DE| Delaware Domestic and Foreign Insurers Bulletin No. 151 (reissued) reminds all P&C insurers doing business in Delaware that mandatory compliance with 18 Del. C. § 705 requires accurate geographic allocation and reporting of premiums used to fund fire company payments, and warns that inconsistent filings can misallocate premium tax distributions.
Key Points:
- GIS requirement: Beginning with the calendar year 2023 premium tax report, insurers writing lines listed on Working Form T-5 must use electronic GIS tracking software to allocate and report Delaware risk premiums across Wilmington, New Castle County (outside Wilmington), Kent County, and Sussex County (unless the Commissioner directs otherwise).
- Allocation expectations: Carriers should not rely solely on zip codes because that can misclassify risks; effective Jan. 1, 2025, “City of Wilmington” is defined as zip codes 19801, 19802, 19805, and 19806, and premiums must be reported separately for Wilmington vs. New Castle County outside Wilmington.
- Deadlines and enforcement / HB 371 changes: Reports are due annually by March 1, and failure to provide requested § 705 information may lead to regulatory review and enforcement under 18 Del. C. §§ 329 and 520; HB 371 also adjusts distribution mechanics (e.g., simplified distribution method, Department reporting deadline extended to May 15, and shifting fire company payments from two per year to one).