A request to raise homeowners’ insurance rates by a staggering 42.2% statewide has been submitted to NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey by the NC Rate Bureau, representing insurance companies in the state. Beachfront communities, like Duck, face an even steeper climb, with potential increases of 45.1%. These proposed rates would be effective beginning August 1, 2024.
Last week, the Duck Town Council adopted Resolution No. 24-1, urging the Department of Insurance to reduce the proposed hike and lessen its impact on both Duck and statewide property owners as well as demanding improved transparency, advocating for written notice of future increases and opportunities for public input.
Individuals who are opposed to the proposed homeowners insurance rate increases are strongly encouraged to express their concerns by submitting a public comment to the North Carolina Department of Insurance before the February 2, 2024 deadline. Public comments in opposition to the increase can be submitted in the following four ways:
- In Person: A public comment forum will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the North Carolina Department of Insurance’s Jim Long Hearing Room, which is located within the Albemarle Building at 325 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, N.C. 27603.
- Virtually: A virtual public comment forum will be held simultaneously with the in-person forum listed above on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The link to this virtual forum will be: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=mb3fe10c8f69bbedd2aaece485915db7e
- Email: Emailed public comments should be sent by Friday, February 2, 2024to 2024Homeowners@ncdoi.gov.
- Mail: Public comments can also be submitted by mail and must be received by Friday, February 2, 2024. Please include your full name and address and send your written public comments to: Kimberly W. Pearce, Paralegal III, 1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1201.
