33-23-214. Advance notice required for nonrenewal -- exceptions. (1) No insurer may fail to renew a motor vehicle liability policy unless it mails or delivers to the named insured, at the address shown in the policy, at least 30 days' advance notice of its intention not to renew. Such notice must contain or be accompanied by a statement that upon written request made not later than 1 month following the termination date of the policy of the named insured mailed or delivered to the insurer, the insurer will notify the insured in writing, within 15 days of his request, of the reason or reasons for such nonrenewal.
     (2) Notwithstanding the failure of an insurer to comply with this section, the motor vehicle liability policy must terminate on the effective date of any other replacement or succeeding motor vehicle liability policy procured by the insured with respect to any motor vehicle designated in both policies.
     (3) This section does not apply where the named insured has failed to discharge when due any of his obligations in connection with the payment of premiums for the policy or the renewal thereof or any installment payments therefor, whether payable directly to the insurer or its insurance producer or indirectly under any premium finance plan or extension of credit.
     (4) This section does not apply in any of the following cases:
     (a) if the insurer has manifested its willingness to renew;
     (b) in case of nonpayment of premium; provided that, notwithstanding the failure of an insurer to comply with this section, the policy must terminate on the effective date of any other insurance policy with respect to any motor vehicle designated in both policies;
     (c) if the insured's insurance producer or broker has secured other coverage acceptable to the insured at least 20 days prior to the anniversary date of the policy or termination of the policy period.
     (5) Renewal of a motor vehicle liability policy does not constitute a waiver or estoppel with respect to grounds for cancellation which existed before the effective date of such renewal.
     (6) A notice of nonrenewal of a motor vehicle liability policy under this section, which policy has a term of less than 6 months, is effective only when based on one or more of the reasons listed in 33-23-211.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 262, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 249, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 40-4409; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 139, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 713, L. 1989.