your assumptions. First, Hurricanes like Ophelia, Dennis, and Floyd did far more damage west of I-95, as in Raleigh through Tarborro, then they did at the Coast. Second, they ask for a lot and normally get a lot less. Their timing was astute as they waited so it would not become a campaign issue. However, they still have to present their case at a hearing before the NC Rate Bureau. They have to present statistics to support their case. The Department of Insurance will "defend" the consumer by challenging the rate hike increase. Bottom line, probably a 20% increase. Just for the record, if rates were based on Loss Experience, the folks living in Raleigh would likely pay as much as those of us at the Beach. Another thing, Doc, more damage occured inland near Maple Hill and Burgaw than did at the coast in the last couple of storms. Is Reiglewood on the coast; they had more damage from one little "windstorm" than we had in Surf City. To be really fair, let's apportion the rate increase to those areas which sustained the actual losses. Those of us who live in harm's way, but have not had a significant storm since 1996, will be just fine. It's the folks inland who will feel the heat. Since many of us at the Beach do not have school age children, can we extend your logic to property taxes and seek reductions as we do not have schools to support? Since so much of the tax dollar goes to education, we ought to see a good reduction while those who live in school districts can pick up the extra burden. Is that another form of wealth redistribution? By the way, where do you live?