N.C. insurance ruling to be appealed

A ruling that stopped increases in deductibles and surcharges for wind and hail home-owners' insurance has been appealed by the state insurance commissioner.

In an announcement Wednesday, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said the department's challenge will not seek to stop the stay on Beach Plan increases that a Superior Court judge issued March 20.

The commissioner objects to the judge's findings that the department did not have the authority to act swiftly and without a public hearing in decisions made Nov. 21 by former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, according to the news release.

Another concern the department has, the statement said, is that the order seems to not allow rate settlements without first holding public hearings, even when the rate filings would benefit consumers.

The surcharge and deductible increases in the Beach Plan - a statewide insurance pool - were implemented Feb. 1. Dare, Currituck, Carteret, New Hanover, Washington and Hyde counties, numerous towns and two private parties had challenged the increases.

Beach Plan rate increases are being challenged in separate action.