Why might the Commissioner examine an insurer's records?

The Commissioner examines an insurer's records primarily to determine the solvency of the insurer. Solvency is crucial in the insurance industry, as it indicates the insurer's ability to meet its future policyholder obligations. If an insurer is not solvent, it may fail to pay claims, which can have significant consequences for policyholders relying on their insurance coverage.

In examining the records, the Commissioner looks at financial statements, investment portfolios, claims history, and overall financial health. This scrutiny helps ensure that insurers maintain adequate reserves and surplus, promoting stability and consumer protection within the insurance market. Understanding and verifying solvency is vital for regulatory purposes and maintaining trust in the insurance system.

The other options, while they touch on relevant areas of insurance operations, are not primary reasons for the examination of records by the Commissioner. Verifying the number of policies issued, assessing customer satisfaction, and analyzing marketing strategies are important for an insurer’s business practices, but they do not have the same critical implications for financial stability and consumer protection as solvency does.