Get Up to Speed on Key Changes To NC’s Auto Insurance Laws: What’s In SB 319 for North Carolina PI Plaintiffs’ Attorneys

For North Carolina PI lawyers, the auto insurance landscape will change dramatically on July 1, 2025. Christopher Nichols, NCAJ’s Governmental Affairs Consultant, lays out the new rules of the road with host Amber Nimocks.Relying on his deep understanding of recent changes to the law, including  Senate Bill 319, which was passed this summer, Chris describes how the law will affect personal injury lawyers and their clients. He offers a look into what’s in store come next July, starting with new minimum limits on a rolling basis.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Christopher Nichols | LinkedIn | EmailConnect: Nichols Law Firm | Facebook | Phone 💡 Episode Highlights 💡[03:49] Senate Bill 319: This bill represents technical corrections to SB 452, which would change minimum limits in liability insurance in North Carolina starting in January 2025. Plaintiffs’ personal injury lawyers were “hyped and excited” about 452. Then, things started to happen…[06:04 ] “Stack and Compare”: For nearly three decades, plaintiffs’ lawyers would “stack and compare” all possible uninsured motorist policies with the liability policy to determine the offset. SB 319 codified that practice, clearing up confusion that followed the N.C. Supreme Court decision in Farm Bureau v. Hebert this spring.  [08:21 ] The Frankenstein Statute: SB 319’s drafters collaborated with the insurance industry to update the definition of underinsurance, dubbed the “Frankenstein Statute” because it’s a creation built by many stakeholders who have changed text in one document over time.[09:53] July 2025: The corrections reflected in SB 319 go into effect, including this one: Every driver will have $100,000 in coverage, assuming somebody else has liability insurance.[19:22] The Impact of Raising the Minimum: Hint: It doesn’t mean more car accidents. It just means more coverage.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!