North Carolina Rate Bureau Seeks 18.9% Average Rate Hike on Dwelling Policies

The North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB) has requested a statewide average rate increase of 18.9 percent, varying by territory, on dwelling insurance policies, according to a statement from the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI).

The dwelling insurance rate filing was received by NCDOI from the NCRB, which is not part of the NCDOI and represents all companies writing property insurance in the state, on Feb. 7 with a requested effective date of Oct. 1, 2018.

The filing includes a requested increase of 40.5 percent for extended coverage (wind) policies, but a decrease of 20.8 percent for fire polices, making the statewide average request an increase of 18.9 percent.

Dwelling insurance policies are not homeowners insurance policies. Dwelling policies are offered to non-owner occupied residences of no more than four units, including rental properties, investment properties and other properties that are not occupied full-time by the property owner.

NCRB has also requested revisions to the current geographic rating territories. The proposed territory revisions are the same territory definitions applicable to homeowners policies.

NCDOI said the filing will be reviewed by its experts to determine what, if any, rate adjustments are warranted.

If NCDOI and NCRB do not initially agree on the proposed rate changes, a public hearing will be called, in which both parties would present their cases to a hearing officer who would then determine the appropriate rate level.

The filing is available for public review on the NCDOI website and the SERFF Filing Access; SERFF Tracking Number NCRI-131370773.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Those wanting to comment on the rate request may do so in person during a public comment forum on March 23, 2018, in Raleigh; or by email to: 2018DwellingandFire@ncdoi.gov through March 23, 2018; or by mail sent to the North Carolina Department of Insurance.