The North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance is an elected state executive position in the North Carolina state government. The current officeholder is Mike Causey, who assumed office in 2017. One of the duties of the Department of Insurance is to regulate the insurance industry and handle insurance-related complaints. On this topic, it is worth noting that payouts on old life insurance policies could rise under new NC legislation. This legislation was passed by the state House of Representatives and seeks to clarify whether insurance companies are responsible for knowing when policyholders die. The bill, known as Senate Bill 665, has been characterized as consumer protection legislation. It requires insurance companies to use a Social Security death master file to identify dead policyholders and strengthens the State Treasurer's ability to audit insurers. This legislation is a response to concerns that insurance companies have not been diligent in determining whether policyholders have died, which has resulted in billions of dollars in unpaid policy proceeds. While some companies expressed concern about the cost of implementing this legislation, it was ultimately supported by both lawmakers and state officials as a workable compromise.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
State | North Carolina |
Insurance Commissioner | Mike Causey |
Insurance Commissioner's Goal | Fight for more competition in the industry and combat insurance fraud to drive rates lower for the North Carolina consumer |
Insurance Commissioner's Duties | Regulate the insurance industry, handle insurance-related complaints, license insurance agents, and serve as the State Fire Marshall |
Insurance Commissioner's Salary | $146,421 in 2022 |
Insurance Company | Bankers Life Insurance Company |
Insurance Company Status | In rehabilitation |
Legislation | Senate Bill 665 |
What You'll Learn
- The North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance is an elected state executive position
- The commissioner regulates the insurance industry, handles complaints, and licenses agents
- The commissioner also serves as the State Fire Marshall
- The North Carolina Department of Insurance encourages citizens to prepare for natural disasters
- The department helps educate North Carolinians about insurance-related issues
The North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance is an elected state executive position
One of the key roles of the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance is to have the final say on whether insurance companies can raise rates for home and auto insurance. This year's election comes amid a proposed 42% average homeowners insurance premium hike. The commissioner also oversees insurance fraud and consumer protection work at the agency.
In addition to their duties related to the insurance industry, the commissioner serves as a member of the Council of State and is also the State Fire Marshall. The Office of the State Fire Marshall interprets building codes, trains firefighters, and awards grants to fire and rescue departments for equipment. The commissioner is responsible for coordinating with law enforcement agencies, emergency management, fire departments, and other organizations to assist victims of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
The North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance is elected by a statewide vote during presidential election years and serves a four-year term. The position is established by Article III, Section 7 of the North Carolina Constitution, which specifies the qualifications and vacancy procedures for the office.
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The commissioner regulates the insurance industry, handles complaints, and licenses agents
The North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance is an elected state executive position in the North Carolina state government. The commissioner is the head of the North Carolina Department of Insurance and is also the State Fire Marshall. The current officeholder is Mike Causey, a Republican who assumed office on January 1, 2017, and was re-elected in 2020.
Among its duties, the Department of Insurance regulates the insurance industry, handles insurance-related complaints, and licenses insurance agents. This includes handling complaints about lost life insurance policies, denied health insurance claims, and suspected insurance fraud. The department also educates North Carolinians about insurance-related issues and Medicare issues, so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
The commissioner gets the final say on whether insurance companies can raise the rates paid for home and auto insurance. The commissioner also oversees insurance fraud and consumer protection work at the agency.
The commissioner is elected by a statewide vote during presidential election years and serves for a four-year term. The commissioner's salary in 2022 was $146,421.
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The commissioner also serves as the State Fire Marshall
The North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance is an elected state executive position in the North Carolina state government. The current officeholder is Mike Causey, who assumed office on January 1, 2017, as a member of the Republican Party. The commissioner is the head of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, which regulates the insurance industry, handles insurance-related complaints, and licenses insurance agents.
In recent news, Commissioner Causey announced victim assistance centers in Transylvania, McDowell, Ashe, Caldwell, and Jackson counties to aid those impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Department of Insurance is coordinating with various agencies and organizations to assist the victims of the hurricane.
Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Insurance has been responding to the Hurricane Helene situation by providing consumer assistance, helping with insurance claims, and offering resources and updates on its website.
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The North Carolina Department of Insurance encourages citizens to prepare for natural disasters
One resource is the Disaster Assistance Manual, which offers an overview of the law and frequently asked questions related to common issues arising from natural disasters. The manual covers topics such as landlord-tenant issues, insurance navigation, FEMA appeals, consumer protection, and disaster recovery programs.
The Department of Insurance also offers a mobile app, MyDOI, which provides easy access to information and services. Citizens can use the app to file complaints, locate lost life insurance policies, report insurance fraud, and check the license status of companies and agents.
In addition to these resources, the Department of Insurance coordinates with law enforcement, emergency management, fire departments, rescue squads, charities, and community organizations to assist victims of natural disasters. They also provide consumer assistance to help with insurance claims and other needs in the aftermath of a disaster.
Proper planning and education are key to protecting families and recovering from natural disasters. The Department of Insurance encourages citizens to take advantage of the available resources to be better prepared for potential events.
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The department helps educate North Carolinians about insurance-related issues
The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) is committed to educating North Carolinians about insurance-related issues. The department recognises that insurance can be confusing, and it strives to help citizens make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
The NCDOI offers a range of educational resources and initiatives to achieve this goal. Firstly, it provides a toll-free phone line (855-408-1212) that citizens can call to ask insurance-related questions. The department also has a mobile app, MyDOI, which citizens can use to access information and resources.
In addition to these direct services, the NCDOI also offers educational programs and events to help citizens understand insurance. One such program is the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), which assists elderly citizens with Medicare and Medicaid questions. The NCDOI also has a Speakers Bureau, which is dedicated to educating the public about the services provided by the department. The Speakers Bureau is willing to send speakers or even entire panels to speak to civic groups, retiree groups, local Chambers of Commerce, and church groups across the state.
The NCDOI also provides educational resources and assistance related to natural disaster preparation and recovery. North Carolina is at high risk for various natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. The department encourages citizens to properly plan and prepare for such events to protect their families and property. The NCDOI provides resources and guidance to help citizens develop disaster preparedness plans and navigate the insurance claims process after a natural disaster.
Furthermore, the NCDOI is also committed to educating citizens about safety issues beyond just insurance. This includes educating North Carolinians about child safety seats, fire protection, and other family safety issues. The department also houses the Office of State Fire Marshal, which interprets and suggests improvements to the state's building codes to enhance citizen safety.
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Frequently asked questions
The NC Insurance Commissioner is responsible for regulating the insurance industry, handling insurance-related complaints, and licensing insurance agents. The commissioner also serves as the State Fire Marshall and is a member of the Council of State.
You can file a complaint or get assistance by calling the toll-free number 855-408-1212 or by visiting the NC Department of Insurance website.
Bankers Life Insurance Company is currently in rehabilitation. The company is going through a liquidation process that will be effective as of November 30, 2024. Policy obligations will be covered by state life and health insurance guaranty associations.