Short answer: In North Carolina, the key question is who covers wind and hail. Depending on where you live, your primary policy may exclude them, and the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (the Coastal Property Insurance Pool, formerly the Beach Plan) writes wind and hail and homeowners coverage in 18 coastal counties. Away from the beach area, the FAIR Plan offers basic coverage. Insurers must give 45 days' notice of non-renewal.
This guide is general information for North Carolina homeowners. It isn't legal advice. Your policy wording controls.
Step 1: Find out whether wind and hail are in your policy
The NC Department of Insurance says that, depending on where you live and the insurer's guidelines, windstorm and hail may be excluded from your primary policy. A separate windstorm and hail policy has its own deductible. To qualify for an NCIUA wind and hail policy, you must have an active primary policy from an admitted North Carolina insurer that excludes windstorm.
Step 2: Know the beach area and coastal area
G.S. 58-45-5 defines the beach area as land south and east of the inland waterway from the South Carolina line to Beaufort Inlet, then south and east of Core, Pamlico, Roanoke and Currituck sounds to Virginia, generally the Outer Banks. The Coastal Property Insurance Pool, formerly "the Beach Plan," is the market of last resort for the beach and coastal areas. According to NCIUA, it offers windstorm and homeowner coverage in the 18 eligible coastal counties, and fire coverage in the beach area. Its homeowner program requires an owner-occupied principal residence occupied at least 75% of the year. Read the Coastal Property Insurance Pool explained.
Step 3: Inland, the FAIR Plan
NCIUA says the North Carolina FAIR Plan offers essential property and dwelling fire coverage statewide outside the beach area to anyone with an insurable interest. Use it only after the regular market declines.
Step 4: File claims with your primary insurer
NCDOI notes that even if you have a separate NCIUA wind policy, your primary insurer investigates and adjusts the claim, so report every loss to your agent or primary company first. Under G.S. 58-3-100(c), insurers must respond within 30 days to a written or electronic notice that identifies the coverage. More: North Carolina insurance claim deadlines.
Step 5: Non-renewal and rate notices
Under G.S. 58-41-20, insurers must give 45 days' notice of non-renewal and 30 days' notice of higher rates or deductibles; the state pools are excluded. Details: North Carolina non-renewal and the coastal pool.
Flood isn't covered by any of these policies; see FloodSmart.
See our tables: non-renewal notice rules by state, insurance claim deadlines by state and home insurance claim and lawsuit deadlines by state.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
Who can buy a North Carolina NCIUA wind and hail policy?
Owners in the beach or coastal areas who have an active primary policy from an admitted North Carolina insurer that excludes windstorm, according to NCDOI.
What is the Beach Plan now called?
The Coastal Property Insurance Pool, governed by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association under G.S. 58-45-5.
Who handles my claim if I have a separate wind policy?
NCDOI says your primary insurer investigates and adjusts the claim, so report the loss to your agent or primary company.
How much notice before a North Carolina homeowners non-renewal?
45 days under G.S. 58-41-20.
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.