North Carolina Senate OKs Insurance Laws That Could Mean Savings

A pair of automobile insurance bills doesn’t overhaul how premiums are set in North Carolina but could provide some cost savings for consumers.

The Senate approved the legislation by wide margins Thursday. That’s two days after a broader House measure letting insurers avoid the state’s Rate Bureau procedure to raise and lower rates failed in committee.

One measure would make it easier for insurers to offer optional coverages or programs to motorists as in other states but are more difficult to get approved. That’s because all insurers file through the Rate Bureau one combined annual premium proposal to the state insurance commissioner.

Another bill attempts to make clear older drivers who’ve moved recently to North Carolina shouldn’t be treated like high-risk teenage drivers.

The bills now go to the House.