Short Answer

In North Carolina, you can and should request a written status update from the new adjuster. Insurers must handle claims and respond to communications reasonably promptly, and a written request with a clear deadline usually triggers action. If you still get no response, escalate to the adjuster’s supervisor and, if needed, file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Keep your statute of limitations in mind if settlement discussions stall.

Understanding the Problem

You’re asking how to get updates from the insurance company after your North Carolina personal injury claim was reassigned to a new adjuster. You want to know what you can do now that your settlement demand has gone unanswered, especially since the file was reassigned in late [DATE]. The focus here is how to prompt a status update and keep your claim moving.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, insurers must adopt reasonable standards for prompt claim handling and respond to communications without undue delay. A written, dated request for status—sent to the new adjuster and copied to a claims supervisor—creates a clear record and sets expectations for a timely reply. If the insurer does not respond within a reasonable period, you may ask for supervisory review and consider a complaint to the North Carolina Department of Insurance. If negotiations stall or deadlines approach, filing a lawsuit in the appropriate North Carolina court preserves your rights.

Key Requirements

• Clear written request: Send a concise status request that references the claim number and reassignment, and ask for a written response by a set date.
• Reasonable time to respond: Allow a reasonable response window (for example, about 30 days from your last written inquiry) before escalating.
• Escalation path: If no reply, request supervisory review within the insurer’s claims department.
• Regulatory backup: If delays persist, file a consumer complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
• Litigation safeguard: If settlement talks stall or time is short, file suit before the statute of limitations runs.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11) (Unfair claim settlement practices) - Prohibits insurers from failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for prompt investigation and handling of claims and communications.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1 (Unfair or deceptive acts) - Declares unfair or deceptive acts unlawful; certain claim-handling conduct can implicate this statute.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You sent a settlement demand and received no response for over a month, and the insurer reassigned the file in late [DATE]. A written status request to the new adjuster, with a clear response date, is consistent with North Carolina’s requirement for prompt claim communications. If the new adjuster remains silent, escalate to a supervisor and consider a Department of Insurance complaint. If delays continue or your filing deadline nears, move to litigation to protect your claim.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: Insurer’s claims department (new adjuster and supervisor). What: Written status request referencing claim number, reassignment date, and prior demand; request a written acknowledgment and a timeline. When: Send now and ask for acknowledgment within 10 business days.
2. If no response: After about 30 days from your last written inquiry, send a supervisory escalation and advise you will contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance if no update follows within a short window (for example, 7–10 business days).
3. Regulatory step or litigation: File a consumer complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance if silence continues; if negotiations stall or deadlines approach, file suit in the appropriate North Carolina trial court to preserve your rights.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Adjuster changes do not pause your statute of limitations; track your filing deadline independently.
• Silence can stem from missing items (e.g., medical records or authorizations). Ask the new adjuster to list anything needed to evaluate the demand.
• Send requests by email and mail, include the claim number on every page, and keep delivery confirmations.
• If the adjuster is out of office, copy the claims inbox and the supervisor to avoid lost time.
• Do not wait indefinitely for a response if liability and damages are clear; consider litigation to move the claim forward.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re stuck waiting on a reassigned adjuster and need to keep your claim moving, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today.

Call (919) 341-7055 or email intake@piercelaw.com.

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.