Short Answer

In North Carolina, the fastest way to get the at-fault driver’s insurer and adjuster contact is to obtain the official crash report (DMV-349), which typically lists the insurer and policy number. Use that information to open a third-party claim and ask the carrier to provide the assigned adjuster’s name, phone, and email. If the report is missing or inaccurate, request it from the investigating agency, contact your own insurer for assistance, or, if necessary, obtain details through discovery after filing suit. Don’t wait—North Carolina generally allows three years from the crash to file a lawsuit.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how, in North Carolina, you can get the at-fault driver’s insurance company and the adjuster’s direct contact so you can open and manage your claim. Here, you already know the other driver’s insurer but not the policy limits, and you need the adjuster’s details to move the claim forward.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, insurance and contact details for the at-fault driver are ordinarily captured on the official DMV-349 crash report prepared by the investigating officer. That report is a primary source for the insurer name and policy number. With that information, you (or your attorney) open a third-party liability claim; the insurer then assigns an adjuster and provides contact information. If the report is unavailable or incorrect, you can request it from the investigating agency or work through your own insurer. North Carolina’s general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the crash.

Key Requirements

• Get the crash report: Obtain the DMV-349; it typically lists the at-fault driver’s insurer and policy number.
• Open a third-party claim: Call the carrier, give the crash details, and request the claim number and adjuster contact.
• Verify accuracy: Confirm names, policy number, and claim number; correct any errors with the insurer or investigating agency.
• Use your own coverage too: Open Medical Payments and, if needed, Underinsured Motorist claims with your carrier in parallel.
• If information is withheld: Send a written request, and if suit becomes necessary, obtain details via discovery.
• Mind the deadline: Most injury claims must be filed in court within three years from the crash.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat.  20-166.1 (Crash reports) - Officers investigate and report crashes; the report is the primary source for insurance details.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-279.21 (Liability, UM, and UIM coverage) - Sets required auto coverages, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. 1-52 (Three-year limitation) - General three-year deadline to file negligence-based personal injury claims.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because the insurer is already known, call that carrier, open the third-party claim, and request the assigned adjuster’s name, direct line, and email. If the insurer declines to share policy limits, document your request and continue gathering medical and billing records for evaluation. If the crash report has errors or is missing, promptly request the DMV-349 from the investigating agency and correct any inaccuracies with the insurer.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: Request the DMV-349 crash report from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or local police department; many reports are accessible through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety portal at NCDPS Crash Reports. What: DMV-349 crash report. When: Typically available within several days to a few weeks after the crash, depending on the agency.
2. Open the claim: Call the listed insurer, provide crash date, parties, policy number, and police report number. Ask for a claim number and the adjuster’s contact. Expect assignment within a few business days, though timing varies by carrier.
3. Finalize contact and documentation: Send a letter of representation, request written confirmation of the adjuster’s details, and begin exchanging records. If information is unavailable or disputed, consider filing suit and using discovery to obtain insurer and policy details.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Incorrect report data: Insurer names or policy numbers can be wrong—verify with the carrier and request corrections as needed.
• Commercial vehicles: A third-party administrator may handle claims; ask for the TPA’s adjuster contact if different from the named insurer.
• Policy limits disclosure: Carriers may not disclose limits pre-suit; you can seek this information in discovery if litigation becomes necessary.
• UIM notice: If you may need underinsured motorist benefits, give your insurer timely written notice before accepting any settlement to avoid harming your UIM rights.
• Documentation gaps: Keep the claim number in writing and include it on every communication; send important requests by certified mail.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with an auto crash claim and need the at-fault insurer and adjuster details, our firm can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today.

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.