North Carolina insurance laws

Insurance Rev/Online Auctions/Firefighters

Increases minimum auto insurance liability limits to $50,000/$100,000/$50,000; revises definition of underinsured vehicle; modifies UM/UIM coverage requirements; extends SDIP surcharge period for new drivers from 3 to 8 years of experience; makes permanent the firefighters' cancer insurance program.

All North Carolina drivers must carry higher minimum liability coverage ($50k/$100k/$50k instead of $30k/$60k/$25k), with corresponding increases to UM/UIM requirements, effective July 1, 2025.

Effective: 2025-07-01

Insurance Law Amendments/Revise High School Athletics

Makes various changes to insurance laws including: increases Insurance Guaranty Association covered claims limit from $300,000 to $500,000; lowers colorectal cancer screening coverage age from 50 to 45; establishes protocols for large deductible workers' compensation policies ($100,000+); increases fraud penalties to Class C felony for amounts over $100,000; allows virtual audits of TPAs; permits 4% convenience fee for credit/debit card premium payments; modifies surplus lines regulations.

Insurers and policyholders benefit from increased guaranty coverage limits and expanded health benefits; employers with large deductible workers' comp policies face new administration protocols.

Effective: 2023-10-01

Access to Healthcare Options (Medicaid Expansion)

Expands Medicaid eligibility to adults ages 19-64 with household incomes up to 138% of federal poverty level, providing coverage to over 600,000 North Carolinians; reforms Certificate of Need laws; strengthens mental health system and supports rural hospitals.

Over 600,000 previously uninsured low-income North Carolina adults gained access to Medicaid health coverage, reducing the uninsured rate and bringing billions in federal funding to the state.

Effective: 2023-12-01

Government Mandates, Increase Healthcare Costs

Proposes disclosure requirements for the cost impact of state government health insurance mandates on North Carolina employers and taxpayers; aims to increase transparency about how mandated benefits affect insurance premiums.

If enacted, would require state to disclose fiscal impact of health insurance mandates, potentially influencing future mandate legislation and premium costs.

Changes to Rating of Automobile Insurance Policies

Multiple insurers filed for significant rate increases for 2025-2026, with some requests exceeding 50-68% average increases; Commissioner Causey scheduled public hearings to review proposed rate hikes; changes to rating factors and methodology effective July 1, 2025.

North Carolina drivers face significant auto insurance premium increases as insurers adjust rates to reflect higher claims costs, increased vehicle repair expenses, and updated liability minimum requirements.

Effective: 2025-07-01