Short Answer

In North Carolina, move fast to verify whether a valid auto policy covered you on the crash date and get the insurer’s coverage decision in writing. Ask the insurer to run a full policy-history search by your name, prior addresses, driver’s license, and vehicle VIN; gather your own proof (ID cards, declarations pages, billing records, bank statements, agent emails). Notify any other possible carriers (household and any commercial/employer policies). If the insurer denies coverage, demand a written explanation and consider uninsured motorist options if applicable.

Understanding the Problem

You’re asking what you must do in North Carolina when an insurer says it cannot locate your auto policy and plans to deny your injury claim. The adjuster cannot match the policy number shown on the police report. The immediate issue is whether any policy covered you on the accident date so your claim can be handled.

Apply the Law

North Carolina requires drivers to maintain financial responsibility, but coverage for your claim depends on whether an auto policy was in force and whether you qualified as an insured on that date. The insurer must reasonably investigate and provide a clear basis for any denial. If no liability coverage exists, claims may shift to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage under any policy that covers you (including policies of resident relatives), subject to notice and consent rules.

Key Requirements

• Coverage on the loss date: Show that an auto policy was active when the crash occurred (ID card, declarations page, binder, billing/payment records, emails).
• Who is insured: Confirm you were a named insured, a resident relative, or a permissive user of a covered vehicle; for possible commercial coverage, confirm your connection to any employer or business policy.
• Identify the correct carrier/policy: Ask for a comprehensive search by name, prior names, addresses, driver’s license, VIN, and any agent/producer info; request a written “coverage position.”
• Notice and cooperation: Report the claim promptly, provide documents the insurer needs to verify coverage, and keep communications in writing.
• Preserve alternatives: Notify all potentially applicable personal, household, and commercial policies; if liability coverage is absent or insufficient, evaluate UM/UIM rights and follow consent-to-settle procedures before resolving any liability claim.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 20-309 (Financial responsibility required) - Vehicles operated in NC must be insured.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 (Motor vehicle liability policies; UM/UIM) - Sets required auto liability terms and UM/UIM protections.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15 (Unfair claim settlement practices) - Insurers must investigate fairly and explain claim denials.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The police report policy number does not match the insurer’s records, so you need independent proof that a policy covered you on the accident date (like ID cards, declarations pages, and payments). Because the adjuster suspects a commercial policy, confirm whether any employer or business policy could apply and whether you qualified as an insured under it. Ask the insurer to run a full policy-history search using your name, prior addresses, driver’s license, and VIN, and request a written coverage decision. If the insurer issues a denial, notify any other personal or household carriers and evaluate UM/UIM options under any policy that covers you.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (or your attorney). Where: Directly with the insurer’s claims department in North Carolina. What: A written “coverage verification and policy-history request,” attaching any ID cards, declarations pages, billing records, bank statements, VIN, driver’s license, and prior addresses; ask for a written coverage position. When: Do this immediately after learning the insurer cannot locate your policy.
2. In parallel, contact any prior agents and your bank/credit card for premium payment records; ask DMV/your agent for proof of insurance around the accident date; notify any potentially applicable household or commercial carriers. Expect 1–3 weeks to gather documents, depending on response times.
3. If the insurer denies coverage, request the denial in writing with the specific reasons and data used; then file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance Consumer Services and notify any UM/UIM carrier. Before settling any liability claim, give written notice to your UIM carrier and allow at least 30 days for their response.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Proper cancellation before the crash (for example, nonpayment) ends coverage; gather any cancellation or nonrenewal notices to confirm timing.
• Name or address mismatches can derail searches; provide prior names, addresses, VINs, and any agent/producer information to widen the insurer’s search.
• Do not rely solely on the police report; policy numbers there can be wrong or outdated.
• Failing to notify all potentially applicable policies (including resident relatives’ policies) can forfeit benefits.
• Settling with a liability insurer without giving your UIM carrier proper written notice and time to respond can jeopardize UIM rights.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with an insurer that says it can’t find your policy and is preparing to deny your claim, 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.