Short Answer

In North Carolina, making a claim after a car accident with no physical injury can affect your insurance in some situations, but it depends on why you are making the claim and how the crash is classified. A claim under your own policy (like collision coverage) can be treated differently than a claim made against the other driver’s liability coverage. Even when you are not at fault, insurers may still consider claim history when they review your policy at renewal.

Understanding the Problem

If you were in a North Carolina car accident and you are not reporting any physical injury, you may be asking whether you can make a property-damage-only claim without risking higher premiums or losing coverage, especially if you need repairs paid for now. In your situation, one key fact is that you report no physical injury, which usually means the claim focus is vehicle damage and related out-of-pocket losses rather than medical treatment.

Apply the Law

North Carolina auto insurance is built around different “buckets” of coverage. A non-injury crash claim usually falls into (1) a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage for property damage, or (2) a claim under your own policy (for example, collision coverage) with your insurer potentially seeking reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer later. Whether your rates or coverage change is largely an underwriting and rating question tied to fault, claim type, and your policy’s terms, but North Carolina law also sets rules about minimum required liability coverage and how certain accident-related issues are handled.

Key Requirements

• Which policy is paying: A claim under the other driver’s liability coverage is different from a claim under your own collision coverage (even if you plan to pursue the other driver later).
• Fault and how it is recorded: Insurers often look at whether you were considered at fault (or partially at fault) when they evaluate renewal pricing and eligibility.
• Type of loss claimed: Property damage-only claims (repairs, towing, rental) are handled differently than bodily injury claims, but they are still “claims” that may show up in claim history databases.
• Your deductible and reimbursement (subrogation): If your insurer pays first under collision, you may have a deductible up front; if your insurer later recovers from the at-fault carrier, you may be reimbursed depending on the recovery.
• Policy conditions and cooperation: Most policies require prompt notice and cooperation. Missing deadlines in the policy or refusing to cooperate can create coverage problems.
• Release language in a property-damage settlement: A property-damage settlement should not automatically waive other claims unless the written settlement terms say it does.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-540.2 (Property damage settlement not an admission; does not automatically release other claims) - A property-damage settlement from a crash generally is not an admission of fault and does not, by itself, release other claims unless the written agreement clearly says it does.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.5 (Financial responsibility; minimum liability coverage framework) - North Carolina’s financial responsibility law sets the structure for required liability coverage and how coverage relates to crash responsibility.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you report no physical injury, your claim is likely focused on property damage (vehicle repairs/total loss issues, towing, rental, and similar losses). If you make the claim against the other driver’s liability insurance, your own insurer may not pay anything, which often reduces the chance your own policy is directly impacted. If you use your own collision coverage to get repairs moving, that is a first-party claim on your policy and may be considered in renewal underwriting even if you were not at fault.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (the vehicle owner/insured) or your attorney. Where: With the at-fault driver’s auto insurer (third-party claim) and/or your own auto insurer (first-party claim) in North Carolina. What: A claim report, photos, repair estimate(s), towing/storage receipts, rental documentation, and the crash report number if available. When: As soon as practical after the crash, and within any notice requirements in your policy.
2. Investigation: The insurer typically reviews the crash report, statements, photos, and estimates, then decides fault and the amount it will pay. Timeframes vary by carrier and by whether liability is disputed.
3. Resolution: Payment is issued for repairs or total loss value (minus any deductible if it is your collision claim). If your insurer paid under collision, it may pursue reimbursement from the at-fault insurer, which can affect whether you later get your deductible back.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Signing the wrong release: Even though North Carolina law generally treats property-damage settlements as separate, a written settlement can still be drafted to release more than just property damage. Always read the release language carefully before signing.
• Using your collision coverage without planning for the deductible: A collision claim can speed up repairs, but you may pay a deductible up front and reimbursement is not automatic if the other side disputes fault or coverage.
• Claim history versus “fault”: Many people assume “not at fault” means “no insurance impact.” In practice, insurers can still consider claim frequency and loss history at renewal, even when fault is unclear or disputed.
• Coverage exclusions tied to vehicle use: If the crash happened during excluded use (for example, certain commercial/for-hire activity without proper coverage), that can create coverage problems even in a non-injury claim.
• Waiting too long to document damage: Delays can make it harder to prove what damage came from the crash versus prior wear, which can reduce what the insurer agrees to pay.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, a non-injury car accident claim can affect your insurance rates or coverage depending on whether you make a claim under your own policy, how fault is determined, and how your insurer evaluates claim history at renewal. Property-damage settlements also need careful paperwork, because a written release can control what you are giving up. Next step: report the claim promptly to the correct insurer and review any settlement release carefully before you sign it.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a North Carolina car crash where you were not physically injured but still have vehicle damage and insurance issues, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today. Call [CONTACT NUMBER].

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.