What is the name of the master list issued by the Commissioner for surplus line insurers?

The correct answer is the List of Eligible Surplus Lines Insurers, often abbreviated as LESLI. This master list is crucial because it provides a comprehensive catalog of insurers that are authorized to conduct surplus lines business in California. The primary purpose of the LESLI is to ensure that licensed surplus line brokers can identify which insurers are deemed eligible to underwrite surplus line risks. It is essential for maintaining oversight within the surplus lines market and protecting consumers, as it helps brokers avoid placing business with unauthorized or unregulated insurers.

In California, surplus lines insurance is utilized when coverage cannot be obtained through the admitted market, and the LESLI ensures that only those insurers that meet specific regulatory criteria are used for such coverage. This is vital for safeguarding the interests of policyholders and ensuring the integrity of the insurance marketplace.

The alternative options do not correctly reflect the formal name used by the Commissioner. For instance, the terms "List of Special Insurers," "Master Surplus List," and "Surplus Line Compendium" do not correspond to the established terminology for this specific list in California's regulatory framework.