(1) Upon written application of any insurer, the commissioner may grant an exemption from compliance with these rules if the commissioner finds, upon review of the application, that compliance with this rule would constitute a financial or organizational hardship upon the insurer. An exemption may be granted at any time and from time to time for a specified period or periods. Within 10 days from a denial of an insurer's written request for an exemption from this rule, such insurer may make a written request for a hearing on its application for an exemption. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with 33-2-701 , MCA.

(2) Domestic insurers retaining certified public accountants on the effective date of this rule who qualify as independent shall comply with these rules for the year ending December 31, 1993, and each year thereafter unless the commissioner permits otherwise.

(3) Domestic insurers not retaining certified public accountants on the effective date of these rules who qualify as independent may meet the following schedule for compliance, unless the commissioner permits otherwise.

(a) as of December 31, 1993, file with the commissioner:

(i) a report of an independent certified public accountant;

(ii) audited balance sheets; and

(iii) notes to audited balance sheet.

(b) for the year ending December 31, 1994, and each year thereafter, such insurers shall file with the commissioner all reports required by these rules.

(4) Foreign insurers shall comply with these rules for the year ending December 31, 1993, and each year thereafter, unless the commissioner permits otherwise.