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HB 53

Student bullying; adjusts definition, characteristics of victim.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Cole and 4 co-sponsors

Raises NC SDIP property-damage thresholds, shifting more at-fault accidents from major to intermediate/minor starting Oct 1, 2025, potentially lowering drivers' surcharges.

Assigned HED sub: K-12 Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 53

HB 53 — Increase Accident Thresholds / Safe Driver Incentive Plan (North Carolina)

Status: Introduced Feb 4, 2025; effective date in bill — October 1, 2025. Applies to accidents occurring on or after October 1, 2025. (Statutory change to G.S. 58‑36‑75.)

Main purpose

To raise the dollar thresholds that distinguish “major,” “intermediate,” and “minor” at‑fault motor vehicle accidents under North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP). The change alters how accidents are classified for purposes of points and surcharges that affect auto insurance premiums.

Key provisions / statutory changes

  • Amends G.S. 58‑36‑75(a) to revise the property‑damage thresholds used to classify at‑fault accidents:
    • Major accident (property‑damage‑only): threshold raised from $3,850 to $5,975.
    • Intermediate accident (property‑damage‑only): redefined as property damage of more than $2,300 (previous) → more than $3,570 and less than $5,975.
    • Minor accident (property‑damage‑only): changed from $2,300 or less to $3,570 or less.
  • Retains that a “major accident” includes any at‑fault accident involving bodily injury or death (regardless of dollar amount).
  • Continues permitting the SDIP subclassification plan to:
    • Provide separate surcharges for major, intermediate, and minor accidents.
    • Exempt certain minor accidents from Facility recoupment surcharges.
  • Reaffirms the Bureau’s authority to assign SDIP point values and surcharges for bodily‑injury accidents in proportion to injury severity, with a cap such that the most severe bodily‑injury surcharge does not exceed the major (property‑damage‑only) surcharge.

Who is affected

  • North Carolina drivers involved in at‑fault accidents on/after Oct 1, 2025: more collisions will fall into the “minor” or “intermediate” categories rather than “major” under the raised thresholds.
  • Auto insurers and the rating Bureau: must update SDIP subclassification schedules, point assignments, and surcharge structures to reflect new thresholds.
  • Policyholders: drivers who would previously have been classified in a higher‑surcharge tier may incur lower SDIP points and/or reduced surcharges — potentially mitigating premium increases tied to at‑fault accidents.

Potential impact / considerations

  • Consumer impact: fewer accidents reaching the “major” classification may reduce the frequency/severity of surcharges applied to at‑fault drivers, benefitting some insureds.
  • Insurer/regulatory impact: could modestly change insurer surcharge revenue and loss experience; administrative updates to rating manuals and systems will be required.
  • No direct changes to underlying liability or claims handling standards — only to the SDIP classification and surcharge thresholds.
  • Timing: statutory change is prospective only — it applies to accidents occurring on or after the effective date (Oct 1, 2025).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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