Appeals Court hears insurance hike challenges

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The state Court of Appeals today heard arguments in two cases involving homeowners insurance rates along the coast.

Surf City and Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties are part of the lawsuits challenging a homeowners insurance increase along the coast approved in 2008. The increase meant as much as a 30-percent rate jump for some coastal homeowners.

A lower court dismissed the case last year after the Department of Insurance argued coastal citizens have no standing to challenge the increase.

A decision from the appeals court is expected in the next few months.