North Carolina Insurance Commissioner announces lower rates for rental properties

North Carolina property owners got some good news this past week as Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced that rates on some properties would drop by an average of 7.3%. The Commissioner also rejected a rate increase proposal from the North Carolina Rate Bureau, which would have raised rates on dwelling extended coverage by 36%. The lower rates will take effect on January 12, 2012, and will affect some 400,000 policies throughout the state. The lower rates will not apply to a homeowner’s primary residence, however, as the rates are meant…

Read More

North Carolina insurance official calls for insurers to re-evaluate claims from Hurricane Irene

Two North Carolina officials are petitioning the state’s insurance industry to return to areas impacted by Hurricane Irene in the hopes of resolving claims before winter comes in full force. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, along with Bob Etheridge, an advisor for Governor Beverly Perdue during August’s hurricane, have written a formal appeal to FEMA to have insurers return to the state and assists with additional claims. The insurers being asked to return to the state are part of the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides insurance coverage for many households…

Read More

Talks of North Carolina new insurance regulation stirs the pot

North Carolinian legislators are toiling over a new bill that could make insurers a lot of money. The bill, which has the support of some of the state’s largest insurance companies, would enable auto insurers to raise their rates by 15% every year. There are also provisions within the legislation that would put strict limitations on the regulatory authority of North Carolina, giving companies more freedom to operate as they see fit. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is convinced that the legislation is derived from companies wanting more money and nothing…

Read More