Cameron may be one of North Carolina's smallest towns, with just 262 residents calling this charming Sandhills community home, but when it comes to protecting your property here, the insurance conversation is anything but small. This historic antique village, nestled in Moore County, faces unique challenges that every homeowner needs to understand before signing an insurance policy.
Here's what most Cameron residents don't realize until it's too late: Moore County has the highest home insurance claim frequency in the entire state. At 16% of policies filing claims annually, that's more than three times the national average. Whether you're living in one of Cameron's historic homes on Main Street or a newer property on the outskirts, understanding your coverage options isn't just smart—it's essential.
Why Cameron Homeowners Are Paying More in 2025-2026
North Carolina homeowners are facing significant rate increases, and Cameron is no exception. The state's average home insurance premium currently sits around $3,237 annually for $350,000 in dwelling coverage, but that number is climbing fast. Two consecutive 7.5% rate increases hit on June 1, 2025, and June 1, 2026, adding approximately $500 per year to the average homeowner's bill.
What's driving these increases? Three main factors: skyrocketing building material costs, rising reinsurance expenses for insurance companies, and increasingly frequent destructive weather events. Moore County's claim history speaks volumes—when 16% of policies are filing claims each year, insurers take notice and adjust rates accordingly. For Cameron homeowners, this means shopping around and comparing quotes is more important than ever.
Weather Risks in the Sandhills Region
Cameron's location in the Sandhills region brings a unique weather profile that directly impacts your home insurance needs. While you're not on the coast dealing with direct hurricane strikes, the area still feels the effects of tropical systems as they move inland. In July 2025, Tropical Storm Chantal dumped 5-11 inches of rain across the region, causing severe flooding and millions in damage across Moore County and surrounding areas.
Winter weather presents another challenge. In January 2026, Moore County declared a state of emergency for Winter Storm 1, which brought freezing rain, sleet, and snow that caused widespread power outages and property damage. These events aren't anomalies—North Carolina has experienced over 100 weather-related disasters with losses exceeding $1 billion since 1980, with the frequency increasing dramatically. Between 2020 and 2025, the state averaged more than seven such events annually.
Your standard homeowners policy typically covers wind and hail damage, but pay close attention to your deductibles. Many insurers are implementing higher windstorm deductibles in response to increasing claim frequency. You'll also want to verify your coverage for water damage—not all policies cover flooding from heavy rain events, which is a separate flood insurance consideration.
Insuring Cameron's Historic and Older Homes
Cameron's charm lies partly in its historic character and antique village atmosphere. If you own one of these older homes with original architectural details, unique materials, or period-specific construction, your insurance needs differ significantly from someone with a newer build. Standard replacement cost coverage might not account for the expense of matching historic materials, finding craftsmen with specialized skills, or complying with historic preservation requirements.
Here's a common scenario: your 1920s bungalow has original heart pine floors, plaster walls, and custom millwork. After storm damage, you file a claim only to discover your policy covers generic replacement materials, not the specialty items needed to restore your home's character. That's where extended replacement cost or guaranteed replacement cost coverage becomes crucial—these endorsements ensure you can rebuild or repair properly, even if costs exceed your dwelling coverage limit.
With Cameron's typical home value around $296,000, it's worth investing in a professional appraisal or replacement cost estimate specifically tailored to your property. Insurance companies use different calculation methods, and what they estimate for rebuild costs might fall short of reality, especially for homes with unique features or older construction methods that require specialized repair techniques.
Coverage Essentials Every Cameron Homeowner Needs
Beyond the basic dwelling coverage that protects your home's structure, there are several coverage components you need to understand. Personal property coverage protects your belongings—furniture, clothing, electronics—typically at 50-70% of your dwelling coverage amount. If you own valuable antiques (fitting for Cameron's antique village reputation), you'll likely need scheduled personal property endorsements to properly insure items that exceed standard policy limits.
Liability coverage is where many homeowners underestimate their needs. The standard $100,000 or $300,000 liability limit might seem sufficient, but consider this: if someone is seriously injured on your property, medical bills and potential lawsuits can quickly exceed those amounts. Bumping up to $500,000 or adding an umbrella policy for an extra $1-2 million in coverage costs relatively little but provides substantial protection for your assets.
Loss of use coverage is another component that proves invaluable when disaster strikes. If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, this coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and other living expenses while repairs are underway. Given the rural character of Cameron and potential challenges finding contractors in a small community, repairs might take longer than in urban areas—make sure your policy provides adequate coverage for extended displacement.
How to Get the Right Coverage at the Best Price
With rates climbing and Moore County's challenging claim environment, shopping strategically matters more than ever. Start by getting quotes from at least three to five insurers—rates can vary significantly based on each company's risk assessment and claim experience in your area. Don't just compare the bottom-line premium; examine coverage limits, deductibles, and policy exclusions carefully.
Ask about discounts you might qualify for. Many insurers offer reductions for bundling home and auto policies, installing security systems, updating roofs or electrical systems, or maintaining a claims-free history. Even in a high-claim area like Moore County, individual homeowners can benefit from these discounts. Some companies also offer discounts for newer homes or specific construction features like impact-resistant roofing or storm shutters.
Consider working with an independent insurance agent who represents multiple carriers. They can compare options across different companies and help you understand the nuances of each policy—something particularly valuable when insuring older or unique properties in Cameron. An agent familiar with Moore County's specific challenges can guide you toward insurers who understand the local market and won't hit you with surprise exclusions or inadequate coverage limits.
Protecting your Cameron home requires understanding both the unique risks of the Sandhills region and the specific characteristics of your property. With insurance rates rising and weather events becoming more frequent and severe, now is the time to review your coverage, ensure you're adequately protected, and shop around for the best combination of coverage and price. Your home is likely your largest investment—make sure your insurance policy treats it that way.
