(a) The department shall issue a certificate of authority to a general casualty company authorizing the company to engage in the business of insurance under this chapter if:
(1) the company meets the requirements of this chapter; and
(2) the commissioner has granted a charter to the company in the manner provided by Sections 822.051, 822.052, 822.053, 822.054, 822.057, 822.058, 822.059, 822.060, and 822.210.
(b) A certificate of authority is evidence of a general casualty company's authorization to engage in the business of insurance under this chapter and of the company's solvency and credits.