N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-56-11: Payment to TPA.

If an insurer uses the services of a TPA, the payment to the TPA of any premiums or charges for insurance by or on behalf of the insured party is considered payment to the insurer. The payment of return premiums or claim payments forwarded by the insurer to the TPA is not considered payment to the insured party or claimant until the payments are received by the insured party or claimant. This section does not limit any right of the insurer against the TPA resulting from the failure of the TPA to make payments to the insurer, insured parties, or claimants. (1991, c. 627, s. 1.)