How can someone locate and contact the correct insurance adjuster for claim details?
How to Locate and Contact the Correct Insurance Adjuster for Claim Details in North Carolina
Detailed Answer
After a motor-vehicle crash or other personal-injury incident, you must speak with the insurance carrier’s adjuster to gather coverage information, open a claim, or negotiate a settlement. Below is a step-by-step roadmap that works under North Carolina law and common industry practices.
1. Identify All Possible Insurance Policies
At-Fault Driver’s Liability Policy. Exchange insurance cards at the scene. North Carolina law requires every driver to carry liability coverage. See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21.
Your Own Policies. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Resident Relative Policies. A family member’s auto policy may offer additional UM/UIM protection.
2. Gather Essential Claim Information
Claim Number. Usually issued when you first call the insurance company’s general claims hotline.
Policy Number. Found on the insurance card or police crash report (Form DMV-349).
Date of Loss (DOL). The accident date anchors the claim file.
3. Call the Carrier’s Main Claims Department
Use the toll-free number printed on the insurance card. Request:
The name, phone number, and email of the adjuster assigned to bodily-injury claims.
The mailing address for written correspondence.
The carrier’s fax number for time-sensitive medical or property-damage documentation.
4. Verify Adjuster Assignment
Large carriers assign multiple adjusters: one for property damage, another for injury. Confirm you are speaking with the bodily-injury adjuster. If the file is in a team queue, request the extension for the team lead.
5. Send a Written Letter of Representation (LOR)
A short letter—sent by email, fax, and certified mail—protects your communication and prevents the carrier from contacting you directly once you hire counsel. North Carolina recognizes certified mail as valid written notice. Cite N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11) to remind the carrier of its duty to respond promptly and in good faith.
6. Keep a Claim Communication Log
Document each call: date, time, adjuster’s name, and summary. If an adjuster violates fair-claims standards (e.g., fails to return calls within 15 business days), note it; chronic delays may support a bad-faith allegation under § 58-63-15.
7. Escalate When Necessary
Supervisor Request. Ask for the injury supervisor if your adjuster remains unresponsive.
Department of Insurance (DOI) Complaint. File online at ncdoi.gov if the carrier ignores the statutory duty to communicate.
8. Mind the Statute of Limitations
You generally have three years from the accident to file a personal-injury lawsuit. See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(16). Contact the adjuster early to avoid last-minute surprises.
Helpful Hints
Always ask the adjuster to confirm coverage limits in writing.
Save voicemails and email read receipts; they create a response timeline.
If you receive a reservation-of-rights letter, seek legal advice before giving a recorded statement.
Use certified mail for critical deadlines like medical-bill submissions.
North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule bars recovery if you are even 1% at fault; provide only the facts when speaking to the adjuster.
Ready to Protect Your Rights?
Locating the right insurance adjuster is the first step toward a fair recovery. Our North Carolina personal-injury attorneys know the carriers, the statutes, and the deadlines. Let us handle the calls while you focus on healing. Call us today at 919-313-2737 for a free consultation.
