58-32-37. Action against unauthorized insurer--Service of process on director--Jurisdiction of court.

Service of legal process against the insurer may be made in any such action by service upon the director as provided in § 58-6-39. The director shall forthwith mail a copy of the process served to the person designated by the insurer in the policy for the purpose, by prepaid registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. The insurer shall have thirty days from the date of service upon the director within which to plead, answer, or otherwise defend the action. Upon service of process upon the director in accordance with this provision, the court shall be deemed to have jurisdiction in personam of the insurer.

Source: SL 1966, ch 111, ch 11, § 20 (2); SL 1982, ch 28, § 18.