Short answer: North Carolina's Coastal Property Insurance Pool, long called the Beach Plan, is an insurer of last resort for essential property coverage, including wind and hail, in 18 coastal counties. The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association runs it. It doesn't cover flood, so coastal owners usually add flood insurance and often a separate policy for liability.
Where it's available
The coastal pool operates under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 58, Article 45 and covers these 18 coastal counties:
Beaufort, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington.
Inland, the North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association (FAIR Plan) provides basic property coverage of last resort.
What it covers
Policies may include:
- Wind and hail coverage for properties where private wind coverage is hard to find
- Dwelling and other property coverage for named perils
- Homeowners-type forms for eligible properties, which may include some liability coverage
- Commercial property coverage for eligible businesses
Coverage forms and options change, so review current policy documents with your agent.
What it doesn't cover
- Flood and storm surge. You need flood insurance through the NFIP or a private insurer. See FloodSmart.gov and flood insurance.
- Coverage beyond the forms you buy. Some policies are wind-only, so you'd need another policy for fire, theft and liability.
Wind-only policies
Some coastal homeowners have a private homeowners policy that excludes wind and hail and a separate pool policy that covers wind and hail. That means two policies, two deductibles and possibly two adjusters after a hurricane. See hurricane deductibles explained.
Eligibility
The pool generally insures property that meets its underwriting standards, including building code and condition requirements. Property in certain areas, such as some federally designated coastal barrier areas, may face limits. Ask an agent about current eligibility rules.
Building codes and mitigation
North Carolina offers wind mitigation programs and credits, and stronger construction can affect eligibility and rates. The North Carolina Department of Insurance provides consumer information on coastal insurance and mitigation.
Common scenarios
You buy a beach house in Dare County and private insurers exclude wind. A coastal pool wind policy, plus flood insurance, may fill the gap.
A hurricane damages your roof and floods your first floor. The wind damage may be a pool claim; the flood damage is a flood insurance claim.
You rent your coastal property to vacationers. Rental use may require different forms. Disclose rental use.
Your home is inland in Wake County. The coastal pool doesn't apply; the FAIR Plan may be an option if needed.
Key terms
- Coastal Property Insurance Pool: North Carolina's coastal insurer of last resort, formerly the Beach Plan.
- NCIUA: the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association, which operates the pool.
- NCJUA / FAIR Plan: the inland insurer of last resort.
- Wind-only policy: coverage limited to wind and hail.
Questions to ask your broker
- Is my property inside one of the 18 eligible counties and areas?
- Would a private insurer write the property, with or without wind coverage?
- What is my hurricane or named-storm deductible?
- Do I have flood insurance through NFIP or a private flood insurer, and does it have a waiting period?
- Do I need a separate policy for liability, theft or other perils the pool policy doesn't cover?
- Are there mitigation improvements, such as roof upgrades, that could help my eligibility or premium?
Answers depend on your property's location, construction and condition. Review them at every renewal, especially before hurricane season. See hurricane deductibles explained.
Bottom line
On the North Carolina coast, property coverage often comes in pieces: wind and hail, other perils and liability, and flood. Map out which policy covers which peril, what each deductible is, and how claims would work after a hurricane. Keep records and photos of your property, and review your coverage before every hurricane season.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
What is the North Carolina Beach Plan?
The Coastal Property Insurance Pool, an insurer of last resort for property coverage, including wind and hail, in 18 coastal counties.
Which counties does the North Carolina coastal pool cover?
Beaufort, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington.
Does the Beach Plan cover flood?
No. You need separate flood insurance.
What is the inland option in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association, or FAIR Plan.
Can I have two property policies on a coastal home?
Yes. Some homeowners pair a private policy that excludes wind with a pool wind policy, plus flood insurance.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.