Short Answer

In North Carolina, you submit a MedPay claim directly to your auto insurer with itemized medical bills, related medical records, and a short explanation tying each charge to the crash. Your policy controls the exact proof you must provide and the deadline to submit it, so read the MedPay and “Duties After an Accident” sections closely. Send bills as you receive them and keep copies. If the insurer denies or delays without good reason, you may have contract rights to enforce payment.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how to get your medical expenses paid under your auto policy’s medical payments (MedPay) coverage in North Carolina—what to send, where to send it, and whether any deadlines apply. You already confirmed the policy includes MedPay and have the adjuster’s contact information.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, MedPay is an optional, first-party auto insurance benefit that pays reasonable and necessary medical expenses resulting from a motor vehicle accident, regardless of fault, up to the policy limit. The policy language sets what counts as a covered person, what documentation is required (often called “proof of loss”), and the time limits for submitting proof. The forum for making the claim is your insurer’s claims department; disputes can be brought in North Carolina civil court if necessary. A separate, longer statute of limitations generally applies to contract lawsuits, but your policy may impose much shorter, internal deadlines for submitting proof and cooperating.

Key Requirements

• Covered person: You must be an insured or otherwise covered under the policy (for example, the named insured, a resident relative, or an occupant of the covered auto, as defined by your policy).
• Accident-related treatment: The charges must be reasonable, necessary, and caused by the crash (the insurer may question gaps in care or unrelated conditions).
• Timely proof of loss: Submit itemized bills and records within the policy’s time limit and follow any stated procedures.
• Policy limits and time windows: Payments stop at the MedPay limit; some policies require that expenses be incurred within a set period after the accident.
• Cooperation: You may need to sign a medical authorization, answer reasonable questions, and provide additional documentation if requested.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15 (Unfair claim settlement practices) - Sets standards for fair claim handling; unreasonable delays or refusals may violate these standards.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limit for contract actions) - General three-year deadline applies to contract lawsuits; policy proof-of-loss deadlines can be shorter.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You have confirmed MedPay and have the adjuster’s contact, so you are ready to submit your proof of loss. Gather itemized invoices from each provider, related medical records, and a brief cover note connecting each bill to the crash treatment. Send these promptly to the adjuster and ask the insurer to confirm receipt and advise if your policy has a proof-of-loss deadline or any “expenses must be incurred within X months” clause. Continue sending new bills as they arrive until the limit is reached.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: Your auto insurer’s claims department/assigned adjuster in North Carolina. What: A written MedPay claim (email or portal), itemized bills (HCFA/UB-04 if available), medical records, accident report if needed, and the insurer’s proof-of-loss and HIPAA authorization forms. When: As soon as bills are available; follow any policy proof-of-loss deadline stated in your policy.
2. Respond to any requests for clarification (for example, to show that a charge relates to the crash or to address a treatment gap). Ask the adjuster for a status update after submission if you do not hear back within a reasonable time.
3. Upon approval, the insurer issues payment to you or directly to the provider, depending on the policy and any assignment of benefits. If denied or underpaid, request the specific policy basis in writing and consider internal reconsideration or a civil action to enforce the policy.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Submitting balance statements instead of itemized bills slows payment; send itemized invoices and related records.
• Gaps in treatment or unrelated conditions may lead to denials; include a brief doctor note or record page tying the care to the crash.
• Missing the policy’s proof-of-loss or “incurred within” deadline can forfeit coverage even though the general contract statute of limitations is longer.
• If a provider has an assignment of benefits, the insurer may pay the provider directly; coordinate to avoid duplicate payments.
• Keep copies of everything you send; ask the adjuster to confirm receipt and what, if anything, remains outstanding.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re navigating MedPay and need help organizing proof, meeting policy deadlines, or addressing a denial, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out 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.