Collapse to view only § 552.81 - Agents or companies with suspended solicitation privileges.

§ 552.50 - Purpose.

This regulation—

(a) Prescribes general policy on the solicitation and sale of all goods, services, and commodities, including all types of insurance, on military installations. These are sold or solicited by dealers, tradesmen, and their agents.

(b) Prescribes procedures for suspension of solicitation privileges.

(c) Prescribes policies and procedures for investigative and enforcement actions.

(d) Permits representatives of credit unions, banks, and approved non-profit associations to conduct national educational programs on—

(1) Insurance, estate planning, savings, and budgeting, and

(2) The protection and remedies afforded consumers under the Truth-in-Lending Act.

§ 552.51 - Applicability.

(a) This regulation applies to—

(1) All Department of the Army military and civilian personnel, including Army National Guard and Army Reserve personnel on active duty or annual training.

(2) Individuals seeking to conduct commercial solicitation on military installations, including controlled housing areas. They will also be governed by regulations and controls of the local commander and, in overseas areas, by regulations of the unified or specified commander. They must also observe applicable laws, regulations, and agreements of the host country.

(b) The provisions of this regulation do not apply to—

(1) Commercial companies that furnish services to military installations (such as deliveries of milk, bread, and laundry) when they are authorized by the installation commander.

(2) An individual who sells his own personal property or privately owned dwelling.

§ 552.52 - Explanation of terms.

(a) Agent. Anyone who solicits the ordering or purchasing of goods, services, or commodities in exchange for money. “Agent” includes an individual who receives remuneration as a salesman for an insurer or whose remuneration is dependent on volume of sales or the making of sales.

(b) Solicitation. The conduct of any private business, including the offering and sale of insurance on a military installation, whether initiated by the seller or the buyer. (Solicitation on installations is a privilege as distinguished from a right, and its control is a responsibility vested in the installation commander, subject to compliance with applicable regulations.)

(c) Door-to-door solicitation. A sales method whereby an agent proceeds randomly or selectively from household to household without specific prior appointments or invitations. Door-to-door solicitation is not permitted on Army installations.

(d) Specific appointment. A prearranged appointment that has been agreed upon by both parties and is definite as to place and time.

(e) Insurer. Any company or association engaged in the business of selling insurance policies to Department of Defense (DOD) personnel.

(f) Insurance carrier. An insurance company issuing insurance through an association or reinsuring or coinsuring such insurance.

(g) Insurance policy. A policy or certificate of insurance issued by an insurer or evidence of insurance coverage issued by a self-insured association.

(h) DOD personnel. Unless stated otherwise, such personnel means all active duty officer and enlisted members, and civilian employees of the Armed Forces. This includes Government employees of all the offices, agencies, and departments carrying on functions on a Defense installation, including non-appropriated fund instrumentalities.

§ 552.53 - Regulatory requirements.

Commanders may issue regulations governing solicitation within their commands and on their installations. These regulations will avoid discriminatory requirements which could eliminate or restrict competition. When there is a clear need to prescribe more restrictive requirements for solicitation than those in this regulation or the regulations of the major commander, these additional requirements or restrictions must first be reviewed and confirmed by The Adjutant General Center (DAAG-PSI), or by the overseas commander.

§ 552.54 - Solicitation.

The installation commanders may permit solicitation and transaction of commercial business on military installations. These solicitations and transactions must conform to installation regulations (CONUS and overseas) and must not interfere with military activities. No person may enter an installation and transact commercial business as a matter of right.

§ 552.55 - Restrictions.

To maintain discipline; protect property; and safeguard the health, morale, and welfare of his personnel, the installation commander may impose reasonable restrictions on the character and conduct of commercial activities. Members of the Armed Forces must not be subjected to fraudulent, usurious, or unethical business practices. Reasonable and consistent standards must be applied to each company and its agents in their conduct of commercial transactions on the installation.

§ 552.56 - Licensing requirements.

To transact personal commercial business on military installations in the United States, its territories, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, individuals must present, on demand, to the installation commander, or his designee, documentary evidence that the company and its agents meet the licensing requirements of the State in which the installation is located. They must also meet any other applicable regulatory requirements imposed by civil authorities (Federal, State, county, or municipality). For ease of administration, the installation commander will issue a temporary permit to agents who meet these requirements.

§ 552.57 - Authorization to solicit.

(a) Solicitation must be authorized by the installation commander. A specific appointment must be made with the individual and must be conducted in family quarters or in other areas designated by the installation commander. Before issuing a permit to solicit, the commander will require and review a statement of past employment. The commander will also determine, if practicable, whether the agent is employed by a reputable firm.

(b) Certain companies seeking solicitation privileges on military installations may arrange personal demonstrations of their products at social gatherings and advise potential customers on their use. If these added services are provided, even though the merchandise sold by these companies is similar to that stocked by the post exchange, the installation commander may authorize solicitation privileges. Requests for this type of solicitation privilege will be coordinated with the local Army and Air Force Exchange Service representative. See paragraph 3-2, Army Regulation 60-10.

§ 552.58 - Other transactions.

Commercial transactions with other than individuals (such as nonappropriated fund activities) are restricted to the office of the custodian of the specific fund activity. Business will be conducted during normal duty hours.

§ 552.59 - Granting solicitation privileges.

(a) Authorizations (permits) to solicit on Army installations will be in writing and will be valid for periods of 1 year or less.

(b) Particular caution must be taken when granting solicitation permission. The impression that permission is official indorsement or that the Department of the Army favors, sponsors, or recommends the companies, agents, or the policies offered for sale must not be conveyed. As continuing policy, the Department of the Army does not indorse any seller or product.

§ 552.60 - Supervision of on-post commercial activities.

(a) General. (1) Installation commanders will ensure that all agents are given equal opportunity for interviews, by appointment, at the designated areas.

(2) DOD personnel will not act in any official or business capacity, either directly or indirectly, as liaison with agents to arrange appointments.

(3) Home address of members of the command or unit will not be given to commercial enterprises or individuals engaged in commercial solicitation, except when required by Army Regulation 340-17 and Army Regulation 340-21. The written consent of the individual must be obtained first.

(b) Hours and location for solicitation. (1) Military personnel and their dependents will be solicited individually, by specific appointment, and at hours designated by the installation commander or his designee. Appointments will not interfere with any military duty. Door-to-door solicitation without a prior appointment, including solicitation by personnel whose ultimate purpose is to obtain sales (e.g., soliciting future appointments), is prohibited. Solicitors may contact prospective clients initially by methods such as advertising, direct mail, and telephone.

(2) Commanders will provide one or more appropriate locations on the installation where agents may interview prospective purchasers. If space and other factors dictate limiting the number of agents who may use designated interviewing areas, the installation commander may publish policy covering this matter.

(c) Regulations to be read by solicitors. A conspicuous notice of installation regulations will be posted in a form and a place easily accessible to all those conducting on-post commercial activities. Each agent authorized to solicit must read this notice and appropriate installation regulations. Copies will be made available on installations. When practicable, as determined by the installation commander, persons conducting on-base commercial activities will be furnished a copy of the applicable regulations. Each agent seeking a permit must acknowledge, in writing, that he has read the regulations, understands them, and further understands that any violation or noncompliance may result in suspension of the solicitation privilege for himself, his employer, or both.

(d) Forbidden solicitation practices. Installation commanders will prohibit the following:

(1) Solicitation during enlistment or induction processing or during basic combat training, and within the first half of the one station unit training cycle.

(2) Solicitation of “mass,” group, or “captive” audiences.

(3) Making appointments with or soliciting of military personnel who are in an “on-duty” status.

(4) Soliciting without an appointment in areas used for housing or processing transient personnel, or soliciting in barracks areas used as quarters.

(5) Use of official identification cards by retired or Reserve members of the Armed Forces to gain access to military installations to solicit.

(6) Offering of false, unfair, improper, or deceptive inducements to purchase or trade.

(7) Offering rebates to promote transaction or to eliminate competition. (Credit union interest refunds to borrowers are not considered a prohibited rebate.)

(8) Use of any manipulative, deceptive, or fraudulent device, scheme, or artifice, including misleading advertising and sales literature.

(9) Any oral or written representations which suggest or appear that the Department of the Army sponsors or endorses the company or its agents, or the goods, services, and commodities offered for sale.

(10) Commercial solicitation by an active duty member of the Armed Forces of another member who is junior in rank or grade, at any time, on or off the military installation (Army Regulation 600-50).

(11) Entry into any unauthorized or restricted area.

(12) Assignment of desk space for interviews, except for specific prearranged appointments. During appointments, the agent must not display desk or other signs announcing the name of the company or product affiliation.

(13) Use of the “Daily Bulletin” or any other notice, official, or unofficial, announcing the presence of an agent and his availability.

(14) Distribution of literature other than to the person being interviewed.

(15) Wearing of name tags that include the name of the company or product that the agent represents.

(16) Offering of financial benefit or other valuable or desirable favors to military or civilian personnel to help or encourage sales transactions. This does not include advertising material for prospective purchasers (such as pens, pencils, wallets, and notebooks, normally with a value of $1 or less).

(17) Use of any portion of installation facilities, to include quarters, as a showroom or store for the sale of goods or services, except as specifically authorized by regulations governing the operations of exchanges, commissaries, non-appropriated fund instrumentalities, and private organizations. This is not intended to preclude normal home enterprises, providing State and local laws are complied with.

(18) Advertisements citing addresses or telephone numbers of commercial sales activities conducted on the installation.

(e) Business reply system. Agents who desire to use a business reply card system will include the information on the card which a military member can complete to indicate where and when the member can meet the agent to discuss the subject. The meeting place should be that established in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if the meeting is to be on the installation. This procedure should assist in removing any impression that the agent or his company are approved by the Department of the Army. It should further prevent an undesirable situation (e.g., military personnel paged on a public address system or called by a unit runner to report to the orderly room).

§ 552.61 - Products and services offered in solicitation.

Products and services, including life insurance, offered and sold on Army installations must comply with the laws of the States (and other civil jurisdictions) in which the installations are located. If a dispute or complaint arises, the applicable State will make the determination (§ 552.56).

§ 552.62 - Advertising rules and educational programs.

(a) The Department of the Army expects that commercial enterprises soliciting military personnel through advertisements appearing in unofficial military publications will voluntarily observe the highest business ethics in describing both the goods, services, and commodities and the terms of the sale (such as guarantees and warranties). If not, the publisher of the military publication will request the advertiser to observe them. The advertising of credit will conform to the provisions of the Truth-in-Lending Act, as implemented by Regulation Z, published by the Federal Reserve Board (12 CFR part 226).

(b) Commanders will provide appropriate information and educational programs to provide members of the Army with information pertaining to the conduct of their personal commercial affairs (e.g., the protections and remedies offered consumers under the Truth-in-Lending Act, insurance, Government benefits, savings, estate planning, and budgeting). The services or representatives of credit unions, banks, and nonprofit military associations approved by HQDA may be used for this purpose provided their programs are entirely educational. Under no circumstances will the services of commercial agents, including loan or finance companies and their associations, be used for this purpose. Educational materials prepared or used by outside organizations or experts in this field may be adapted or used with applicable permission, provided the material is entirely educational and does not contain applications or contract forms.

§ 552.63 - “Cooling off” period for door-to-door sales.

The Federal Trade Commission Rule, 16 CFR part 429, p. 233, effective 7 June 1974, pertains to a cooling off period for door-to-door sales. The rule applies to any sale, lease, or rental of consumer goods or services with a purchase price of $25 or more, whether under single or multiple contracts, in which the seller or business representative personally solicits the sale, including those in response to or following an invitation by the buyer, and the buyer's agreement or offer to purchase is made at a place other than the place of business of the seller. The purpose of the law is to allow the consumer the right to cancel a transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. When any door-to-door sale or transaction takes place anywhere on or off the installation (other than the seller's place of business) the consumer must be provided with a full and complete receipt or copy of a contract pertaining to the sale at the time of its execution which shall include the “cancellation statements” as required by the FTC rule.

§ 552.64 - Sound insurance underwriting and programing.

The Department of the Army encourages the acquisition of a sound insurance program that is suitably underwritten to meet the varying needs of the individual and is within his financial means. Accordingly, insurance agents may conduct personal business on an installation, when feasible, with disinterested third-party counseling provided, interviewing hours set aside, and facilities supplied. However, the privilege of insurance solicitation on installations is conditioned on full compliance with this regulation and on the clear understanding that permission is not indorsement of the company or the policies offered for sale.

§ 552.65 - Command supervision.

(a) All insurance business conducted on Army installation will be by appointment. When setting up the appointment, insurance agents must identify themselves to the prospective purchaser as an agent for a specific insurance company.

(b) Department of Defense personnel are expressly prohibited from representing any insurance company or dealing either directly or indirectly with any insurance company or any recognized representative of an insurance company as an agent or in any official or business capacity for the solicitation of insurance to personnel on a military installation with or without compensation.

(c) In addition to the forbidden practices, installation commanders will prohibit the following:

(1) The use of a commercial insurance agent as a participant in any military-sponsored education or orientation program.

(2) The designation or announcement of any agent as “Battalion Insurance Advisor,” “Unit Insurance Counselor,” “SGLI Conversion Consultant,” or similar quasi-official titles.

§ 552.66 - Actions required by agents.

(a) The agent must know that—

(1) Soldiers to be solicited are in grades E-1, E-2, or E-3, and

(2) The solicitation of these members is restricted to specified times and locations designated by the installation commander.

(b) Agents must leave information on the policy applied for with each member in grades E-1, E-2, and E-3 who applies for insurance and the unit insurance officer or counselor. Agents must complete DA Form 2056 (Commercial Insurance Solicitation Record). Blank DA Forms 2056 (not allotment forms) will be available to insurance agents on request. In the “Remarks” section of DA Form 2056, agents will include all pertinent information and a clear statement that dividends are not guaranteed if the presentation refers to dividends.

§ 552.67 - Life insurance policy content.

Insurance policies offered and sold on Army installations must—

(a) Comply with the insurance laws of the States or country in which the installations are located. The applicable State insurance commissioner will determine such compliance if there is a dispute or complaint.

(b) Contain no restrictions because of military service or military occupational specialty of the insured, unless restrictions are clearly indicated on the face of the policy.

(c) Plainly indicate any extra premium charges imposed because of military service or military occupational specialty.

(d) Not vary in the amount of death benefit or premium based on the length of time the policy has been in force, unless it is clearly described therein.

(e) For purposes of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section, be stamped with an appropriate reference on the face of the policy to focus attention on any extra premium charges imposed and on any variations in the amount of death benefit or premium based on the length of time the policy has been in force.

(f) Variable life insurance policies may be offered provided they meet the criteria of the appropriate insurance regulatory agency and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(g) Show only the actual premiums payable for life insurance coverage.

§ 552.68 - Minimum requirements for agents.

(a) In the United States, its territories, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, agents may be authorized to solicit on an installation provided—

(1) Both the company and its agents are licensed in the State in which the installation is located. “State” as it pertains to political jurisdictions includes the 50 States, territories, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(2) The application to solicit is made by an accredited company (§ 552.69).

(b) On Army military installation in foreign areas.

(1) An agent may solicit business on U.S. military installations in foreign areas if—

(i) The company he represents has been accredited by DOD;

(ii) His name is on the official list of accredited agents maintained by the applicable major command;

(iii) His employer, the company, has obtained clearance for him from the appropriate overseas commanders; and

(iv) The commanding officer of the military installation on which he desires to solicit has granted him permission.

(2) To be employed for overseas solicitation and designated as an accredited agent, agents must have at least 1 year of successful life insurance underwriting in the United States or its territories. Generally, this is within the 5 years preceding the date of application.

(3) General agents and agents will represent only one accredited commercial insurance company. The overseas commander may waive this requirement if multiple representation can be proven to be in the best interest of DOD personnel.

(4) An agent must possess a current State license. The overseas commander may waive this requirement on behalf of an accredited agent who has been continuously residing and successfully selling life insurance in foreign areas and forfeits his eligibility for a State license, through no fault of his own, due to the operation of State law or regulation governing domicile requirements, or requiring that the agent's company be licensed to do business in that State. The request for a waiver will contain the name of the State and jurisdiction, which would not renew the agent's license.

(5) An agent, once accredited in an overseas area, may not change his affiliation from the staff of one general agent to another, unless the losing company certifies, in writing, that the release is without justifiable prejudice. Unified commanders will have final authority to determine justifiable prejudice.

(6) Where the accredited insurer's policy permits, an overseas accredited life insurance agent, if duly qualified to engage in security activities either as a registered representative of a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers or an associated person of a broker/dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission only, may offer life insurance and securities for sale simultaneously. In cases of commingled sales, the allotment of pay for the purchase of securities cannot be made to the insurer.

(7) Overseas commanders will exercise further agent control procedures as necessary.

§ 552.69 - Application by companies to solicit on military installations in the United States, its territories, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Before a company may be accredited to solicit on a military installation, the commander must receive a letter of application, signed by the company's president or vice president. It must be understood that a knowing and willful false statement is punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001). The letter of application will—

(a) Report the States in which the company is qualified and licensed to sell insurance.

(b) Give the name, complete address, and telephone number of each agent who will solicit on the installation if approval is granted; the State in which licensed; the date of licensing and the expiration date; and a statement of agreement to report all future additions and separations of agents employed for solicitation on the installation.

(c) List all policies and their form numbers that are to be offered for purchase on the installation. Application will be offered for purchase and that these policies meet the requirements of § 552.67(d).

Attest that—

(1) The privilege of soliciting the purchase of life insurance is not currently suspended or withdrawn from the company by any of the military departments.

(2) The privilege of soliciting the purchase of life insurance is not currently suspended or withdrawn by any Armed Forces installations from any of the agents named.

(3) The company and the agent named have proper and currently validated licenses as required by § 552.68.

(4) The company assumes full responsibility for its agents complying with this regulation and with any regulations published by the installation commander.

§ 552.70 - Applications by companies to solicit on installations in foreign countries.

(a) Each May and June only, DOD accepts applications from commercial life insurance companies for accreditation to solicit the purchase of commercial life insurance on installations in foreign countries for the fiscal year beginning the following October.

(b) Information about permission to solicit on installations outside the United States (exclusive of its territories and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) is contained in instructions issued by DOD. Applications and any correspondence relating thereto should be addressed to Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower, Reserve Affairs, and Logistics), ATTN: Directorate, Personnel Services, ODASD(MPP), WASH DC 20301.

(c) Advice of action taken by DOD is announced annually by letters sent to overseas commanders as soon as practicable after 15 September. The list of companies and agents may vary from year to year.

§ 552.71 - Associations—general.

The recent growth of quasi-military associations offering various insurance plans to military personnel is recognized. Some associations are not organized within the supervision of insurance laws of either the Federal or State Government. While some are organized for profit, others function as nonprofit associations under Internal Revenue Service regulations. Regardless of how insurance plans are offered to members, the management of the association is responsible for assuring that all aspects of its insurance programs comply fully with the instructions of this regulation.

§ 552.72 - Use of the allotment of pay system.

(a) Allotments of military pay will be made in accordance with Army Regulation 37-104-3. Allotments will not be made to an insurer for the purchase of a commingled sale (e.g., retirement plans, securities).

(b) Under no circumstances will agents have allotment forms in their possession or attempt to assist or coordinate the administrative processing of such forms.

(c) For personnel in grades E-1, E-2, and E-3, at least 7 days should elapse between the signing of a life insurance application or contract and the certification of an allotment. The purchaser's commanding officer may grant a waiver of this requirement for good cause, such as the purchaser's imminent permanent change of station.

§ 552.73 - Minimum requirements for automobile insurance policies.

Policies sold on installations by both accepted and accredited insurers will meet all statutory and regulatory requirements of the State or host nation in which the installation is located. Policies will not be issued in amounts lower than the minimum limits prescribed by these authorities. In addition, policies will—

(a) Clearly identify the name of the insurer and the full address.

(1) Applications without the name and address of the insurer underwriting the insurance may be used; the names of sales or underwriting agents alone is not sufficient.

(2) Post office box addresses are not an acceptable address.

(b) Provide bodily injury and property damage liability coverage for all drivers authorized by the named insured to operate the vehicle. Military indorsements, excluding persons other than the named insured, whether in the military or not, are not acceptable.

(c) Not contain unusual limitations or restrictions, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Limitations specifying that coverage is afforded only when the insured vehicle is operated in the designated geographic areas in the United States (e.g., coverage applicable only on a military reservation). If the installation is located within the United States, the standard provision limiting coverage to the United States and Canada is acceptable.

(2) Coverage limited to exclude liability for bodily injury to passengers and guests if such a liability exists as a matter of law.

§ 552.74 - Grounds for suspension.

The installation commander will deny or revoke permission of a company and its agents to conduct commercial activities on the installation if it is in the best interests of the command. The grounds for taking this action will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

(a) Failure of company to meet the licensing and other regulatory requirements prescribed in § 552.56.

(b) An agent or representative engaged in any of the solicitation practices prohibited by this regulation.

(c) Substantiated adverse complaints or reports about the quality of the goods, services, or commodities and the manner in which they are offered for sale.

(d) Personal misconduct by agents or representatives while on the military installation.

(e) The possession of or any attempt to obtain allotment forms, or to assist or coordinate the administrative processing of such forms.

(f) Knowing and willful violation of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Federal Regulation Z.

(g) Failure to incorporate and abide by the Standards of Fairness policies. (See § 552.83.)

§ 552.75 - Factors in suspending solicitation privileges.

In suspending privileges for cause, the installation commander will determine whether to limit suspension to the agent alone or to extent it to the company he represents. This decision will be based on the circumstances of the particular case. Included are—

(a) The nature of the violations and their frequencies;

(b) The extent to which other agents of the company have engaged in these practices;

(c) Previous warnings or suspensions; and

(d) Other matters that show the company's guilt or failure to take reasonable corrective or remedial action.

§ 552.76 - Preliminary investigation.

When unauthorized solicitation practices have apparently occurred, an investigating officer will be appointed (Army Regulation 15-6). The investigating officer will gather sworn statements from all interested parties who have any knowledge of the alleged violations.

§ 552.77 - Suspension approval.

The installation commander will personally approve all cases in which solicitation privileges have been denied or suspended for cause. This includes agents, companies, or other commercial enterprises. Authority to temporarily suspend solicitation privileges for 30 days or less while an investigation is conducted may be delegated by the commander to the installation solicitation officer or other designee. Exception to this time frame must be approved by The Adjutant General (DAAG-PSI) or by the overseas commander. The commander will make the final determination.

§ 552.78 - “Show cause” hearing.

Before suspending the solicitation privilege, the company and the agent will have a chance to show cause why the action should not be taken. “Show cause” is an opportunity for the company, the agent, or both to present facts informally on their behalf. The company and agent will be notified, by letter, far in advance of the pending hearing. If unable to notify the agent directly or indirectly of the hearing, then the hearing may proceed.

§ 552.79 - Suspension action.

(a) When suspended for cause, immediately notify the company and the agent, in writing, of the reason. When the installation commander determines that suspension should be extended throughout the Department of the Army (whether for the agent or his company), send the case to HQDA (DAAGPSI) WASH DC 20314. Provide all factors on which the commander based his decision concerning the agent or company (exempt report, para 7-2o, Army Regulation 335-15). This notification should include—

(1) Copies of the “show cause” hearing record or summary,

(2) The installation regulations or extract,

(3) The investigation report with sworn statements by all personnel affected by or having knowledge of the violations,

(4) The statement signed by the agent as required in § 552.60(c).

(5) Notification letters sent to the company and the agent advising of suspension of installation solicitation privileges, and

(6) If the agent failed to respond to notification of the hearing, a copy of the letters sent to him and the company offering them the opportunity to be heard.

(b) If the grounds for suspension bear significantly on the eligibility of the agent or company to hold a State license or to meet other regulatory requirements, notify the appropriate State or local civil authorities.

§ 552.80 - Suspension period.

All solicitation privileges suspended by installation commanders will be for a specific time. Normally, it will not exceed 2 years. When the suspension period expires, the agent may reapply for permission to solicit at the installation authorizing the denial or suspension. Requests for suspension periods in excess of 2 years will be sent with the complete case to HQDA (DAAG-PSI) WASH DC 20314, for approval. Lesser suspension may be imposed pending decision.

§ 552.81 - Agents or companies with suspended solicitation privileges.

Quarterly, HQDA will publish the names of agents and companies whose solicitation privileges have been suspended throughout the Department of the Army. If no change has occurred in the latest quarter, no list will be published.

§ 552.82 - Exercise of “off limits” authority.

(a) In appropriate cases, installation commanders may have the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board investigate reports that cash or consumer credit transactions offered military personnel by a business establishment off post are usurious, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive. If it is found that the commercial establishment engages in such practices; that it has not taken corrective action on being duly notified; and that the health, morale, and welfare of military personnel would be served, the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board may recommend that the offending business establishment be declared “off limits” to all military personnel. The procedures for making these determinations are in Army Regulation 190.24.

(b) On finding that a company transacting cash or consumer credit with members of the Armed Forces, nationwide or internationally, is engaged in widespread usurious, fraudulent, or deceptive practices, the Secretary of the Army may direct Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Boards in all geographical areas where this occurred to investigate the charges and take appropriate action.

§ 552.83 -

(a) No finance charge contracted for, made, or received under any contract shall be in excess of the charge which could be made for such contract under the law of the place in which the contract is signed in the United States by the serviceman. In the event a contract is signed with a United States company in a foreign country, the lowest interest rate of the state or states in which the company is chartered or does business shall apply.

(b) No contract or loan agreement shall provide for an attorney's fee in the event of default unless suit is filed in which event the fee provided in the contract shall not exceed 20 percent of the obligation found due. No attorney's fees shall be authorized if he is a salaried employee of the holder.

(c) In loan transactions, defenses which the debtor may have against the original lender or its agent shall be good against any subsequent holder of the obligation. In credit transactions, defenses against the seller or its agent shall be good against any subsequent holder of the obligation provided that the holder had actual knowledge of the defense or under condition where reasonable inquiry would have apprised him of this fact.

(d) The debtor shall have the right to remove any security for the obligation beyond State or national boundaries if he or his family moves beyond such boundaries under military orders and notifies the creditor, in advance of the removal, of the new address where the security will be located. Removal of the security shall not accelerate payment of the obligation.

(e) No late charge shall be made in excess of 5 percent of the late payment, or $5 whichever is the lesser amount. Only one late charge may be made for any tardy installment. Late charges will not be levied where an allotment has been timely filed, but payment of the allotment has been delayed.

(f) The obligation may be paid in full at any time or through accelerated payments of any amount. There shall be no penalty for prepayment and in the event of prepayment, that portion of the finance charges which have insured to the benefit of the seller or creditor shall be prorated on the basis of the charges which would have been ratably payable had finance charges been calculated and payable as equal periodic payments over the term of the contract, and only the prorated amount to the date of prepayment shall be due. As an alternative, the “Rule of 78” may be applied, in which case its operation shall be explained in the contract.

(g) No charge shall be made for an insurance premium or for finance charges for such premium unless satisfactory evidence of a policy, or insurance certificate where State insurance laws or regulations permit such certificates to be issued in lieu of a policy, reflecting such coverage has been delivered to the debtor within 30 days after the specified date of delivery of the item purchased or the signing of a cash loan agreement.

(h) If the loan or contract agreement provides for payments in installments, each payment, other than the down payment, shall be in equal or substantially equal amounts, and installments shall be successive and of equal or substantially equal duration.

(i) If the security for the debt is repossessed and sold in order to satisfy or reduce the debt, the repossession and resale will meet the following conditions:

(1) The defaulting purchaser will be given advance written notice of the intention to repossess;

(2) Following repossession, the defaulting purchaser will be served a complete statement of his obligations and adequate advance notice of the sale;

(3) He will be permitted to redeem the item by payment of the amount due before the sale, or in lieu thereof submit a bid at the sale;

(4) There will be a solicitation for a minimum of three sealed bids unless sold at auction;

(5) The party holding the security, and all agents thereof are ineligible to bid;

(6) The defaulting purchaser will be charged only those charges which are reasonably necessary for storage, reconditioning, and resale; and

(7) He shall be provided a written detailed statement of his obligations, if any, following the resale and promptly refunded any credit balance due him, if any.

(j) A contract for personal goods and services may be terminated at any time before delivery of the goods or services without charge to the purchaser. However, if goods made to the special order of the purchaser result in preproduction costs, or require preparation for delivery, such additional costs will be listed in the order form or contract. No termination charge will be made in excess of this amount. Contracts for delivery at future intervals may be terminated as to the undelivered portion, and the purchaser shall be chargeable only for that proportion of the total cost which the goods or services delivered bear to the total goods called for by the contract. (This is in addition to the right to rescind certain credit transactions involving a security interest in real estate provided by section 125 of the Truth-in-Lending Act, Pub. L. 90-321 (15 U.S.C. 1601) and § 226.9 of Regulation Z (12 CFR part 226).