Is New York a "No-Fault" State? What Does That Mean? (2024)

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New York is a No-Fault Insurance State

New York is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means that insureds are generally reimbursed by their insurance company for damages regardless of who was responsible for causing the accident. Insureds can be reimbursed for medical costs and other losses that might surface after the accident.

The state of New York also requires registered motor vehicles to have liability insurance with certain minimum coverage amounts:

  • $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000/$100,000 for death
  • $10,000 for property damage per accident

For additional information on insurance coverage requirements, please visitNew York’s Department of Motor Vehicles website.

No Fault Benefits

These are benefits paid by the insurance company of the car you were driving, was a passenger in or were struck by as a pedestrian, regardless of fault as to the cause of the accident. These benefits include payment of medical bills, prescription drugs, lost wages, housekeeping and/or transportation to and from medical providers, all as the result of the accident. There is a very short time, only 30 days from the date of the accident, in order to file an application for these benefits.

Video Transcription

New York is a no-fault state when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. What that basically means is that if you’re a passenger in a car, or a pedestrian or a bicyclist who gets hit by a car, that vehicle, whether you’re in it or it hits you, that insurance company pays your medical bills and your time lost from work, no matter whose fault the accident is.

Now, in order to sue or make a claim against the vehicle that is at fault, you have to reach the no-fault threshold. And the no-fault threshold is basically whether or not you have a serious injury under the law.

There are certain categories of serious injury in New York State.A fracture is automatically serious. Significant scarring is automatically serious. Loss of a fetus is automatically serious. And then there’s a couple of categories that get a little tricky.

But, in essence, you need some type of permanent partial disability in order to prove a serious injury and then pursue your claim for pain and suffering damages.

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Is New York a "No-Fault" State? What Does That Mean? (2024)

FAQs

Is New York a "No-Fault" State? What Does That Mean? ›

Just as the name sounds, New York No-Fault law is designed so that insurance will pay for the economic losses of those who are injured no matter who was at fault for the accident. Those injured do not have to prove anyone was negligent when they apply for benefits under the policy.

What does it mean that NY is a no-fault state? ›

New York is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means that insureds are generally reimbursed by their insurance company for damages regardless of who was responsible for causing the accident. Insureds can be reimbursed for medical costs and other losses that might surface after the accident.

Does it matter who is at fault in an accident in NY? ›

While New York is a “no-fault” state for car accidents, meaning injured people file claims with their own insurance companies first, you can still file a third-party liability claim or lawsuit if your injuries meet one of two conditions: You have a “serious injury,” defined as any of the following: Death. Dismemberment.

Why are no-fault states bad? ›

What are the disadvantages of a no-fault state? Drivers in no-fault states are typically only allowed to file lawsuits if certain severe injury conditions are met. Bodily injury claims that fall below the state's tort liability threshold are covered by the injured party's PIP coverage instead.

What are the first party benefits of the no-fault law in New York State? ›

Under New York no-fault insurance law, each injured victim of an auto accident is entitled to payment for certain first party benefits. These benefits include all medical expenses up to a limit of $50,000 and lost wage benefits for up to three years.

What are the rules for no-fault billing in NY? ›

New York Insurance Regulation 68 stipulates that written notice of a No-Fault claim must be submitted within 30 days of the accident, medical bills must be submitted within 45 days, and lost wage claims must be submitted within 90 days.

Is serious injury a no-fault law in NY? ›

Section 5102(d) provides that the following types of injuries qualify as “Serious Injuries”: (i) Death, (ii) dismemberment, (iii) significant disfigurement, (iv) a fracture, (v) loss of a fetus, (vi) the permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system, (vii) a permanent consequential limitation of a ...

When did NY become a no-fault state? ›

The Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Reparations Act, more commonly known as the New York No-Fault Law, became effective on February 1, 1974. The law was enacted to provide prompt payment of health related expenses and wage loss of those parties injured as a result of an auto accident.

What is the average settlement for a car accident in NY? ›

The average car accident settlement in New York is approximately $287,000. New York's no-fault laws limit smaller claims from going to court, making the average settlement higher than it is nationwide.

What is the concept of no-fault? ›

In a no-fault claim, the parties are not required to prove any party's blameworthiness to resolve the claim. In contrast, parties to a fault-based claim must prove a party was at fault to prevail on the claim.

What are the advantages of no-fault? ›

The absence of the need to prove fault eliminates lengthy legal processes, allowing couples to move on with their lives more quickly. Furthermore, if there is no negative behaviour in the marriage, couples can avoid the requirement of being separated for a specific period before applying for a divorce.

What is the advantage of a no-fault system for states? ›

The advantage of a no-fault system for states is that it reduces lawsuits after car accidents, decreases legal expenses, and provides quicker access to medical coverage for individuals involved in accidents.

How many states follow no-fault auto insurance in the USA? ›

How many states in the U.S. are no-fault states? There are 12 no-fault states in the U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Utah.

Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state in New York? ›

In the state of New York, individuals who get into car accidents fall under the state's “no-fault” law. In a no-fault state, each party and their insurance company is responsible for the cost of damages to their own property, but things can get tricky.

Does a no-fault accident go on your record near New York NY? ›

When you're involved in a car accident, whether at fault or not, it may be reported to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. In New York, the record stays for three years from the end of the year in which the accident occurred.

Is NY a no-fault state for divorce? ›

In 2010, New York was the last state in the United States to enact a true “no-fault” divorce statute. Now, a spouse seeking a divorce in New York State may allege under oath, in a Verified Complaint, that the relationship of the spouses has broken down irretrievably for a period of at least six months.

Is New York a no-fault state for divorce? ›

In 2010, New York was the last state in the United States to enact a true “no-fault” divorce statute. Now, a spouse seeking a divorce in New York State may allege under oath, in a Verified Complaint, that the relationship of the spouses has broken down irretrievably for a period of at least six months.

Does your insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault in NY? ›

Auto insurance rates generally do not rise after a no-fault accident, where you experience damages or injuries due to another driver's actions. However, insurance is rarely straightforward. State laws and insurer policies can sometimes result in rate changes, even in no-fault situations, such as at fault accidents.

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