Which is a potential consequence for an insurer who refuses to pay a final judgment?

A potential consequence for an insurer who refuses to pay a final judgment is the suspension of its Certificate of Authority. The Certificate of Authority is a license that allows an insurance company to operate within a particular state. If an insurer fails to comply with a final judgment, especially one that involves payment to policyholders or claimants, it can be perceived as acting unethically or failing to protect consumer interests.

State insurance regulators prioritize consumer protection and may take stringent action against insurers that demonstrate a pattern of non-compliance with legal obligations, including not honoring final judgments. This can lead to regulatory scrutiny and can result in the suspension of the insurer's ability to conduct business within that state, as maintaining financial integrity and accountability is crucial for the insurance industry.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not directly address the immediate and severe consequence of refusing to satisfy a final court judgment. Increased insurance premiums typically relate to risk assessment and claims history, while mandatory exams are often a part of regulatory oversight but not a direct consequence of non-payment. License renewal delays generally pertain to incomplete documentation or failure to meet educational requirements, rather than the specific issue of not paying a judgment.