Short Answer

North Carolina law does not set a hard deadline for an insurer to respond to your personal injury demand letter. Insurers must act reasonably promptly and in good faith when evaluating claims, which usually means acknowledging and addressing your demand within a practical window (often a few weeks). If the insurer stalls without a valid reason, it can raise concerns under North Carolina’s unfair claim practices and broader unfair trade practices laws.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how quickly a North Carolina insurer must reply after you send a personal injury demand. You have a claim number, the insurer said a preliminary offer was coming, and your attorney has followed up. The practical concern is whether the delay is reasonable and what you can do next if the insurer keeps you waiting.

Apply the Law

North Carolina does not impose a fixed “X days” rule for responses to pre-suit injury demands. Instead, insurers must handle claims reasonably promptly, investigate in good faith, communicate status updates, and make fair settlement efforts once liability and damages are clear. If an insurer unreasonably delays, that conduct can fall within the state’s unfair claim settlement standards and may also support an unfair and deceptive trade practices claim. The main forum if negotiations fail is North Carolina state court, and a key timing rule is the deadline to file suit (not a demand-response deadline). Procedures and timing can change, and policies may add notice requirements for certain coverages.

Key Requirements

• Reasonable promptness: Insurers must acknowledge and act on claim communications within a reasonable time and keep you informed.
• Good-faith investigation: The carrier should evaluate liability and damages based on available records, statements, and bills without unnecessary delay.
• Fair settlement efforts: When liability is clear and damages are supported, the insurer should attempt a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement.
• Clear communication: If more information is needed, the insurer should tell you what and why, rather than going silent.
• Watch the lawsuit deadline: Your right to file a personal injury lawsuit typically expires after a set period, even if the insurer has not responded.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11) (Unfair claim settlement practices) - Bars insurers from unreasonably delaying or failing to act promptly and fairly on claims.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1 (Unfair and deceptive trade practices) - Prohibits unfair acts in commerce; insurance claim handling that violates claim standards can also implicate this law.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You sent a demand and have a claim number. The insurer said an offer was coming but hasn’t delivered it. Under the “reasonable promptness” and “fair settlement” standards, a brief delay to audit the file can be acceptable, but extended silence after promising an offer may be unreasonable. Your attorney’s written follow-up and updated contact details help show diligence and put the insurer on notice to respond.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Your attorney (or you) communicates with the adjuster. Where: Directly with the insurer’s claims department in North Carolina. What: A complete demand package (liability summary, medical records/bills, wage loss, photos). When: Allow a reasonable review window (often 30–45 days) after the insurer confirms it has all records.
2. Follow up in writing if no substantive response after the review window. Ask for a specific date for the offer or a written explanation of what is missing; consider escalating to a supervisor if needed within one to two weeks.
3. If the carrier still delays without cause, consider filing suit in North Carolina state court (District or Superior Court based on the amount in controversy). You may also file a consumer complaint with the N.C. Department of Insurance while litigation or negotiations proceed.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Policy-specific deadlines: UM/UIM and med-pay claims may have policy notice requirements; missing them can limit coverage even if your injury claim is timely.
• Ongoing treatment: If you’re still treating, the insurer may wait for updated records; provide timely supplements so “we’re waiting on records” is not a reason to stall.
• Comparative fault disputes: If liability is contested, expect longer evaluations; clarify fault evidence early to reduce delay.
• Silence traps: Relying on verbal promises can backfire; insist on written status updates and note any promised offer dates in emails.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with insurer delays after a demand letter in North Carolina, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.