An insurer incorporated in Canada but doing business in California is classified as what type of insurer?

The correct classification for an insurer that is incorporated in Canada but operating in California is that of an alien insurer. This designation is used to refer to insurance companies that are incorporated outside of the United States but conduct business within its states.

In this case, since the insurer is incorporated in Canada, it qualifies as an alien insurer in California. The term highlights the cross-border nature of the business, acknowledging that while the company is operating in a U.S. state, its origin is international. This classification helps regulatory bodies understand the jurisdiction and regulatory framework under which the insurer operates.

The classifications of domestic and foreign insurers refer to insurance companies operating within their state of incorporation or from other states, respectively. Domestic insurers are those that are incorporated in California, while foreign insurers are those incorporated in other U.S. states. A nonadmitted insurer refers to a company that is not licensed to operate in a particular state, which does not apply to this scenario as the insurer is conducting business in California.