Navigating North Carolina’s Insurance Requirements After a Car Accident

One of the first challenges drivers face after a car crash in North Carolina is navigating the state’s auto insurance requirements. Whether dealing with property damage, medical bills, or time away from work, understanding what insurance covers—and what it doesn’t—is critical to protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our Charlotte personal injury lawyers assist crash victims throughout North Carolina in navigating complex insurance claims and pursuing the financial recovery they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a crash, we’re here to help.

North Carolina Is an At-Fault State

North Carolina follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver who caused the crash is legally responsible for covering the damages. This typically happens through that driver’s liability insurance policy.

To pursue compensation, you can:

• File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
• File a claim with your insurer (who may seek reimbursement from the at-fault party).
• File a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance settlement is insufficient.

Unlike “no-fault” states, North Carolina requires a showing of fault before compensation is paid, making documentation and legal guidance crucial.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in North Carolina

Under state law, all drivers in North Carolina must carry minimum levels of auto insurance coverage.

As of 2025, those minimums include:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $60,000 for total bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage.

This is often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.

Beginning July 1, 2025, these rates increase to:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person.

• $100,000 for total bodily injury per accident

• $50,000 for property damage

While these increased amounts may cover minor accidents, they can quickly fall short in more serious crashes involving hospital stays, surgery, or multiple injured parties.

What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

North Carolina law also requires coverage for uninsured motorists (UM) as part of every auto policy.

This coverage helps protect you if:

• The at-fault driver has no insurance.
• You’re the victim of a hit-and-run crash.
• The other driver’s policy limits don’t fully cover your damages (underinsured motorist or UIM coverage).

Even though you’re dealing with your own insurance company, these claims can still be contested, and you may need legal help to recover the full value of your losses.

How Contributory Negligence Affects Your Claim

North Carolina is one of the few states that still uses the contributory negligence rule. If you’re found to be even 1% at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies often use this rule to deny or reduce payouts, even in cases where the other driver was more at fault.

That’s why having a knowledgeable attorney is so important—someone who can challenge unfair fault determinations and advocate for your rights.

Let Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt Help You Move Forward

Dealing with insurance companies after a crash is often frustrating and confusing, especially when recovering from serious injuries. At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, we handle the insurance battles so you can focus on healing. We’ll help you understand your options, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online today. We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?

Because every case is different, the description of awards and issues previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.

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