(a)
It is unlawful for any insurance agent or broker, or any insurance solicitor employed thereby, to receive any financial benefit from an automobile repair facility or any other form of direct or indirect consideration from any person for referring insureds to that person or that person’s designee for vehicle repairs covered under the automobile comprehensive coverage, property damage coverage, or automobile collision coverage, of an insurance policy issued through the insurance agent or broker or by an insurer represented by the insurance agent.
(b)
Subdivision (a) applies with respect to commercial and noncommercial policies of automobile insurance.
(c)
For purposes of this section, “financial benefit” means the receiving of any commission or gratuity, discount on repair costs, free repairs, or employment by a repair facility.