless the insurance producer is appointed by the insurer.

    (3) To appoint a producer as its agent, the appointing insurer shall file, in a format approved by the director, a notice of appointment for the qualifications held by that insurance producer within 15 days from the date the agency contract is executed or the first insurance application is submitted. An insurer may also elect to appoint an insurance producer to all or some insurers within the insurer's holding company system or group by the filing of a single appointment request.

    (4) On receipt of the notice of appointment, the director shall verify within a reasonable time not to exceed 30 days that the insurance producer is eligible for appointment. If the insurance producer is determined to be ineligible for appointment, the director shall notify the insurer within 5 days of that determination.

    (5) An insurer shall pay an appointment fee and a renewal appointment fee as provided under section 240(1)(c) for each insurance producer appointed or renewed by the insurer.