(a) For the purposes of this Code section, "direct response insurance business" means the solicitation, delivery, and servicing of group or individual life or accident and sickness insurance policies in this state, other than franchise insurance policies or other policies sold through a third party, travel life or accident insurance policies, or life or accident and sickness insurance policies sold or issued in connection with an extension of credit, under a general mode of business in which there is no face-to-face contact between the insured and an agent or other representative of the insurer.

(b) Any foreign or alien insurer who conducts a direct response insurance business in this state shall:

(1) Maintain a registered agent for service of process who is a resident of this state; and

(2) Maintain an office within this state, accept collect telephone calls from its direct response insurance policyholders, or provide toll free telephone service to such policyholders in order to provide information and assistance to such policyholders and their beneficiaries.

(c) Any insurer providing collect or toll free telephone service pursuant to this Code section shall notify its direct response insurance policyholders in writing of the applicable telephone number or numbers and of any subsequent changes in the telephone number or numbers within 90 days of such change.