Short Answer

In North Carolina, Medical Payments (MedPay) is no-fault coverage that should be paid once you submit complete proof of loss (itemized bills, records, and any required forms) and the charges are reasonable and related to the crash. There is no fixed statewide deadline for MedPay payments, but insurers must handle claims promptly and in good faith. Many straightforward claims pay within a few weeks after all documentation is in. If payment stalls, request a written status, escalate to a supervisor, file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance, and consider a contract claim if needed.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how quickly your North Carolina insurer should pay a MedPay claim and what you can do if they delay. The role here is the insured seeking first-party MedPay benefits from their own auto insurer. The action is submitting a complete claim and getting paid for crash-related medical bills. The key trigger is when the insurer receives complete proof of loss; your ER visit and two months of chiropractic care are part of the claimed expenses.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, MedPay pays reasonable and necessary medical expenses caused by a motor vehicle crash, up to your policy limit, regardless of fault. Payment timing is driven by when the insurer receives complete proof of loss and whether the treatment is connected to the crash. Insurers must investigate and resolve claims promptly and fairly, but there is no single statute that sets a fixed number of days for MedPay payments. Disputes over nonpayment or delay are typically pursued as breach-of-contract claims in civil court, and insurance conduct rules also apply.

Key Requirements

• Coverage applies: You have active MedPay on your North Carolina auto policy and the bills stem from the crash.
• Complete proof of loss: Provide itemized bills and basic records; your insurer may also request a signed authorization or their claim form.
• Reasonable, necessary, and related: The charges must be tied to crash injuries and be medically reasonable.
• Within policy limits and timelines: Payments cannot exceed your MedPay limit, and you must meet policy notice/proof requirements.
• Prompt, fair handling: The insurer must evaluate and decide the claim without undue delay once it has what it needs.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15 (Unfair claim settlement practices) - Requires fair, timely claim handling and prohibits unreasonable delays.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limit for most contract claims) - Sets the general deadline to sue for unpaid policy benefits.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You have MedPay and sought ER and two months of chiropractic care after a rear-end collision. Once you submit itemized bills and any requested forms or authorizations, your insurer should review whether those charges are reasonable, necessary, and crash-related and then pay up to the policy limit. If you have already provided complete documentation and weeks have passed with no clear response, that points to a potential handling delay you can challenge.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (the insured). Where: Directly with your auto insurer’s claims department. What: Notice of claim, itemized medical bills, basic records, any insurer MedPay claim form, and a signed medical authorization if requested. When: As soon as possible after treatment; follow your policy’s notice and proof-of-loss requirements.
2. Follow up: If you hear nothing or only vague updates within about 30 days after submitting complete documentation, send a written status request asking what, if anything, remains outstanding and when a payment decision will be made.
3. Escalate and enforce: If delay continues, escalate to a supervisor in writing and consider filing a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance Consumer Services Division at https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/insurance-complaints. If still unresolved, you can pursue a breach-of-contract claim in small claims (for lower amounts) or District Court in your county.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Incomplete proof stalls payment. Insurers often require itemized bills and basic records; summaries or balance statements usually are not enough.
• Unrelated or non‑crash care can be denied. Keep treatment tied to the injuries from the collision and avoid long unexplained gaps.
• Policy conditions matter. Late notice, missing forms, or ignoring requests for information can delay or jeopardize coverage.
• Direct payment to providers. If you signed an assignment or your insurer recognizes provider interests, payment may go straight to the provider.
• Coordination with other coverage. Your insurer may ask for health insurance explanations of benefits to prevent duplicate payments.
• Releases. MedPay should not require you to release your separate injury claim against the at‑fault driver; read any release carefully before signing.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re dealing with a delayed MedPay claim or unclear requests for documentation, our firm has attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out 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.