(a) Subject to the limitation contained in this section, and in addition to the powers which the commissioner has under Article 4 (commencing with Section 730) of Chapter 1 of this part relating to the examination of insurers, the commissioner shall also have the power to order any insurer registered under Section 1215.4 to produce such records, books, or other information or papers in the possession of the insurer or its affiliates as shall be necessary to ascertain the financial condition or legality of conduct of such insurer.
(b) The commissioner shall exercise his power under subdivision (a) only if the examination of the insurer under Article 4 (commencing with Section 730) of Chapter 1 of this part is inadequate or the interests of the policyholders of such insurer are being adversely affected.
(c) The commissioner may retain at the registered insurer’s expense such attorneys, actuaries, accountants, and other experts not otherwise a part of the commissioner’s staff as shall be reasonably necessary to assist in the conduct of the examination under subdivision (a) of this section. Any persons so retained shall be under the direction and control of the commissioner and shall act in a purely advisory capacity.
(d) Each registered insurer producing for examination records, books, and papers pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall be liable for, and shall pay the expense of, such examination in accordance with Section 736 of this code.