How Long Will an Insurance Company Take to Respond to My Demand Letter in North Carolina?
FAQ 1: How Long Will an Insurance Company Take to Respond to My Demand Letter in North Carolina?
After a car accident in North Carolina, you or your attorney typically prepare and send a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. This letter lays out your medical bills, lost wages, property damage and any pain-and-suffering claims. Once the insurer receives the demand, here’s what you can expect under North Carolina law:
1. Acknowledgment Period – Most insurers will send an acknowledgment of receipt within 7–14 days. This tells you your demand is in their system.
2. Full Review Window – Carriers commonly take 30–45 days to review medical records, bills, police reports and photos before making an initial offer. There is no firm statutory deadline, but the North Carolina Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act (N.C.G.S. §58-63-15) requires insurers to act in good faith and promptly.
3. Factors That Can Slow Review – Complex injuries, multiple providers, expert reports (e.g., accident reconstruction) and high claim volumes can extend the review period. If the insurer needs more time, they should request it in writing.
4. Statute of Limitations – In North Carolina you generally have three years from the accident date (N.C.G.S. §1-52(16)) to file suit. While you wait on a demand response, track this deadline closely.
5. Follow-Up Strategy – If you haven’t heard back after 45 days, send a polite written follow-up citing your original demand date and asking for a status update.
Key Points to Remember
Expect a 7–14 day acknowledgment after sending your demand.
Plan on a 30–45 day review period for full investigation.
Promptly provide any additional records or photos the insurer requests.
Send a written follow-up if the carrier misses your expected review window.
Keep track of the three-year filing deadline under N.C.G.S. §1-52.
FAQ 2: What Should I Do While Waiting for the Insurance Company’s Response?
While the insurer reviews your demand letter, you can take several practical steps to keep your claim moving forward and protect your rights in North Carolina:
1. Continue Medical Treatment – Stay consistent with appointments, therapies and follow your doctors’ instructions. Gaps in treatment can be used by the carrier to challenge your injury claims.
2. Document Every Expense – Save receipts for prescriptions, mileage to appointments, vehicle rental or repairs. Maintain a simple spreadsheet or log of out-of-pocket costs.
3. Keep a Pain & Activity Journal – Record daily pain levels, limitations and how your injuries affect work or personal life. First-hand notes can reinforce your loss of enjoyment and quality of life.
4. Take and Organize Photos – Keep clear photos of your injuries (bruises, scars) and property damage at different stages of recovery. Chronological images help the insurer see progress or persistent issues.
5. Communicate in Writing – If you call the adjuster, follow up by email summarizing the conversation. That creates a paper trail of dates, names and promises.
6. Plan for Next Steps – If the initial offer falls short, be ready to negotiate or consider mediation. Should the insurer stall indefinitely, you may need to file suit before your three-year deadline (N.C.G.S. §1-52(16)).
Action Items While You Wait
Maintain consistent treatment and gather all medical records.
Log every expense related to your accident claim.
Keep a daily journal of your pain, symptoms and activity limits.
Take updated photos of injuries and property damage over time.
Follow up in writing after every call to the insurer or adjuster.
Review your policy limits and consider your options if you need to file a lawsuit.
Handling a claim on your own can feel overwhelming. If you’d rather have an experienced attorney guide every step—from drafting and sending demands to negotiating with the insurer—Wallace Pierce Law is here to help. Contact our team by email at intake@wallacepierce.com or call us at
(919) 313-2729.
