c. 176D

A Massachusetts statute prohibiting “Unfair Methods of Competition and Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices in the Business of Insurance.” The statute grants the commissioner of insurance broad authority in issuing cease and desist orders and fines to persons engaged in the business of insurance in the commonwealth. The statute also has a list of nine unfair insurance claim practices the violation of which are violations of G.L. c. 93A, by definition. Chapter 93A gives consumers the right to sue for punitive damages and attorney fees for violations of the unfair claim practice provision of G.L. c. 176D.