Surety bond or security deposit.

(1) Each discount plan organization licensed pursuant to this part shall maintain in force a surety bond in its own name in an amount not less than $35,000 to be used at the discretion of the office to protect the financial interests of members who may be adversely affected by the insolvency of a discount plan organization. The bond must be issued by an insurance company that is licensed to do business in this state.

(2) In lieu of the bond specified in subsection (1), a licensed discount plan organization may deposit and maintain deposited in trust with the department securities eligible for deposit under s. 625.52 having at all times a value of not less than $35,000. If a licensed discount plan organization substitutes its deposited securities under this subsection with a surety bond authorized in subsection (1), such deposited securities must be returned to the discount plan organization no later than 45 days following the effective date of the surety bond.

(3) A judgment creditor or other claimant of a discount plan organization, other than the office or department, does not have the right to levy upon any of the assets or securities held in this state as a deposit under subsections (1) and (2).