Duplin homeowners’ insurance rates to increase 13.6%

The North Carolina Department of Insurance recently announced a 13.6% increase in homeowners’ insurance rates for Duplin County. This change is part of a settlement reached between the state and the NC Rate Bureau.

According to the announcement, under this agreement, Duplin County homeowners’ insurance rates will rise by 13.6% on June 1, and by an additional 13.5% on June 1, 2026.

In a press release, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey stated that he considered this settlement a big win for both the state and homeowners who will save millions in insurance premiums over the next two years compared to the increases the Rate Bureau initially asked for, which was a 71.3% increase for Duplin and Lenoir counties and up to 99.4% in beach areas located in Pender, Onslow, New Hanover, Carteret and Brunswick counties.

“This also protects homeowners from future base rate increase requests until June 2027,” said Causey. He emphasized that these rates are necessary for insurance companies to maintain sufficient funds to cover future claims, especially after they have paid out substantial amounts due to natural disasters and face increasing reinsurance costs due to national catastrophes.