720 Strategies

Fix the Beach Plan

The North Carolina "Beach Plan," originally created as an insurer of last resort, covered nearly $74 billion worth of property along the North Carolina coastline, although its resources for covering claims were maxing out at just $2.4 billion.  The industry and business community grew concerned that natural disasters, such as tropical storms along the Gulf Coast, could result in an inability to cover most related claims.  Without a legislative solution, individual insurance companies would be forced to redesign policies or stop offering coverage altogether. 

With the potential exodus of insurers, H.B. 1305 "Beach Plan Changes" was introduced in the state legislature to increase funding for the Beach Plan program while ensuring that losses were not a disproportionate burden on owners of coastal property.  In the event of a natural disaster, the coastal residents and businesses would be covered.

After launching an online advocacy campaign through 720 Strategies in May 2009, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) mobilized more than 3,500 activists to send more than 30,000 messages to their state legislature in support of the North Carolina "Beach Plan Changes."  Within three months, the plan passed both state chambers and Gov. Bev Perdue signed it into law.

The success of the campaign came from a focused PCI grassroots program, utilizing new media recruitment strategies like advocacy advertising, advocate recruitment campaigns, status reports on the pending legislation, and action alerts energizing advocates to contact their state senators and representatives.

"The Beach Plan issue was of great importance to PCI, our members and thousands of homeowners and businesses in North Carolina," said Michael Gilhooly, Director of State Political Affairs for PCI.  "By partnering with 720 Strategies, we were able to move from strategy development to campaign execution, educating and recruiting advocates whom proved critical in passing the bill."

If you'd like to know more about building a new grassroots program or enhancing an existing campaign, read more about the services 720 Strategies offers here.