Call For Action | Fighting Proposed Insurance Rate Increase
NC REALTORS® Launched a Call for Action on November 19, 2020 in Response to the Insurance Companies Request to Raise Homeowners’ Insurance Rates
On November 9, 2020, the North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB) requested that North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey increase homeowners’ insurance rates by a staggering 25 percent. The NCRB is a non-government entity that serves the insurance industry in North Carolina.
The proposed 25 percent increase is statewide, except in the following counties:
- Coastal areas of Beaufort, Camden, Chowan, Craven, Jones, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrell & Washington Counties – 15 percent increase. Other areas of these counties see a 25% increase.
- Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson and Macon, 23 percent increase.
View the territories with proposed rate increases.
Regardless of region, this request is outrageously exorbitant.
We need you to tell Commissioner Causey to OPPOSE the proposed rate increase!
Click here to participate in the CFA and to help stop this outrageous request.
Updates
December 15, 2021 – We had a great turnout for the virtual public comment hearing regarding the proposed rate increase. Everyone did a fantastic job of showing our opposition to the increase. A constant theme focused on the timing of asking for an increase during a pandemic. However, members did a great job of highlighting the strain this will cause already struggling landlords and homeowners. Thirteen of our members provided comments yesterday.
Public Comment Participants
Maren Brisson-Kuester
Wendy Harris
Tony Harrington
Laurie Linder
John McPherson
Phillip Johnson
Isabel Goldvarg
Randall Blankenship
Alexis Pierson
Sandra Barnhardt
Lynne Griffin
Christina Asbury
Willo Kelly (three homeowners joined her and spoke)
Of note, Willo was asked to provide more extensive comments because the NC Rate Bureau is inaccurately attributing much of the proposed increase as protections for our coastal areas. Her comments highlighted the flaws with the Rate Bureau’s argument that they are proactively protecting the coastal areas. Great job from Willo and the excellent touch of having homeowners with her.
Maren and Wendy did an awesome job as always kicking things off and setting the tone for the day. Speaking of Wendy, she had a fantastic interview with CBS17 News. We got a lot of coverage out of this interview. It aired for two nights and they posted an article. Here’s the link (note the two separate video clips, one at the top and one towards the bottom of the page: Wendy Interview
One of the GADs shared the public hearing information with the Greensboro City Council! This led to Marikay Abuzuaiter, At-Large Councilwoman from the Greensboro City Council, providing comments on behalf of her constituents. Having this type of representation, along with our voices, makes an impact.
In addition to the strong showing from our membership, five homeowners spoke, this does not include the three with Willo, and someone from the Home Builders Association provided comments.
We are currently at 5,068 messages sent and the Homeowners Alliance is at 943 emails distributed.
Now that the public comment hearing is over Commissioner Causey will have until the 50th day from the rate increase submission to make a decision. The insurance industry is likely already in negotiations with the Commissioner’s office on a settlement. If they are unable to reach a settlement before the 50-day timeframe, Commissioner Causey can either approve or deny the request. If the request is denied it will go to a full hearing. We will update you as we know more and as we work on our next steps.
What is the North Carolina Rate Bureau?
The North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB) serves the insurance industry in North Carolina. It a non-profit unincorporated rate bureau created by the General Assembly.
NCRB was established in 1977 and is the establishment and administration of classifications, rules, rates, loss costs, rating plans, policy forms and policy provisions for automobile insurance, property insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. It is made up of representatives from all insurance companies who write policies in NC.
Do all states have a rate bureau?
Insurance companies in North Carolina do not individually set their rates. Instead, this is the only state in the country that authorizes insurance companies to share data and collectively set rates.
Does the North Carolina Rate Bureau have any oversight?
Yes, the North Carolina Insurance Commission, headed by Commissioner Mike Causey, regulates the insurance industry.
Does NCRB represent consumer interest?
No, NCRB only represents insurance companies. This is why NCR has launched a CFA, and why we need your help to represent our industry and your clients.
