Auto insurers seek rate hike of 11.5 percent.

By Fred Kelly, The Charlotte Observer, N.C. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Feb. 4--Insurers want to hike auto rates 11.5 percent later this year, which would add about $69 to annual premiums for the average N.C. motorist, the state said Thursday.

Rates would go up even more in Charlotte, where auto owners would pay an extra $103.50.

The N.C. Rate Bureau, which represents the state's insurers, filed a request this week with the state Department of Insurance that asks for new rates to take effect Oct. 1.

The state agency, which has final say on rate increases, cast doubt on whether it would approve the request.

It comes …