§ 58-5-70.  Lien of policyholders; action to enforce.

Upon the securities deposited with the Commissioner by any foreign or alien insurance company, the holders of all contracts of the company who are citizens or residents of this State at the time, or who hold policies issued upon property in the State, shall have a lien for amounts in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00) due them, respectively, under or in consequence of the contracts for losses, equitable values, return premiums, or otherwise, and shall be entitled to be paid ratably out of the proceeds of the securities, if the proceeds are not sufficient to pay all of the contract holders. When any foreign or alien insurance company depositing securities under this Article becomes insolvent or bankrupt or makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, any holder of the contract may begin an action in the Superior Court of the County of Wake to enforce the lien for the benefit of all the holders of the contracts. The Commissioner shall be a party to the suit, and the funds shall be distributed by the court, but the cost of the action shall not be adjudged against the Commissioner. (1909, c. 923, s. 4; C.S., s. 6445; 1991, c. 720, s. 4; 1995, c. 193, s. 12; 2001-223, s. 24.1; 2001-487, s. 103(a).)