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In an item added to the Jan. 17, 2024 agenda, Manteo commissioners unanimously passed a resolution opposing a homeowner insurance rate hike.

The rate increases were filed by the North Carolina Rate Bureau, a non-governmental entity representing insurance companies writing insurance policies in North Carolina.

The requested increase for the beach areas of Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties is 45.1%. For the same counties, the coastal areas increase would be 33.9%. For Tyrrell County, the proposed increase is 25.6%.

In addition, for homeowners with insurance through the North Carolina Underwriters Association, North Carolina law imposes an additional 15% surcharge, making the proposed rate hikes 60.1% for the beach communities and 48.9% for inland areas.

The Manteo resolution states the commissioners’ opposition to the “excessive insurance rate request.” Further, the resolution asks North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey to “deny any rate increase for 2024.”

The resolution encourages citizens and others negatively affected by the “proposed unwarranted rate proposals” to send public comments or attend a public hearing to share thoughts.

A public comment period is required by law.

By Feb. 2, emailed public comments should be sent to 2024Homeowners@ncdoi.gov.

Also by Feb. 2, written public comments must be received by Kimberly W. Pearce, paralegal III, addressed to 1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1201.

The NC Rate Bureau requested that the rates be effective Aug. 1, 2024.

Other towns and counties in northeastern North Carolina have passed resolutions or will send letters objecting to the proposed rate hike.

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