33-3-202. Articles of incorporation -- approval. (1) The incorporators of a proposed domestic insurer shall deliver an electronic copy of the proposed articles of incorporation to the commissioner. The commissioner shall examine the proposed articles of incorporation. If the commissioner finds that the articles comply with this chapter and are not in conflict with the constitution and laws of the United States or of this state, the commissioner shall approve the articles. However, if the commissioner finds that the proposed insurer would not be eligible for a certificate of authority under 33-2-112, the commissioner shall refuse to approve the articles of incorporation and shall provide in writing the reasons for the refusal. The commissioner shall forward the approved articles and the applicable fees to the secretary of state.

(2) If the commissioner finds that the proposed articles of incorporation do not comply with law, the commissioner shall refuse to approve the proposed articles of incorporation and shall provide a written statement of the reasons for the refusal.

(3) The corporation has legal existence as a corporation upon the issuance of the certificate of incorporation by the secretary of state, but the corporation may not transact business as an insurer until it has qualified for and received from the commissioner a certificate of authority as provided in this title.

(4) A copy of the certificate of incorporation, certified by the secretary of state, is admissible in all the courts of this state as prima facie evidence of proper incorporation.