Cincinnati Insurance submitted a filing in North Carolina seeking updates to their Businessowners program, including a proposed overall rate increase and a range of new optional endorsements and exclusions.

The filing was submitted on March 4, 2026, with a requested effective date of July 15, 2026, for both new and renewal business.

The insurer is requesting an overall rate increase of 9.93% for The Cincinnati Insurance Company’s Businessowners program in the state. The change would affect 2,124 policyholders, representing approximately $6.3 million in written premium. According to the filing, the increase is based on a higher indicated rate need, but the company selected a smaller adjustment.

In addition to the rate changes, the filing introduces several new optional endorsements and rule updates.

On the property side, Cincinnati is adding exclusions related to cannabis and nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological hazards, along with an option allowing policyholders to convert coverage to liability only. The filing also includes new rules for trees, shrubs, and plants coverage, updates tied to apartment risks, and new water damage deductible options for certain properties.

On the liability side, the company is adding an assault or battery exclusion and expanding the list of optional exclusions available to policyholders. These include exclusions for cannabis related exposures, dog liability, human trafficking, equine liability, cross suits liability, and residential construction operations.

The filing also updates several cyber related endorsements, including limitations addressing neglected software vulnerabilities, widespread cyber events, and service provider related incidents.

Cincinnati previously updated its North Carolina Businessowners rates in late 2025 with a minimal change (+0.19%), making this filing a more significant revision to both pricing and coverage options.