Why You Shouldn’t Hesitate to File a UM or UIM Claim with Your Own Insurance in North Carolina
Many people hesitate to file a claim against their own insurance company after a car accident. It feels uncomfortable—like you’re doing something wrong.
But in North Carolina personal injury cases, filing a claim under your own policy for uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is not only normal—it is often the key to recovering the full value of your case.
If you’ve been injured in a North Carolina car accident, understanding how UM and UIM coverage works can make a significant financial difference.
What Are UM and UIM Claims in North Carolina?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to fully compensate you.
Under North Carolina law, these coverages are designed to protect you—not the insurance company—when the responsible driver lacks sufficient coverage.
In a typical North Carolina personal injury claim, your own insurance carrier may step in to pay damages that exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
The Biggest Concern: “Will My Insurance Rates Go Up?”
This is one of the most common questions any North Carolina personal injury attorney hears. The reality is more favorable than most people expect.
1. The Accident Is Already Reported
By the time you are considering a UM or UIM claim:
The accident has already been reported
Insurance databases have already logged the incident
Your insurer is already aware of the claim
Your insurance company is not “finding out” because you filed a UM/UIM claim—they already know.
2. You Are Not at Fault—and That Matters
In North Carolina auto accident cases, fault is a critical issue. When you pursue UM or UIM benefits:
You are asserting that another driver caused the accident
Your insurer documents that you are not at fault
This distinction is important in underwriting and claims evaluation
Unlike an at-fault accident, you are simply accessing coverage you paid for.
3. You Paid for UM/UIM Coverage—Use It
When you purchase auto insurance in North Carolina, you are paying for protection in exactly these situations.
A North Carolina car accident lawyer will tell you:
UM and UIM coverage exists because many drivers carry only minimum limits—and serious injuries often exceed those limits.
Failing to use this coverage means leaving money behind that you are contractually entitled to receive.
The Financial Reality: The Recovery Is Often Far Greater Than Any Rate Impact
In many North Carolina personal injury cases, UIM claims can dramatically increase the total recovery.
This can include:
Payment of outstanding medical bills
Compensation for lost wages
Pain and suffering damages
Long-term injury compensation
It is not uncommon for UIM coverage to add tens of thousands of dollars—or more to a case.
Even if there is some potential premium impact (which depends on the facts), it is often minimal compared to the significant additional compensation available.
North Carolina Insurance Strategy: This Is Expected
Insurance companies operating in North Carolina:
Know many drivers carry low policy limits
Anticipate UM and UIM claims
Price policies with this reality in mind
Filing a UM or UIM claim is not unusual—it is part of the normal structure of a North Carolina auto accident claim.
Don’t Undervalue Your Case
One of the biggest mistakes injury victims make is relying only on the at-fault driver’s insurance.
A skilled North Carolina personal injury attorney will evaluate:
Whether UIM coverage applies
How much additional coverage is available
The best strategy to maximize recovery
Without pursuing UM or UIM benefits, you may:
Leave significant compensation unpaid
Cover medical expenses out of pocket
Accept far less than your claim is worth
Disclaimer
Every case is different. The effect of a UM or UIM claim on your insurance premiums depends on your specific policy, insurer, claims history, and the facts of the accident. While in many cases rate increases are minimal or unaffected—especially where you are not at fault—you should consult with a qualified North Carolina personal injury attorneyregarding your individual situation.
Final Thought
If you’ve been injured in a North Carolina car accident and the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance, your UM or UIM coverage is there to protect you.
The accident is already on record.
You are not at fault.
And the additional compensation can be substantial.
Don’t hesitate to use the coverage you’ve been paying for.