No insurer shall issue, make, write, place, or cause to be made, written, placed, or issued any contract of insurance, indemnity, or suretyship covering risks or property located or having a situs in this state or covering any liability created by or arising under the laws of this state, except through an agent or agents licensed pursuant to this article, except that bid bonds issued by any surety insurer in connection with any public or private building or construction project may be issued without regard to this Code section.