The NC Department of Insurance regulates the insurance industry, licensing insurance professionals and others, educating consumers about different types of insurance, handling consumer complaints, and much more. The Department also houses the Office of State Fire Marshal. Any insurance business in this state first must be approved by the Commissioner, and companies and agents must meet rigorous standards before they receive a license to do that business. We also provide other services not directly associated with insurance: • Licensing bail bondsmen • Overseeing motor clubs and collection agencies • Protecting consumers from fraud and illegal behavior with a staff of sworn law enforcement officers in our Investigations Division • Educating North Carolinians about safety issues such as child safety seats, fire protection, natural disaster preparation and other family safety issues • Interpreting the state’s building codes and suggesting new and improved codes to further protect citizens • Obtaining and maintaining insurance coverage for all state-owned buildings, including such items as the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington and the campuses of the state university system • Assisting the elderly and others with Medicare and Medicaid questions through our nationally recognized Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program Overall, we strive to provide high quality service to North Carolinians across the state.