Understanding The Basics of No-Fault Insurance In New York State

Those who’ve been in a car accident understand the struggle of dealing with insurance companies, car repairs, and personal injuries afterward. 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. We’ll explain more below.

  • Contact The Barnes Firm

    Fields marked with an * are required

New York Minimum Insurance Requirements

All licensed drivers in the state of New York are required to carry car insurance. All insurance policies must meet these minimum requirements:

  • $25,000/$50,000 Bodily Injury Coverage per person
  • $50,000/$100,000 Death Coverage
  • $10,000 Property Damage per accident

Drivers must obtain insurance for all registered vehicles including motorcycles. When you register a vehicle you must submit proof of insurance electronically and in-person. Drivers who do not carry insurance in New York risk losing their drivers license and can also face hefty fines.

In many states including New York, minimum insurance limits are also referred to as “liability” car insurance. Liability insurance helps to ensure that everyone involved, whether they caused the accident or not, is covered for their personal injuries and property damage. If drivers of both vehicles carry insurance they are able to submit claims to their insurance companies to cover the cost of their car repairs and medical bills of their passengers.

Toy cars demonstrating an accident on a background of 100 dollar bills

The Benefits of No-Fault Insurance In New York

No-fault insurance was designed to protect the insured. No matter who caused the accident, no-fault insurance guarantees that both parties will receive reimbursement for their own damages if they carry personal car insurance. In addition to property damage, no-fault insurance also helps the insured to obtain repayment for medical bills, loss of wages, and medical equipment. In New York, individuals can receive up to $50,000 for these expenses.

Who receives the benefits of no-fault insurance?

New York state laws outline who receives the benefits of no-fault insurance in the case of an accident. According to the law drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists all benefit from no-fault insurance. Furthermore, to receive the benefits of no-fault insurance, the accident must occur in New York and the vehicle/driver involved in the accident must have an insurance policy issued in the state of New York. It’s also important to note that motorcycles and motorcyclists are not covered under no-fault insurance laws.

Rear View Of Female Driver With Neck Injury Getting Out Of Car After Crash
Rear View Of Female Driver With Neck Injury Getting Out Of Car After Crash

Who receives the benefits of no-fault insurance?

New York state laws outline who receives the benefits of no-fault insurance in the case of an accident. According to the law drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists all benefit from no-fault insurance. Furthermore, to receive the benefits of no-fault insurance, the accident must occur in New York and the vehicle/driver involved in the accident must have an insurance policy issued in the state of New York. It’s also important to note that motorcycles and motorcyclists are not covered under no-fault insurance laws.

car insurance claim forms with a pen and money on a table

Filing a No-Fault Insurance Claim

Anyone who is involved in a car accident in the state of New York and wants to file a no-fault insurance claim must follow a specific process. It’s important to follow the exact requirements to file a claim or coverage could be denied. The basic requirements of filing a no-fault claim in New York are:

  • Submit the no-fault application (Form NF-2)
  • File the claim application within 30-days of the accident
  • Notify the New York State Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation

Following these simple steps after an accident helps ensure coverage by the insurance company. Drivers who are in an accident and unsure of the proper steps to take can consult the local authorities, their insurance agent, or a trusted attorney.

Uncovered No-Fault Accident Expenses

People who are physically or mentally suffering after an accident still may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain a settlement. It’s recommended that your claim is handled by a top accident lawyer in New York to assure you get the best result possible.

We have a team of lawyers ready to assist you with your personal injury claims. To learn more about your legal options related to car accidents, personal injury, and pain and suffering talk to the experienced attorneys at The Barnes Firm. We will assist you with all of your legal needs and help you win the best result possible.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000