What information does the other driver’s insurance company need to open or locate a claim? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, the other driver’s insurance company typically needs enough identifying details to match the loss to a policy and a reported incident—most often the insured driver’s name, the date and location of the crash, and either the policy number or the vehicle information. To locate an existing claim, the fastest path is usually the claim number, but insurers can often search by insured name plus date of loss. A letter of representation should also include the injured person’s identifying information and a clear request for the claim number and the assigned adjuster’s contact details.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina, when an attorney represents an injured person after a motor-vehicle crash, the practical question is what information the liability insurer needs to (1) open a new claim or (2) locate a claim that may already exist. The decision point is whether the insurer can reliably match the crash to the correct insured and policy so it can confirm the claim number and identify the assigned adjuster for future communications and document submission.

Apply the Law

North Carolina law does not require a single, universal “magic list” of data points that must be provided to open or locate every auto liability claim. In practice, insurers open or locate claims by verifying (a) the correct insured/policy and (b) the correct loss event (date/time/location and involved vehicles/people). Once the insurer can match those items, it can usually confirm whether a claim exists, provide the claim number, and identify the assigned adjuster or claims team. If the matter involves a transportation network company (rideshare), North Carolina law also contemplates exchanging coverage information during a claims coverage investigation.

Key Requirements

Identify the insured/policy: The at-fault driver’s full name and (if available) policy number, vehicle VIN, or license plate number so the carrier can locate the correct policy.
Identify the loss event: The crash date, approximate time, city/county or roadway location, and a short description (rear-end, left turn, lane change) so the carrier can match the report to the right incident.
Identify the claimant/representation: The injured person’s name and contact information, plus the attorney’s letter of representation and authorization instructions so the carrier knows where to direct communications and where to send claim details.

What the Statutes Say

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-280.4 (Transportation network company insurance) – In rideshare-related claims investigations, the statute contemplates exchanging coverage information and certain time/log data relevant to coverage.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The attorney’s goal is to confirm whether the carrier already has a claim and, if so, obtain the claim number and adjuster contact information. To do that, the carrier will usually need enough information to match the insured driver to a policy (name plus policy/vehicle identifiers) and match the crash to a reported loss (date/time/location). A letter of representation that includes those identifiers, plus the injured person’s name and the attorney’s contact details, typically gives the carrier what it needs to locate the file and route future communications correctly.

Process & Timing

Who files: The injured person’s attorney. Where: The liability insurer’s claims intake (mail, email, fax, or online portal). What: Letter of representation requesting (a) confirmation of coverage, (b) claim number, and (c) assigned adjuster name, phone, and email; attach the crash report if available and any key identifiers (policy number, plate, VIN). When: As soon as representation begins, and again after a reasonable follow-up period if no response.
Carrier search and assignment: The insurer typically searches by insured name and date of loss, then confirms the policy and assigns (or identifies) the adjuster. Response time varies by carrier and workload; follow-up is common if the initial request lacks a policy number or the insured has a common name.
Confirmation and ongoing handling: Once located/opened, the insurer provides the claim number and adjuster contact information, then requests supporting documents (medical records/bills, wage information, property damage photos/estimates, and any witness or liability materials) as the claim develops.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

Missing identifiers: If the request lacks the insured’s full name, date of loss, and a vehicle identifier (plate/VIN), the carrier may not be able to locate the correct file—especially when multiple household drivers or similar names exist.
Wrong carrier or wrong insured: A common issue is contacting the wrong insurer (for example, a prior carrier) or having incomplete insurance information from the scene; providing the crash report number and a copy of the report often reduces this problem.
Coverage complexity: Commercial use, permissive drivers, rideshare activity, or multiple policies can slow claim location because the carrier may need to confirm which policy applies before it can give definitive claim details.
Communication routing: If the letter of representation does not clearly identify the represented person and how communications should be directed, the carrier may continue contacting the injured person directly until the file is properly flagged.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, an auto liability insurer usually needs enough details to match the crash to the correct insured and policy—most commonly the insured driver’s name, the date and location of the collision, and a policy or vehicle identifier (policy number, license plate, or VIN). To confirm whether a claim exists and obtain the claim number and adjuster contact information, the next step is to send a letter of representation with those identifiers (and the crash report if available) and request written confirmation of the claim details promptly.

Talk to a Wrongful Death Attorney

If a serious crash has led to an insurance claim that needs to be opened, located, or properly routed to the correct adjuster, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help explain options, organize the needed information, and track timelines. 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.