Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the North Carolina Department of Insurance?

The North Carolina Department of Insurance is primarily tasked with regulatory functions within the insurance market, ensuring that insurance providers operate fairly and in compliance with state laws. The responsibilities of this department include regulating the insurance market, ensuring compliance with various insurance laws, and protecting consumers against fraud. These duties are vital for maintaining the integrity of the insurance industry and safeguarding public interests.

Issuing insurance policies directly to consumers is not a function of the Department of Insurance. Instead, the department oversees private insurance companies that offer policies to consumers. By regulating these companies, the department ensures that they adhere to the laws and standards set forth in North Carolina's insurance statutes, but it does not engage in selling or issuing insurance policies itself. This separation of responsibilities helps to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain a clear regulatory focus while allowing private insurers to provide products in the marketplace.