Which statement is true regarding the correlation between UIM and UM coverage?

The statement that UIM coverage automatically included must match the UM limit is accurate. In North Carolina, when an insured has both Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, the limits of UIM coverage that is added should generally match the limits of the UM coverage. This ensures that if the insured is involved in an accident with an underinsured driver, their coverage can adequately compensate them up to the same limit provided for uninsured motorists.

This requirement helps to maintain fairness and consistency in the protection that drivers receive, as it prevents situations where the coverage for underinsured accidents is less than what a driver would receive in an accident with an uninsured motorist. It also simplifies the understanding of coverage limits for consumers.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the relationship between UIM and UM coverage in North Carolina. Different limits are not a requirement, and UIM coverage is not automatically excluded based on a minimum limit. Furthermore, while UIM is often dependent on the existence of UM coverage, it's not accurate to state that UIM is generally not required simply because UM is included, as each serves a specific purpose in a policyholder's insurance coverage.