Short Answer

North Carolina law does not set a fixed number of days for an insurer to disclose liability limits or decide a third-party property damage claim. Insurers must investigate and communicate promptly, and many property damage decisions come within a few weeks after the police report, statements, and a vehicle inspection are in hand. Limits are usually disclosed upon a clear written request once coverage and fault are reasonably established. If there’s no meaningful update after about 30 days, follow up in writing and consider escalation.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina personal injury and auto claims, you want to know: how quickly can you learn the at-fault driver’s liability policy limits and get a yes/no decision on repairing or totaling your car? Here, you do not have collision coverage, so you must pursue vehicle repairs through the at-fault driver’s insurer. The timing turns on how fast the insurer confirms coverage and fault and completes a damage inspection.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, auto insurers must handle claims promptly and communicate in a timely manner, but there is no statute that sets a hard deadline to disclose policy limits or to decide a third-party property damage claim. The at-fault driver’s liability policy must at least meet state minimums, and the insurer typically waits for basic proof (police report, insured’s statement, photos/estimate) before disclosing limits or paying for repairs. Your main forum at this stage is the at-fault insurer’s claims department; court comes into play only if settlement fails or deadlines are at risk.

Key Requirements

• Coverage and fault determination: The insurer must verify its insured’s coverage and assess who is at fault before paying or disclosing key details.
• Complete claim package: Provide the claim number, police report number, contact info, photos, and a repair estimate or inspection access to keep the file moving.
• Written request for policy limits: Make a clear written request for liability limits; insurers commonly respond once coverage and basic liability are reasonably established.
• Prompt communication duty: North Carolina requires insurers to adopt reasonable standards for prompt investigation and to respond to communications without undue delay.
• Lawsuit deadline in reserve: If negotiations stall, you generally have three years to file a property damage lawsuit.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11) (Unfair claim settlement practices) - Requires prompt investigation and fair claim handling.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 (Motor vehicle liability policy) - Sets minimum auto liability limits in North Carolina.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limitations period) - Generally three years to bring negligence-based property damage claims.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you do not have collision coverage, you must wait on the at-fault insurer to verify coverage and fault from the left-turn crash, review the police report, and inspect your vehicle. Once those pieces are in, many carriers issue a property-damage decision within a few weeks and will disclose liability limits if you request them in writing. If the insurer disputes fault or cannot reach its insured, both the limits disclosure and the repair/total-loss decision often slow down.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (or your attorney). Where: The at-fault driver’s insurer claims department. What: Report the claim, provide the police report number, photos, and the shop’s estimate or allow an inspection; send a written request for policy limits. When: Do this as soon as possible after the crash; earlier notice speeds the investigation.
2. Insurer investigation: 1–3 weeks is common for the insurer to get the police report, take statements, and inspect or appraise the vehicle; timelines vary by county workload and report availability.
3. Decision and payment: After fault and coverage are confirmed and the valuation is complete, expect a repair authorization or total-loss offer; policy limits are typically disclosed in writing upon request around the same time.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Fault disputes slow everything: If the left-turn driver contests fault or the report is delayed, expect slower limits disclosure and property decisions.
• Storage fees add up: Move the vehicle from a tow yard to avoid storage charges while the insurer investigates.
• Release language: Do not sign a global release if you only intend to resolve property damage; ask for a property-damage-only release.
• Thin documentation causes delays: Missing photos, estimates, or access to inspect the vehicle can stall the appraisal and any payment.
• Silence from the adjuster: Follow up in writing. If there’s no substantive response after a reasonable time, consider escalating to a supervisor or filing a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re waiting on the at-fault insurer to confirm liability limits or to decide your vehicle damage, our firm can help you coordinate evidence, press for timely answers, and protect your deadlines. Reach out today. Call us 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.