Honestly, most people in North Carolina don't think about the Commissioner of Insurance until their homeowners' premium jumps by $400. It's one of those "boring" Council of State offices that actually hits your wallet harder than almost any other government position. We just wrapped up a massive election cycle for this seat, and if you haven't been following the fallout, there is a lot to catch up on.
The race for NC Commissioner of Insurance candidates in 2024 was basically a bare-knuckle brawl over rate hikes, transparency, and who actually looks out for the "little guy" when big insurance companies come knocking for more money.
The Matchup: Causey vs. Marcus
On one side, you had the incumbent, Mike Causey. He’s a Republican who has been in the seat since 2017. Before he got into politics, he spent over 25 years in the insurance industry itself. He knows how the gears turn. During the campaign, he leaned hard into his record of fighting fraud and claiming he saved North Carolinians millions by negotiating down the massive rate increases requested by the North Carolina Rate Bureau.
Then you had the challenger, Natasha Marcus. She was a Democratic State Senator from Mecklenburg County and a former litigator. Her whole platform was built on the idea that Causey was too cozy with the industry. She constantly pointed to the 16 rate hikes that happened under his watch and criticized him for settling with insurance companies behind closed doors instead of holding public hearings.
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Why this race felt different
It wasn't just your standard "red vs. blue" argument. This election happened right as North Carolinians were staring down a proposed 42.2% average increase in homeowners' insurance rates. People were—and are—angry.
Causey's strategy was interesting. He basically pushed the final decision on that 42% hike until after the election. Marcus called it a political move to hide the bad news. Causey argued he was just following the legal process and trying to reach a fair settlement.
What the 2024 Results Actually Mean for You
In the end, Mike Causey pulled off the win. He grabbed about 52.1% of the vote, while Marcus finished with 47.9%. It was close, but in North Carolina’s current political climate, it was enough for a "Republican hold."
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But just because the election is over doesn't mean the drama is. Here is what is happening right now in 2026:
- The "Compromise" Hikes: Remember that 42% hike everyone was terrified of? In early 2025, Causey announced a settlement. Instead of 42%, rates are going up by 7.5% in 2025 and another 7.5% in 2026.
- The Dwelling Policy Battle: As of January 2026, we are staring at a new request from insurance companies for a 68.3% increase on "dwelling" policies—these are usually rental properties or second homes. Causey has set a hearing for May 4, 2026, to fight this.
- The Fire Marshal Fallout: There was a lot of internal friction between Causey and the General Assembly. Legislators actually stripped him of his role as State Fire Marshal, which was a pretty public snub from his own party.
Is the system rigged?
One thing the NC Commissioner of Insurance candidates debate brought to light is how rates are set in this state. North Carolina is the only state that uses a "Rate Bureau." It’s basically a legal cartel where all the insurance companies get together and say, "This is what we want to charge." The Commissioner then has to either agree, negotiate, or go to a formal hearing.
Critics say this system is opaque. Supporters, including Causey, argue it keeps rates lower than in "free market" states like Florida or Louisiana, where insurance companies can just pack up and leave if they don't get their way.
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Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
We aren't seeing new NC Commissioner of Insurance candidates on a ballot for a while—the next big one is 2028. However, the 2026 "dwelling insurance" hearing will be a massive test for Causey's third term. If he settles for a high number, the "industry insider" labels from the last campaign will start sticking again.
If you're a homeowner in Raleigh, Charlotte, or especially on the coast, you've likely seen your premiums tick up regardless of who won. The coastal regions are seeing the biggest hits because of hurricane risk. Some areas near Wilmington were looking at nearly 99% increases in the original 2024 proposal.
Surprising Facts Most People Miss
- Fraud Investigations: Causey actually tripled the number of fraud investigators in the department. He claims this has recovered over $900 million.
- The FBI Sting: A few years back, Causey actually helped the FBI catch a major political donor who tried to bribe him. It gave him a lot of "honest cop" credibility that helped him win this latest term.
- Flood Insurance Gap: Only about 1% of people in Western NC had flood insurance when Hurricane Helene hit. Both 2024 candidates agreed this is a crisis, but they had very different ideas on how to fix it.
Actionable Steps for NC Policyholders
Since we're stuck with the current rate trajectory until the next election cycle, you have to be proactive. Waiting for the Department of Insurance to "fix it" isn't a financial strategy.
- Challenge Your Dwelling Value: Most companies use automated tools to estimate what your house is worth. If they overvalue it, you're paying for coverage you don't need. Ask for a manual review.
- The "Wind Mitigation" Trick: If you live east of I-95, small upgrades like storm shutters or roof tie-downs can trigger mandatory discounts of 5% to 15%.
- Split Your Deductible: Moving from a flat $1,000 deductible to a $2,500 "All Other Perils" (AOP) deductible can sometimes shave 10% off your bill instantly.
- Monitor the May 2026 Hearing: If you own rental property, keep an eye on the May 4 hearing regarding that 68% request. You can actually submit public comments to 2025DwellingandFire@ncdoi.gov to make your voice heard before the settlement is signed.
The 2024 race showed that North Carolinians are finally paying attention to this office. Whether Causey's "negotiation" style or Marcus's "public hearing" style was better is still a point of heated debate in Raleigh coffee shops. For now, the focus shifts from the ballot box to the hearing room, where the actual dollar amounts on your next bill will be decided.
Next Steps for You:
Check your most recent insurance renewal notice for a "Rating Territory" code. Compare this code against the NC Department of Insurance territory maps to see if you are being grouped into a high-risk coastal or urban zone, which might be why your rates are spiking faster than the state average. If you find a discrepancy, you can file a formal inquiry through the NCDOI consumer help line at 855-408-1212.