Which organization, founded in 1871, coordinates U.S. state insurance regulators and develops model laws?

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, was founded in 1871 to coordinate U.S. state insurance regulators.

Insurance regulation in the United States is primarily conducted by individual states rather than by one nationwide insurance regulator. The NAIC gives state commissioners a forum for cooperation and develops model laws, regulations, accounting standards, and regulatory guidance.

The organization does not replace state insurance departments. Instead, states may adopt or adapt NAIC models through their own legislative and regulatory processes. The association also supports data collection, financial analysis, consumer information, and coordination when insurers operate across state lines.

Its role is especially important because insurance companies commonly conduct business in many states. Shared standards can reduce unnecessary differences while preserving the state-based structure established in American insurance regulation.