NC Beach Plan Insurance (NCIUA): Your Guide to Wind & Hail Coverage on the Coast

What Is the NC Beach Plan?

The NC Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA) — commonly called the NC Beach Plan — is North Carolina's market of last resort for eligible property in its Beach Area and Coastal Area (the 18 coastal counties plus the beach area). NCIUA writes full homeowners policies and wind-and-hail-only policies for eligible property in its Beach and Coastal territory. It is not flood insurance. It was created by the NC legislature because private carriers will not write wind and hail coverage in high-risk coastal areas.

When NCIUA writes a wind-and-hail-only policy, that policy does not replace a separate homeowners policy. NCIUA writes full homeowners policies and wind-and-hail-only policies for eligible property in its Beach and Coastal territory. It is not flood insurance. Most coastal homeowners in Eastern NC need three separate policies:

1. Standard homeowners policy — covers fire, theft, liability, and everything except wind, hail, and flood
2. NC Beach Plan (NCIUA) — covers wind and hail damage
3. NFIP or private flood policy — covers flooding

Harbor Insurance Agency has producer access to the NCIUA (formerly the Beach Plan) for eligible homeowners across Eastern NC. We know the system, the eligibility rules, and how to coordinate all three policies to make sure you have no gaps.

Whether wind is included depends on the carrier and policy.

NCIUA operates only in its Beach Area and Coastal Area (the 18 coastal counties plus the beach area). Depending on the carrier and policy, a standard homeowners policy here may exclude wind and hail.

• Beaufort County (Washington, Chocowinity, Bath)
• Brunswick County (Oak Island, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach)
• Camden County
• Carteret County (Morehead City, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach)
• Craven County (New Bern)
• Currituck County (Corolla, Duck)
• Dare County (Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Hatteras Island)
• Hyde County (Ocracoke Island, Swan Quarter)
• Jones County (Trenton)
• Chowan County (Edenton)
• New Hanover County (Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach)
• Onslow County (Jacksonville, Topsail Island, Surf City)
• Pamlico County (Oriental)
• Pasquotank County (Elizabeth City)
• Pender County (Hampstead)
• Perquimans County (Hertford)
• Tyrrell County (Columbia)
• Washington County (Plymouth)

What Does NC Beach Plan Cover?

A wind-and-hail-only NCIUA policy covers wind and hail damage only (homes, dwellings, and commercial property). In the Beach Area, dwelling fire and commercial fire policies come from NCIUA (the Coastal Property Insurance Pool). NCIUA does not write dwelling or commercial fire on the mainland (Coastal Area); there it writes homeowners and wind-and-hail-only. NCIUA writes full homeowners policies and wind-and-hail-only policies for eligible property in its Beach and Coastal territory. It is not flood insurance. This includes:

• Hurricane and tropical storm wind damage to the structure
• Hail damage to roof, siding, and windows
• Other wind-driven damage to the home
• Detached structures (garage, shed) if scheduled

What it does NOT cover:

• Flood damage (that's your flood policy)
• Fire, theft, or liability (that's your homeowners policy)
• Wind-driven rain that enters through an existing opening (unless structural damage occurred first)

How Much Does the NC Beach Plan Cost?

NCIUA premiums vary based on:

• Location — proximity to water and the coast
• Construction type — frame vs. masonry vs. SIP panels
• Wind mitigation features — hurricane straps, impact windows, roof shape
• Coverage amount — replacement cost of the structure

Wind Mitigation Inspections: What Can Affect Your Beach Plan Premium

A wind mitigation inspection documents construction features that NCIUA may use when rating a Beach Plan premium. A licensed inspector evaluates your home's construction features — roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, roof covering, and opening protections — and creates a report that NCIUA uses when rating the policy.

Homes with hurricane straps, hip roofs, and impact-rated windows may see a different Beach Plan premium after documented wind-mitigation work. At Harbor, we help homeowners understand which mitigation features qualify for discounts before they pay for an inspection.

How Harbor Helps with the NC Beach Plan

Harbor Insurance Agency has producer access to the NCIUA (formerly the NC Beach Plan). When you work with Harbor, you get:

• A Beach Plan quote alongside quotes for your homeowners and flood policies
• Coordination of all three policies with matching renewal dates where possible
• Explanation of the wind mitigation inspection process
• Guidance on coverage amounts to make sure you're not underinsured
• A single point of contact for all three policies — no juggling multiple carriers