California Code, Revenue and Taxation Code - RTC § 12679

(a) If an insurer's right to do business has been forfeited or its corporate powers suspended, service of summons may be made upon the persons designated by law to be served as agents or officers of the insurer, and these persons are the agents of the insurer for all purposes necessary in order to prosecute the action.  In the case of corporations whose powers have been suspended, the persons constituting the board of directors may defend the action.

(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2013.