Speak out about proposed insurance rate increases

Recently, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners decided it would join other coastal county officials in a fight against newly approved homeowners’ insurance rates.

In December, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Jim Long approved a rate increase of some 30 percent for several coastal counties including Brunswick. While it’s a relief the suggested 70 percent hike wasn’t approved, the 30 percent rate increase is hard for many Brunswick County residents to stomach. In these tough financial times, just making ends meet has been a struggle for many Brunswick County families. This rate increase will make it even more challenging, especially in light of the economic uncertainties that may still be ahead.

It’s even more frustrating when other counties throughout the state are looking ahead to insurance rate decreases.

In its decision last week, the county agreed to join Dare County and Nags Head officials to fight against the increases. Those representatives have already filed a lawsuit against the rate hike in Wake Superior Court, along with several appeals. We’re glad to see Brunswick County Commissioners give serious consideration to joining the fight against this outlandish increase. Stepping back to gather more information about what’s ahead, especially regarding financial contributions, is a wise idea.

And while it’s good to have county representatives leading this charge, there is still much the average citizen can do. If you’re unhappy with the rate increase, speak out about it. Share your thoughts and concerns with your elected officials.

Start locally. Call your county commissioners and let them know you support their decision to fight against this increase.

But don’t stop there. Your state elected officials need to hear from you, too. Call or write your senators and representatives and let them know you think they need to take a closer look at the Beach Plan and encourage them to stand up for the citizens of Brunswick County.

You can reach Rep. Bonner Stiller at 278-5379 or (919) 301-1405 or by e-mail at bonners@ncleg.net. You can also send a letter to him at N.C. House of Representatives, 300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 306A2, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925.

Rep. Dewey Hill can be reached at 642-6044 or (919) 733-5830. Send him e-mail at deweyh@ncleg.net or write him at N.C. House of Representatives, 16 W. Jones Street, Room 1309, Raleigh, NC 27601-1096.

You can get in touch with Sen. R.C. Soles by calling 653-2015 or (919) 733-5963. His e-mail is rcsoles@ncleg.net or you can write him at N.C. Senate, 16 W. Jones Street, Room 2022, Raleigh, NC 27601-2808.