A public hearing on a proposal to increase homeowners insurance rates by a statewide average of 25.3 percent is set for 9 a.m. Monday in Raleigh.

The hearing, previously scheduled for Aug. 6, will take place in the Jim Long Room of the Dobbs Building, 430 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh. Though the public may attend the hearing, there will be no opportunity for members of the public to speak at the hearing. A public comment period on the rate filing was held from Jan.3 through Jan. 31 to involve the public in the ratemaking process. During that period, the Department of Insurance received more than 10,000 emailed or mailed comments, and approximately 25 people made comments in person during a public comment session held Jan. 24.

The previously scheduled hearing was postponed to give experts with the Department of Insurance more time to prepare testimony after substantial revisions were made to the rate filing by the N.C. Rate Bureau.

On Jan. 3, insurance companies, represented by the N.C. Rate Bureau, requested increases in the homeowners insurance rates, varying by geographic territory.

Since the increases were first proposed, NC 20, a nonprofit that represents economic-development interests in the 20 counties under the Coastal Area Management Act, fought the requested increase of 30 percent in coastal areas, saying the request was excessive.

NC20 continues to fight against the proposed increases.

“Still, it is imperative that the public attends this meeting to demonstrate their concerns and validity for any proposed rate increase, especially since coastal counties have already endured recent increases, and in addition to separate wind insurance increases,” reads a news release from NC20.

“NC-20 strongly encourages each respective coastal County Commission, Economic Development Commission, Real Estate Board, Committee of 100, County Manager, and Town/County Chamber of Commerce Board to individually attend this public hearing.  Organizing a one-day charter bus shuttle is an excellent way to encourage the general public to attend this important hearing and discuss the merits of any such increase,” the release continued.

N.C. Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin ordered that a hearing be conducted because the proposed rates appeared to the Department of Insurance to be excessive and unfairly discriminatory. Experts from the N.C. Rate Bureau, representing the insurance companies, and experts from the Department of Insurance will present their arguments for or against the proposed rate increases.

Goodwin, who will serve as the hearing officer, will determine what, if any, rate adjustments are warranted.