How do I find the claim number and the assigned adjuster for a wrongful death insurance claim that was already opened? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, the fastest way to get an existing wrongful death claim number and the assigned adjuster is to send a short written request to the insurance company’s claims department that identifies the insured, the date of loss, and the decedent, and that includes proof of authority for the estate (or a signed authorization if the insurer requests one). If the claim was opened by someone else, the insurer may not release claim-file details until it can verify the requester’s relationship to the claim and the estate’s legal authority. If the insurer does not respond, a follow-up in writing and escalation to a supervisor or the company’s main claims intake usually resolves the issue.

Understanding the Problem

In a North Carolina wrongful death matter, an estate’s representative often needs one specific piece of information to move the claim forward: what claim number the insurer assigned and which adjuster is handling the file. The decision point is simple: can the insurer confirm the existing claim file details based on the identifying information provided and the estate’s authority to act. Timing matters because the claim file controls where documents are sent, who can discuss settlement, and how quickly the insurer can evaluate liability and damages.

Apply the Law

North Carolina wrongful death claims are pursued on behalf of the estate through the proper estate representative, and insurers commonly require verification before they will discuss a claim or provide claim-file details. Practically, insurers will usually provide the claim number and adjuster contact information once they can match the loss to an existing file and confirm that the requester is authorized to receive information. If an insurer is unresponsive, North Carolina law also recognizes that certain claim-handling conduct can be regulated as unfair claim practices, but the most effective first step is still a clear written request with the right identifiers and authority documents.

Key Requirements

Enough identifiers to locate the file: The insurer typically needs the insured’s name, the policyholder’s vehicle information (if known), the date and location of the crash, and the decedent’s name to match the loss to an existing claim.
Proof of authority for the estate: The insurer commonly requires documentation showing the requester has authority to act for the estate in a wrongful death claim (or, at minimum, written authorization acceptable to the insurer).
A clear, written request for specific claim-file details: A short letter or email asking for “the claim number and the assigned adjuster’s name, phone, email, and mailing address” reduces delays and prevents the request from being routed incorrectly.

What the Statutes Say

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-319.1 (Auto insurer certification to DMV upon insured’s request) – Shows North Carolina law can require an auto insurer to provide certain coverage confirmations when properly requested, which can be relevant when confirming coverage details connected to a crash.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-22 (Actions by personal representative in certain timing situations) – Recognizes the role of a personal representative in bringing claims when a party has died, reinforcing why insurers often insist on estate authority documentation before sharing claim information.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The claim arises from a motor-vehicle crash involving an insured policyholder, and the estate’s attorney is trying to locate an already-opened claim file. The insurer can usually find the file if the request includes the insured’s name and the crash date (and ideally the claim was opened under that insured’s policy). Because the matter is a wrongful death claim pursued for an estate, the insurer will often ask for proof that the requester represents the estate before it releases the claim number and adjuster contact information.

Process & Timing

Who requests: The estate’s attorney (or the personal representative). Where: The insurer’s claims intake (email, online portal, fax, or mailing address listed on the insurer’s official website or prior correspondence). What: A written “claim file identification” request plus estate authority documentation (commonly Letters of Administration/Letters Testamentary or other proof of appointment) and a signed authorization if the insurer requires one. When: Immediately, as soon as representation begins or as soon as it becomes clear the claim was already opened.
Follow up and escalate: If no response comes back, send a second written request referencing the first, then call the main claims line and ask for a supervisor or the claims manager for the region. If the insurer indicates the claim is assigned to a different office, request the correct adjuster’s direct contact information and the updated claim number (if it changed).
Confirm in writing: Once the claim number and adjuster are provided, send a short confirmation email/letter to the adjuster with the subject line “Claim No. ____ – Representation of Estate” and attach the authority documents again so the file is properly flagged for future communications.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

Wrong insurer or wrong policy: A crash can involve multiple carriers (liability, UM/UIM, commercial policies). A request sent to the wrong company can produce a “no record found” response even though a claim exists elsewhere.
Insufficient identifiers: If the request lacks the insured’s full name, date of loss, or other matching details, the insurer may not locate the file or may locate the wrong file and refuse to confirm anything.
Authority and privacy roadblocks: If the insurer cannot verify estate authority, it may refuse to discuss the claim or provide adjuster details beyond a general claims mailbox. Providing proof of appointment early usually prevents repeated delays.
Claim reassignment: Adjusters change. A claim number may stay the same while the adjuster changes, or the claim may be transferred to a different unit. A written confirmation request helps lock in the current contact information.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, locating an already-opened wrongful death insurance claim file usually comes down to two things: giving the insurer enough identifying information to match the loss and providing proof that the requester has authority to act for the estate. The practical next step is to send a short written request to the insurer’s claims intake asking for the claim number and the assigned adjuster’s direct contact information, and attach the estate’s authority documents so the insurer can release the information without delay.

Talk to a Wrongful Death Attorney

If a wrongful death insurance claim was already opened and the claim number or assigned adjuster cannot be confirmed, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help clarify the right documentation, communications, and timelines to keep the claim moving. Call us 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.