NC Homeowners Insurance Rate Increase: What Changed in 2025 and 2026

If your North Carolina homeowners renewal came in higher than last year, you're not imagining it. Statewide base rates went up twice in two years. Here's what happened, what it means for your policy, and what you can do about it.

What happened to NC homeowners rates?

In North Carolina, the NC Rate Bureau, which represents insurers, files requests for homeowners base rates with the NC Department of Insurance (NCDOI). In late 2023 the Rate Bureau asked for a statewide average increase of 42.2%. In January 2025, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced a negotiated settlement instead:

That's roughly 15% over two years. The increases apply to new and renewal policies effective on or after those dates.

Coastal areas were hit harder. Under the settlement, the beach territories in Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties saw about a 16% increase in the first year and about 15.9% in the second. Your own change depends on your territory, your home, and your carrier.

Will rates go up again?

Under the settlement, the Rate Bureau can't file for another homeowners increase before June 1, 2027. That doesn't mean your premium can't change in the meantime. Your premium can still move if your home's insured value goes up, if you file a claim, or if your carrier changes its own discounts or underwriting.

What the increase means for your policy

How to re-shop your homeowners insurance

The best time to compare is about 60 days before your renewal date, so you have time to switch without a gap in coverage. Here's a simple process:

1. Pull your current declarations page. Note your dwelling limit, deductibles (including any wind or hurricane deductible), liability limit, and premium.

2. Gather home details. Roof age and material, year built, square footage, updates to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, and any protective devices like monitored alarms.

3. Compare apples to apples. A cheaper quote with a much higher deductible or lower coverage isn't really cheaper.

4. Ask about discounts. Bundling home and auto, a newer roof, protective devices, and claims-free history can all affect price, depending on the carrier.

5. Don't cancel until the new policy is bound. If you have a mortgage, make sure your lender gets the new policy information.

An independent agent can compare several carriers at once, which saves you from filling out the same information over and over.

Should you raise your deductible?

A higher deductible usually lowers your premium, but only do it if you could comfortably pay that amount out of pocket after a loss. Check whether your policy has a separate percentage deductible for wind or named storms, especially if you live in eastern NC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did NC homeowners insurance rates go up?

Statewide base rates rose an average of 7.5% on June 1, 2025 and another 7.5% on June 1, 2026, about 15% total. Some coastal beach territories saw larger increases of about 16% and 15.9%.

Why did NC home insurance rates increase?

The NC Rate Bureau asked for a 42.2% statewide average increase, and the Commissioner of Insurance negotiated a settlement for two 7.5% increases instead. Your carrier's own pricing and your home's value also affect what you pay.

Can rates go up again in 2027?

Under the settlement, the Rate Bureau can't file for another homeowners rate increase before June 1, 2027.

What is consent to rate in North Carolina?

It's a form that lets a carrier charge more than the filed rate if you agree to it in writing. If you see one on your renewal, it's worth comparing other carriers.

When should I shop my homeowners insurance?

About 60 days before your renewal date. That gives you time to compare and switch without a gap in coverage.

Get a Free Quote From a Local Independent Agent

Brightway Insurance, The Ganim Agency is an independent Brightway agency based at 5561 McNeely Dr, Unit 203, in Raleigh. We've served clients since 2014 and are licensed in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and Texas. Because we're independent, we can compare several carriers for you instead of just one. Carrier availability varies by state and by property.

Start your quote online or call 919-443-3300 to talk with our team.