Locating the correct liability carrier is the first practical step in every North Carolina car–crash claim. Without it, you cannot open a bodily-injury claim, obtain a rental car, or protect your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Below is a step-by-step roadmap that works in most cases.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166 requires all motorists involved in a reportable crash to provide their "name, address, driver’s license number, and the license plate number of the vehicle." Most insurance cards list the carrier and policy number. Photograph both sides of the card before you leave the scene, if it is safe to do so.
The investigating officer usually files a crash report within five business days under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1. You can purchase it online through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety or in person at the local police department. The insurer’s name often appears in the "Insurance Company" field of the report.
When an officer cannot confirm coverage at the scene, the at-fault driver must submit Form FR-10 to the NC Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) – Financial Responsibility Division within ten days (§ 20-279.5). You may request a copy directly from the Division:
Provide the accident date, county, and the at-fault driver’s name and tag number. The FR-10 lists the insurer, policy number, and effective dates.
Under § 20-42 and § 20-43.1, certain parties—including crash victims and their lawyers—may obtain motor-vehicle records for “legitimate business” or litigation purposes. File Form TR-67A with the NCDMV (fee: $2). The Division will disclose the liability insurer currently on file for the tag or VIN.
If the above avenues fail, call the NCDOI Consumer Services Division at 855-408-1212. While the agency does not release proprietary data, it can often contact insurers directly to confirm whether a particular policy number or driver was insured on the crash date.
Mail a certified letter requesting the carrier name, policy number, and limits. Cite N.C. Rule of Civil Procedure 26 (pre-suit discovery) and warn that failure to preserve insurance information could result in sanctions under Rule 37.
Once you file a complaint, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, Rule 34 entitles you to demand a copy of the policy. A subpoena to the NCDMV or a cell-phone carrier can also reveal which insurer accepted responsibility.
If the at-fault driver was uninsured—or if you simply cannot confirm coverage—notify your insurer right away. North Carolina policies include UM benefits under § 20-279.21. Notice protects you from missed deadlines and keeps your medical bills moving.
Still unsure which insurer to pursue? Our seasoned North Carolina personal-injury attorneys handle these investigations every day. Call us now at 919-313-2737 for a free, no-obligation case review.
