1 Day Away!!! Why Vote Mike Causey!!!

Mike Causey:

Mike Causey is running for insurance commissioner as the Republican nominee, having won this right through hard-fought primaries earlier this year.

Mike wants to LOWER your CAR INSURANCE RATES, LOWER your

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE RATES,  LOWER your WORKERS COMPENSATION RATES and Lower your PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE RATES!

Mike Causey will work for YOU to give BETTER SERVICE from the Department of Insurance. He will make the department and insurance companies MORE RESPONSIVE to THE PEOPLE - ALL the People of North Carolina.

Mike believes the insurance commissioner should serve the people  - ALL THE PEOPLE of North Carolina AND ALL PARTS of North Carolina. 

Mike Causey is a VETERAN- US ARMY, Military Police (MP); A farmer, small business owner and insurance expert! Mike has 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE at all levels in the insurance business- from agent to agency manager to executive management as Superintendent of Agencies for North AND South Carolina. His college degrees are in Civil Engineering and Business Administration - a perfect fit for the responsibilities of the insurance commissioner in NC.

For more background, go to Mike's website: GoCAUSEY.com

Mike Causey will make sure that consumers are protected, and that YOUR insurance department provides a fair, efficient and competitive regulatory environment, with a free market approach.

The insurance commissioner is The CHIEF FIRE MARSHAL  and regulates fire departments and rescue squads. If Mike is elected, the fire departments will have a friend in Raleigh.

 The insurance commissioner is the CHIEF BUILDING INSPECTOR - the state building code is under the Department of Insurance. Mike will work to improve the inspections department, as well as building inspections in NC.

The insurance commissioner regulates bail bondsmen, collection agencies, travel clubs, manufactured housing and workers compensation insurance. All these areas have problems and Mike Causey will fix them.

One more thing--- Mike will  put real people on the telephones, and get rid of those frustrating push button machines!

VOTE Mike CAUSEY for insurance commissioner.  Tell your friends and neighbors to vote for Mike Causey.

Mike needs YOUR SUPPORT and YOUR VOTE!

Please visit Mike's campaign website and volunteer to help in any way you can:    www.GOCAUSEY.com   

Thank you!

Social Networks:
http://www.facebook.com/votemikecuasey
https://twitter.com/CauseyMike  

Mike Causey
Causey for Insurance Commissioner, 503 N. Greene St. Greensboro, NC 27401         
(336) 210-1947

 I also want to thank all the campaign volunteers for all your hard work this year. I appreciate all you have done to get me to the final day of campaigning. I especially appreciate your vote on Tuesday. make sure everyone in your family and workplace votes. Take a load of voters to the polls, work the polls- Let's win this! - Mike

Mike Causey Defeats Richard Morgan In July 17 Runoff To Earn Republican Nomination For North Carolina Insurance Commissioner

Despite coming in first place in May's three-way race for the Republican nomination for North Carolina Insurance Commissioner, Richard Morgan was soundly defeated in yesterday's runoff election by veteran candidate Mike Causey, who took home 57% of the vote.  Mr. Causey's victory can largely be attributed to his overwhelming support among Republican party loyalists, who have a longstanding aversion to Mr. Morgan.

The defeat marks Mr. Morgan's fourth election loss in a row, having previously lost the 2010 race for North Carolina State Senate, the 2008 race for North Carolina Superintendant of Public Instruction, and the 2006 race to retain his seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he served for a time as Co-Speaker.  Mr. Morgan's string of defeats can be traced to his controverisal 2003 deal to share the House Speakership with Democrat Jim Black after the House found itself evenly split, with exactly 60 Representatives from each party.  Mr. Morgan did not seek or obtain approval of this deal from his fellow Republicans, who ended up voting to bar him from further party leadership roles in 2004. 

Click Here to read Full Article 

Why Mike Causey!!

The Department of Insurance is a complex bureaucracy that impacts the lives of every North Carolinian. My experience as a small business owner, a career in the insurance industry and 10 years serving as a lobbyist working on insurance-related issues for small business gives me a broad understanding of all the areas under the Department of Insurance. My college degrees in engineering and business, together with community, educational and political experience, makes me uniquely qualified to run the insurance department from day one!

If I am elected Commissioner of the Department of Insurance I will do the following:

• I WILL make the insurance department work for the people, not the special interests.
• I WILL be responsive to the public and address all complaints promptly, with respect and courtesy.
• I WILL get to work on fixing the insurance inequities across the state.
• I WILL modernize the automobile insurance system and make much needed changes to 'The Facility", ensuring good drivers are not subsidizing the bad drivers.
• I WILL ensure fire departments can focus on fire-fighting and emergencies not over-burdensome regulations and complicated red tape.
• I WILL move toward a more free and open market for insurers, with strict oversight to ensure consumers are protected from unscrupulous practices by any insurer operating in North Carolina.
• I WILL modernize and streamline the property and casualty insurance regulatory system to make it more responsive to agents and policyholders.
• I WILL work to isolate the problems and find proper solutions to create a healthy insurance climate.

If you have any specific complaints that are not being addressed by the current Commissioner or you would like to discuss with me additional goals I have for the Department, please feel free to contact me or meet me to discuss.

Mike Causey, Republican Candidate for Insurance Commissioner

North Carolina Primary Run Off Vote Today!!

I do apologize for the lack of updates on our blog. We have been very busy getting the word out to North Carolina to Vote for Mike Causey in 2012. North Carolina's primary runoff election is Today!!. The polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

We’re expecting record low turnout across the state, so please spread the word and go Vote for Mike Causey for Insurance Commissioner!! Thanks Everyone for your support!

http://www.facebook/gocausey2012
http://www.gocausey.com

New Shift in Polls

There's been a pretty big shift in the GOP race for Insurance Commissioner over the last week. Richard Morgan had held a 13 point lead but the race is now basically tied with Mike Causey up to 20%, Morgan dropping to 19%, and James McCall at 14%. With 47% of voters undecided just about anything could happen- including a runoff- if undecideds broke proportionately Causey would only get to 37%.

Mike Causey: 

According to recent polls (PPP and others), more than half the likely primary voters in the Republican primary for insurance commissioner are undecided. That's understandable, since this race and most of the council-of-state races get very little media attention and most folks know very little about these important offices.

I want to let Republican Primary voters (Registered Republicans and Unaffiliated voters) know that I would appreciate their vote in the Republican Primary May 8th. The public can count on me to root out the 'Good 'Ol Boy Network' and the politics as usual crowd in state government. I will work to lower car insurance rates, lower homeowners insurance rates and provide better service from the Department of Insurance.

As a military veteran and as a member of local and state boards or commissions, I know what it means to serve. As a consumer advocate I know what it means to stand up for the little folks against some powerful foes.

Should I win this primary, I will continue to travel this state to every nook and cranny, and listen to the concerns of the people- all the people. If anyone wants to reach me directly, they can do so by calling me at 336-210-1947 or emailing me at: mike@gocausey.com

I will apreciate your support and your vote in the May 8 Primary. Remember, Vote Mike Causey for insurance commissioner.

Thank you!

http://www.northcarolinainsurancelaw.com/2012/05/race-for-republican-nomination-for.html

Rhino Times Endorses Mike Causey

Insurance Commissioner

Here's a good reason to vote for Mike Causey for Insurance Commissioner: Greensboro is the third largest city in North Carolina and deserves more representation on the Council of State.

Causey also plans to go to Raleigh and change the status quo so that the Department of Insurance is looking out for the people of the state and not the insurance companies.

James McCall, an insurance agent from Mooresville, also looks like a good conservative who would make things better, but Causey has spent a lot of time down in Raleigh already and, judging from campaign literature and websites, has more concrete plans of what he intends to do.

Whatever you do, don't vote for Richard Morgan for anything. Morgan was co-speaker of the House with Democratic Co-Speaker Jim Black, who went to prison for his part in becoming co-speaker. Morgan didn't go to prison, but he helped the Democrats keep control of the state legislature for almost another decade.

It's too bad we don't still tar and feather people because Morgan is well deserving. And instead of being tarred and feathered Morgan may end up as insurance commissioner just because people recognize his name. If he gets the Republican nomination, I'll probably be voting for at least one Democrat in the fall.

http://greensboro.rhinotimes.com/Articles-Articles-c-2012-05-02-211732.112113-2012-Primary-Endorsements.html

Causey wins big in biggest straw poll

73% of Wake County GOP Convention delegates vote for Mike Causey!

by Kristie Skinner Bass

RALEIGH, N.C. - Mike Causey is the favored insurance commissioner candidate among Republicans in Wake County, according to a straw poll conducted Thursday, March 22, at the Wake County Convention- North Carolina's largest Republican convention.

Hundreds of  convention delegates turned out Thursday evening to the NC State Fairgrounds' Kerr Scott Building to hear Herman Cain and participate in the Wake County Convention process. There were more people than chairs in the crowded convention hall.

Turnout at this county convention was the largest in the state, with close to 2,000 people, including candidates and guests.

Herman Cain was the star attraction. He gave a fiery speech that motivated the audience to roaring applause.

When the straw poll totals were announced, Mike Causey won the vote for insurance commissioner by an overwhelming 73% of the vote. He decisively defeated his two straw poll opponents, who garnered less than 14% each.

Actual vote totals:

CAUSEY  331 votes  = 73.1%

McCALL     63 votes  = 13.9%

MORGAN   59 votes  =  13%

This is the third major straw poll win by Mike Causey, as he previously won the Mecklenburg County GOP straw poll with 66% of the vote and the Union County GOP straw poll with more than 80% of the vote.

"I thank the delegates and my supporters in Wake County for this vote of confidence," said Causey. Chad Price, a campaign helper for the Mike Causey Campaign, said, "You didn't just win, Mike, you stomped 'em!"

Although Thursday's straw poll gave Causey extra momentum, he said that the real test lies ahead in the coming weeks. "These straw polls make good publicity, but the only vote that counts is on Election Day," Causey concluded.

Now it's on the the big weekend events, more speeches and handshakes.

-ksb

Causey wins 80-percent of straw poll vote in key Republican county

by Kristie Bass  

March 10, 2012 

INDIAN TRAIL, NC. — Republican candidate Mike Causey was a big winner at the Union County Republican Convention held at Porter Ridge High School Saturday.  Causey garnered 80.4-percent of the delegate vote in the race for insurance commissioner, compared to 9.8-percent each for primary opponents James McCall and Richard Morgan.

Causey addressed the Union County Convention delegates Saturday morning, shortly after meeting convention delegates in Gaston County at the Gaston County Republican Party Convention.
After speaking to the delegates in Union, Causey went on to Cabarrus County, Iredell County Saturday afternoon and Franklin County that evening for The Franklin County Reagan Day Dinner and convention, where he addressed the delegates.

Causey seems to be gaining momentum as he travels the state on his grassroots tour.

The straw poll, organized by the Union County Republican Party, included races for President, Lt. Governor, Council-of-State, congressional and local elected offices.

Rick Santorum won the vote for U.S. President with nearly 42 percent and Vernon Robinson won the vote

for U.S. Congress - District 8 with 31 percent.

-kb

Time to simplify Insurance Policies & Hold Insurance Companies accountable

By Phil and Aven Rosch | Special to The County Compass

This article was prepared as a result of the response

to our story titled “Insurance Adventure—an Indictment of Industry” published in the Jan. 26 issue of The County Compass.

We had many calls and e-mails. One of the calls was from Mike Causey who is running for North Carolina Insurance Commissioner. He wanted to hear more. Aven volunteered to set up community meetings in Pamlico County and Aurora so Causey could hear about the experiences people have had with their carriers and what needs to be fixed in the North Carolina insurance arena.

AURORA -- Eastern North Carolina homes require three separate insurance policies for each property -- wind, flood, and homeowners. This exacerbates complexity and encourages finger pointing between entities. Subtle linkages exist between the policies, which cause the policy holder to make bad decisions and allow the companies to avoid paying claims.

For example, flood insurance really doesn’t cover all of your personal property. You need comprehensive on your auto policy or your drowned vehicle simply isn’t covered.

Since wind coverage is through the North Carolina Joint Underwriters Association -- essentially a risk pool -- it is very easy for the flood folks (FEMA) to point fingers at the wind folks and vice versa.

The root cause of a claim is almost impossible to determine. For example, did the tree fall on the house because the wind blew it over, or because the ground was so wet from the flood and the root ball so shallow that it fell over?

The normal response is to commission an engineering study, which in many cases costs more than simply paying the claim.

What should be done? I believe major carriers should be one stop shopping. The government flood insurance should be a “re-insurer” and represented by the carrier. If only one company represented homeowners, wind, and flood their motivation would be to pay claims and move on.

The ability to point fingers at other entities is “an attractive nuisance” in insurance terms.

Insurance agency culpability is zero according to the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner’s office. There are no penalties for errors or omissions in disclosure of the conditions of their company, or the interrelationships with the other two carriers.

The FEMA Flood policy has a statement that if you disagree with their claim amount and take them to court and win, you can’t collect your legal fees as part of the judgment.

The insurance commissioner’s office basically has said that your policy is the contract and nothing the agent says, or doesn’t say, matters.

To read the entire article click below 

Time to simplify insurance policies & hold agents accountable

Mike Causey to speak in Kill Devil Hills, NC

Mike Causey, candidate for insurance commissioner, will speak at the annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner to be held by the Dare County Republican Party dinner on Saturday, March 24, at Captain George’s seafood buffet in Kill Devil Hills.

The cash bar opens at 6 p.m., and dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Special guest Republican speakers at this year’s event are renowned US Constitutional authority Superior Court Judge Rusty Duke and 2012 North Carolina Insurance Commissioner candidate Mike Causey. Dress is business casual. Dinner ticket price options: $45/each; $80/couple; $100 Gold Sponsorship includes two tickets, reserved seating near the speaker’s table and a table sign with name; $250 Platinum Sponsorship includes four tickets, a reserved table near the speaker’s table and a table sign with name.

Note the Dare County GOP Convention is being held the same day in Manteo at the Dare Center starting at 9 a.m. The guest speaker is Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie. Meet the new K-9 unit from Manteo. There is no charge to attend the Dare GOP Convention.

Get tickets by contacting your precinct chair or any member of the Dare County GOP Executive Committee.

Contact information is available on-line at www.daregop.com/images/leadership.pdf, or contact Dare GOP Chair Pat Patterson at 252-715-0351 or email ppatterson53@charter.net.

http://www.outerbanksseniors.com/2012/03/lincoln-reagan-dinner-set-2/

Mike Causey in 2012

I believe the state insurance regulator should serve the people of the state - ALL THE PEOPLE of the state, not just some of the people. 

The primary job of North Carolina's Insurance Commissioner is to protect consumers, and provide a fair and efficient competitive regulatory environment.  Consumers are NOT getting the protection they deserve and we do not have a competitive regulatory environment.

There are only 8 companies, other than Blue Cross /Blue Shield, currently writing individual health insurance in North Carolina. (BlueCross has more than 80-percent market share)

On the property insurance side, only 8 companies are writing property insurance in eastern North Carolina
The fire departments and rescue squads need help. It is the proximity of fire departments, especially in rural areas, that determine the fire insurance rates. I will make sure that ALL fire departments and rescue squads have the tools and resources they need to do their job.

I will improve the climate for worker's compensation insurance in North Carolina. Right now the RATES are TOO HIGH and the laws are too complex. I'll work to make workers comp rates lower and streamline the complex regulations.

What I will do as Commissioner of Insurance:

= Make sweeping reforms to the NC DOI and the 'Good Ol' Boy Network' that now prevails in that office. I will review every operation in that department, from bottom to top, from wall to wall, and will cut the red tape and modernize this office and make it work for the people.

= Establish an around-the-clock customer service and crisis command center in the Department of Insurance.

= Put real people on the telephones, not those frustrating push buttons that send you in circles for hours on end. 

= Make sure consumers are protected;  That YOUR insurance department provides a fair, efficient and competitive regulatory environment, with a free market approach.

= Establish a 'CONSUMER ADVOCATE' in the Department to help resolve consumer disputes with insurers and assist consumers with insurance issues.

By electing Mike Causey, North Carolinians will see increased competition in the insurance market and more new jobs brought  to North Carolina. We  can be a leader in alternative health care solutions, insurance modernization with a healthy insurance climate in a more free market environment.. These changes will save money, open new markets and strengthen our economy.

www.gocausey.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mike-Causey-for-Insurance-Commissioner-of-NC/377667428927018

A Conversation With Mike Causey, Candidate For North Carolina Insurance Commissioner (Part I)

 

 

George Simpson Sat down with Mike Causey and discussed a number of topics on the upcoming election

 

I finally turned to Mr. Causey’s campaign platform.  What issues are central to his campaign?

"Well, I’m running on bringing about a healthy insurance climate in North Carolina and a system that is fair and equitable across the board.  I hear a lot of concerns.  Some people say, “Well, should we get rid of the Rate Bureau or keep the Rate Bureau?”  You know as well as I do, the insurance industry is divided also.  There are some companies that like it the way it is, there are some that would like to do away with it, or at least make changes.  I know I received a phone call from someone with State Farm not long ago, and they said, “What’s your position on the Rate Bureau?”  I said well, you know, I’m not a big fan of the Rate Bureau I’ll tell you, but I’m old enough to remember why the Rate Bureau came into existence.  We had something called assigned risk.  That was a terrible thing. So much public outcry came about over assigned risk.  That’s why the legislature came up with the solution, which was the Rate Bureau.  So State Farm had tried to get legislation a couple of years ago to do away with the Rate Bureau.  That backfired.  So, now from what I hear there’s some companies that are saying, “Well, maybe we can have companies opt out if they wanted to opt out.”  I don’t know the answer, but I just know we do need to make some changes."

Click Link for Full Interview
A Conversation With Mike Causey, Candidate For North Carolina Insurance Commissioner (Part I)

Insuring a great state: a three part series on liability coverage in N.C.

Though rarely comprising a campaign soundbite, insurance regulations impact residents’ wallets every month.
Three sectors of statewide public policy could undergo major insurance reforms this year. In a three part series I’ll address challenges facing auto insurance, the Beach Plan and healthcare coverage in North Carolina.
Today I’ll explain how a hidden fee on auto insurance premiums and price mandates by state government are raising costs for most drivers.


Strict auto insurance regulations unique to N.C.

Competing bills in the General Assembly address North Carolina’s unique overregulation of automobile insurance. We are the only state to wield price setting authority over the cost of premiums. That control places a fee on 85% of policy holders to subsidize artificial rates for ‘clean risk’ drivers, usually teenagers and city dwellers.
​

State Senator Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) is one member advancing reform via S.B. 490. He says the fee, which cost drivers $900 million over the last five years, lacks transparency because it isn’t noted on financial statements. The revenue gain pays claims when clean risk drivers cause property damage or personal injury, covering for their low premiums.

That means insurance companies can’t raise appropriate revenue from higher risk drivers, rather they receive tax-and-spend assistance to cover their claims. Sen. Rucho argues eliminating the regulation won’t just cut that fee for drivers, it allows providers to earn market-driven revenue margins and offer lower premiums overall.

​Taxing insurance premiums statewide to benefit a small set of drivers fits the mold of socialist redistribution. Charging at-risk policy holders more isn’t discriminatory, it’s the business practice of actuaries and insurance companies nationwide.

​Department of Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, a former Democratic state representative, says providers could already offer lower rates if that was their intention. In his opinion, reform threatens our distinction as the cheapest state in the southeast to purchase auto insurance. We have the 8th lowest average premiums nationwide.

​There are two flaws in Commissioner Goodwin’s defense of his formidable authority. If providers are forced to price premiums below market assumptions and the government’s fee is reserved for paying claims, insurance companies can’t raise the revenue necessary to lower rates.

​Further, his argument that our average premiums are low compared to other states isn’t convincing when regulators set the price ceiling. These are common spins from interventionist governments.

Our average costs are relatively low because high-risk drivers pay more in other states instead of receiving price
protection from government fees. Most individuals in North Carolina will pay less when the fee is eliminated and insurance companies can offer lower premiums backed by free market revenues.


Bottom line

-​Most drivers would see lower costs with elimination of the government fee and return to a free market insurance exchange.

-There is heavy competition among auto insurance providers. They can’t raise rates unreasonbly without consequences from customers, so that’s an empty threat from bureaucrats clinging to control.

-Our distinction as the only state government using this practice warrants its reconsideration.

Thanks for reading.

http://www.thomgoolsby.com/2012/02/insuring-a-great-state-a-three-part-series-on-liability-coverage-in-n-c/

Mike Causey to Attend Cabarrus County GOP

The Cabarrus County Republican Party will hold its 2012 Annual Precinct Meetings Saturday, February 25, at J.N. Fries Middle School in Concord. Registration will begin at 9:00 and the Meeting will commence at 10:00AM sharp.

All Republicans registered to vote by January 31, 2012 who live in Cabarrus County are welcomed to attend.
Come and meet your candidates seeking office in November, learn more about your precinct and the county party structure and find out about the groundwork that is being laid and already has been laid for the 2012 elections. We will also be conducting a Precinct Training session where we will learn about ways to ensure we get more conservatives elected in our county, state and federal governments.

This year, all Precinct Meetings will happen ON A SEPARATE DATE than the Annual Republican County Convention. The Annual County Convention is tentatively scheduled for March 10 and will also be held at J.N. Fries Middle School.

Anyone wishing to be a voting delegate at the County Convention, their District Convention, the State Convention or anyone wishing to be considered as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Florida MUST FIRST ATTEND the Annual Precinct Meetings on February 25th.

Contact Cabarrus County GOP Chairman John Lewis at chairman@cabarrusgop.org for more information.

Please Come out and Support!

Causey trounces primary opponent in Mecklenburg Straw Poll

by Kristie Bass  

February 16, 2012 

CHARLOTTE, NC. — Republican candidate Mike Causey, running for Commissioner of Insurance, says he didn't even know about any straw polls at the Mecklenburg County GOP Precinct meetings before he got there Thursday night.

To say Causey was the heavy favorite at the important Mecklenburg event would be an understatement. And he did not disappoint his supporters, trouncing his straw poll opponent by winning the poll with a 66 percent to 34 percent margin.  Causey's unofficial, but announced primary opponent, insurance agent James McCall of Mooresville was there to meet and greet the Mecklenburg delegates.

For Causey, the victory was especially sweet considering that McCall  was born and raised in Mecklenburg County and arrived early to campaign for the straw poll. Causey is a native and resident of Guilford County.

The straw poll, organized and sponsored by Mecklenburg County Repiublican Party, included races for President, Lt. Governor, Council-of-State, congressional and local elected offices.

Rick Santorum won the vote for U.S. President with nearly 42 percent; Vernon Robinson won the vote for U.S. Congress - District 8 with 31 percent and Jim Pendergraph won the U.S. Congress - District 9 straw poll with nearly 40 percent of the vote.

To see the total results from the Mecklenburg Straw Poll, visit this website:

http://www.meckgop.com/2012/02/2012-meckgop-precinct-meeting-straw-poll-results/

-kb

Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner 2012

Mike Causey will be attending the Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner. Please Come out and support. For more information please go to http://www.meckgop.com/

The MeckGOP Cordially Invites You to Attend

The 2012

Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner

@

The NASCAR Hall of Fame

400 Martin Luther King Boulevard

Charlotte, NC 28202

Saturday, February 25, 2012

6:30p-9:30p

Sponsor Registration begins at 5:30p {Sponsor Reception 6p-7p}

Dinner Registration begins at 6:30pm {Dinner Program begins at 7p}

The MeckGOP Welcomes

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn

Tennessee’s 7^th Congressional District

Along with

Congresswoman Sue Myrick

North Carolina’s 9^th Congressional District

Representative Thom Tillis

Speaker of the NC House

Former Mayor Pat McCrory

2012 Candidate for Governor of North Carolina

&

 TJ Ritchie

Of the Ace&TJ Show on station 96.1 &

 TJ’s Courageous Conservatism,  www.acetj.com

RSVP by February 22, 2012 by calling 704-334-9127 or email contact@meckgop.com

Pay Online www.tinyurl.com/MeckGOPTickets

Paid for by the Mecklenburg Republican Party

1515 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 111 * Charlotte, NC 28209

NC insurance customers irked by policy linking

  BY DAVID RANII, dranii@newsobserver.com

Gary Puffpaff was irritated when he got a letter from Allstate Insurance informing him his homeowners' policy wouldn't be renewed because he had his auto insurance with another company.
Not only did Puffpaff question whether the insurer's action was legal - which, it turns out, it is - but he also was upset because Allstate canceled his auto policies a half-dozen years ago after he filed three large claims.
"Every time I see their commercial I laugh about what they say, because I don't believe a word ... about (how) they take care of you and all that," said Puffpaff, 61, a repair technician who lives in Charlotte. "They only want your money."

This year, two of the most popular underwriters of homeowners insurance policies in North Carolina - Allstate and N.C. Farm Bureau - have adopted underwriting guidelines that link homeowners policies with auto policies across the state.

Both companies cite economics as the reason for their stance.
In the case of Allstate, if you don't have an auto insurance policy from us, they're telling customers, your homeowners policy won't be renewed.

The Farm Bureau's guidelines are slightly different, winnowing out those who don't have a Farm Bureau auto policy and who also have filed a claim on their homeowners policies within the past five years.
Similarly, new Farm Bureau customers who want to buy a homeowners policy also will have to buy auto insurance.

Like many insurers, it also offers a discount for bundled policies.
The Farm Bureau also will "reconsider" renewing a homeowners policy if a customer wants to purchase an auto policy after being notified of the company's new guidelines, said Steve Carroll, executive vice president and general manager at Raleigh-based Farm Bureau.

That's not an option with Allstate, said spokesman Tracy Owens.
Allstate's underwriting guidelines, which took effect at the beginning of the year, affect 46,000 homeowners policyholders; Farm Bureau's guidelines, which take effect Jan. 1, will affect 28,000 homeowners policyholders, according to the companies. Policyholders are being notified about the new guidelines 60 to 90 days in advance of their policy renewal date.

Farm Bureau ranks third, with a 13.9 percent share, in the state's homeowners insurance market, and Allstate ranks fourth with an 8.7 percent share, according to the state Insurance Department.

A legal practice

The department searched its database of consumer complaints at The News & Observer's request and found it received 33 complaints about the policy linkage this year.

"The public should be protected from these kinds of strong-arm techniques," wrote Samuel Crowell Jr. of Lexington.

"Can they do this just because we don't have our car insurance with them?" wrote Victoria Shafer of Mooresville. "How is this fair?"

Fairness is a judgment call, but linking policies is considered legal in North Carolina.
Bob Mack, deputy commissioner of the Insurance Department's property and casualty division, said state law doesn't regulate underwriting guidelines - which spell out under what circumstances an insurer will sell you a policy - "provided it's not discriminatory."

Insurers have adopted similar underwriting guidelines in North Carolina in the past.

"It goes in cycles," Mack said.

The policy linkage required by Farm Bureau and Allstate in North Carolina is one-way only.
Both companies are willing to provide your auto insurance even if you don't have a homeowners policy with them.

That makes sense because auto insurance is viewed by the industry as an attractive business and homeowners insurance isn't, Mack said.

"It's a business decision that we're doing this," said the Farm Bureau's Carroll.
"No insurance company likes to discontinue coverage."
'Lucky to break even'

When it comes to homeowners insurance, "even in a good year ... we're lucky to break even," Carroll said. This year, he said, hasn't been a good year, with Hurricane Irene, the deadly tornadoes that tore through the state and a flurry of other storms.

"Weather patterns just seem to be more violent than they were 20 years ago," he said.
Raising insurance premiums isn't an option now. The state regulates homeowners insurance and imposes a cap on premiums.

Allstate spokesman John Heid said of the company's underwriting guidelines: "Obviously, the decision was carefully considered. It's the right decision that will help us remain financially strong for the customers and the communities we serve."

 

Ranii: 919-829-4877

 

NC insurance customers irked by policy linking 

Excitement palpable at GOP gathering; 'Obama is a big motivator'

There was no enthusiasm gap among Republicans in Charlotte on Thursday night. More than 300 Mecklenburg County party activists turned out for precinct meetings that signaled the start of an election year that for many Republicans holds as much promise as opportunity.

"I've never seen this many people at a precinct meeting," said Linda Daves, a former county and state party chairwoman. "This feels more like a convention."

More than two dozen candidates, some still to announce, mingled with activists organized into more than 100 precincts in the basement of uptown's First Baptist Church. Though normally low-key affairs, the meeting had all the trappings of a political rally.

In Raleigh, nearly 2,000 Republicans turned out for a similar event, where gubernatorial candidate and former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory spoke.

"We've accomplished half of our goal even before the campaign even starts," McCrory said. "Beverly Perdue will not be the next governor of North Carolina."

The kickoffs came in a year when some polls suggest the GOP suffers from an "enthusiasm gap." Turnout in last month's Florida primary, for example, was down 14 percent from 2008. As four Republicans continue to battle for the presidential nomination, President Barack Obama's approval rating has slowly risen, according to three new surveys.

In North Carolina, though, Republicans have reason to be optimistic. McCrory led in the polls even before Perdue announced she won't run for re-election, leaving Democrats scrambling for a candidate. On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Brad Miller of Raleigh announced he wouldn't run.
And after winning the General Assembly in 2010, Republicans are mobilizing to keep it, armed with new district lines they drew.

"I'd say that things are looking pretty good for Republicans this year," said Tom Jensen, director of Public Policy Polling, a Democratic firm. "They're favored in the governor's race no matter who" Democrats nominate.

"Voters are split right down the middle in terms of who they want to control the legislature," he added. "But (Republicans) have such a structural advantage because of redistricting."
No place is the enthusiasm more evident than in the 9th Congressional District.
Thursday night's event drew nine men vying for the seat long held by retiring U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick. A 10th candidate, on duty in Afghanistan, was represented by his wife. Moving around a crowded floor, the candidates were literally bumping into one another.

"Saying hello to folks is something I'm second to none about," said 9th District candidate Andy Dulin, a Charlotte City Council member. He turned to greet a voter only to find that rival Dan Barry of Union County already had grabbed the man's hand.

The race is so much in flux that only eight of the 10 candidates were listed on a straw poll ballot, even though the two others - former state Sen. Robert Pittenger and newcomer Ken Leonczyk - worked the crowd.
In the presidential straw poll, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum won 42 percent. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney finished two votes ahead of U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. Both had 23 percent. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich trailed with 12 percent.

Though Republicans are divided over their nominee, they say they'll unite on one candidate.
"Barack Obama is a big motivator for Republicans to come out and participate in the process," said Daves, the former party chairwoman.

 She said holding the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte will only motivate Republicans more.
Obama carried North Carolina by 14,000 votes in 2008, the first Democrat to win the state since 1976. He doesn't want to lose it.

"On any given day across the city and across the state, our volunteers are making phone calls, registering voters and bringing new supporters into our already strong organization," said Cameron French, a spokesman for Obama for America. Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at Catawba College, said Republicans are well aware of that.

"(Republicans) are not going to make the same mistake they did in 2008, and that was basically take North Carolina for granted," he said.

Rob Christensen from the (Raleigh) News & Observer contributed.

Morrill: 704-358-5059

Excitement palpable at GOP gathering; 'Obama is a big motivator' 

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/17/3019895/excitement-palpable-at-gop-gathering.html#storylink=cpy

MeckGOP Precinct Meeting Tonight

Mike Causey Will be attending The MeckGOP Precinct Meeting Tonight! Please Come out and Support!

http://www.gocausey.com

 

Mike Causey files for Insurance Commissioner of North Carolina

(Raleigh, NC) Mike Causey, small business owner, farmer, retired insurance executive and Army veteran today filed his official campaign documents with the State Board of Elections in Raleigh.

"I am running for insurance commissioner because people are hurting from high insurance costs and lack of response from the Department of Insurance. We must create a free market insurance system and get people some relief from high insurance premiums," Causey said.

"People are frustrated and fed up with the insurance problems in this state; I will address this issue by creating a healthy insurance climate for insurers, attract more insurers as well as make a more 'user-friendly' and accessible insurance department" he said.

The current commissioner has failed to protect the people of eastern North Carolina. He "promised big but failed to deliver," according to one resident. He says on his blog: "Accessibility, approachability, consumer protection, and transparency are hallmarks of both my administration as state Commissioner of Insurance but also of good government in general." If this is the case, why are so many residents "disappointed" at the failures of this administration.

"I will make sure that the people of North Carolina are well-served by the Department of Insurance; Plain-talk policies will replace the complicated language that we now have in North Carolina insurance policies; I will cut the red tape and streamline this frustrating bureaucracy," he concluded.

For more than ten years, Causey worked as a registered lobbyist with the NC General Assembly, working on consumer insurance issues, consumer health freedom issues, collision repair and auto glass issues.

Currently, Mike Causey serves on the Guilford County Agricultural Board, the Guilford County Environmental Review Board and the Public Officers and Employee Liability Insurance Commission under the Risk Management Division of the NC Department of Insurance.

Mike Causey, 61, is a native of Southeast Guilford County, where he was raised on the family farm. Causey attended Guilford County Public Schools, earned a B.S. in Business Administration from High Point University, where he attended graduate school in the MBA program. He also earned his A.A.S. in Civil Engineering Technology from Wake Technical Community College and studied Environmental Engineering at UNC-Charlotte. He earned his insurance executive management certificate at Purdue University in 1981 and studied insurance through the American College's CLU and ChFC program. He served in Okinawa during the VietNam era with the US Army.

In his local community, Causey is past president and member of the Alamance Community Lions Club, where he was 'Lion of the Year' in 2009. He is a past member of the Hornets Nest Kiwanis Club in Charlotte and a past member of the Charlotte Association of Life underwriters. Causey still lives on the family farm with his wife of 38 years, Hiase. They have one grown daughter and are members of Westover Church in Greensboro.

Mike Causey