Which of the following accurately describes a non-admitted insurer?

A non-admitted insurer is defined as an insurance company that is not licensed or authorized to do business in a particular state. It can operate in the market but does so without having the necessary state approval. This situation often arises when the insurer offers unique or specialized insurance products that admitted insurers might not cover or find too risky.

The reason option C is the correct choice lies in the distinction between admitted and non-admitted insurers. Admitted insurers are regulated by the state and must adhere to specific licensing requirements and reserve standards, whereas non-admitted insurers do not face these same regulations within the state where they operate. They often fill gaps in the market by providing coverage that may not be available through admitted insurers.

Other options do not fit the definition of a non-admitted insurer. For example, insurers licensed to do business in the state or those authorized by another state are considered admitted insurers. Similarly, an insurer recognized by international standards does not inherently relate to its admission status within a specific state's regulatory framework, making it not applicable to the definition of non-admitted insurers. Thus, the accurate description is that a non-admitted insurer is one not licensed in the state, aligning with option C.