What Are No-Fault States?

Q: What Is a No-Fault State?

A no-fault state is one where each driver in an accident must file a claim with their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault. This means that even if you are not responsible for the accident, you could still be responsible for medical expenses.

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Key Takeaways

In no-fault states, each driver in an accident must file a claim with their own insurance company, no matter who is at fault.
Even if your state requires you to purchase no-fault insurance, it won’t cover everything. That’s why it’s important to have a robust car insurance policy with customizable coverage options.
Depending on where you live, you’ll have different auto insurance requirements and optional coverages to ensure you’re protected on the road.

What Is a No-Fault State?

Many people assume that if you’re in a car accident that isn’t your fault, the other driver’s car insurance will cover medical expenses for you and your passengers. But if you live in a no-fault state, you could still be responsible for these costs, even though you didn’t cause the accident. That’s because in no-fault states, each driver in an accident must file a claim with their own insurance company, no matter who’s at fault.

For example, if you live in a no-fault state and you’re rear ended by someone talking on their phone, you will still need to file a claim with your insurer if you or your passengers are hurt. Living in a no-fault state means you’re required to carry no-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP insurance), to help cover these expenses.

Tip:

Even if you don’t live in a no-fault state, your state may still allow you to purchase PIP coverage to extend your protection.

What States are No-Fault States?

The fault system was created to help lower the cost of car insurance and the number of small lawsuits resulting from auto accidents. However, if you live in a no-fault state, you can still sue at-fault drivers if your medical bills meet the monetary threshold established in your state. State auto insurance laws and requirements vary, so it’s important to know the rules where you live.

These states require no-fault auto insurance coverage:

These no-fault states don’t require PIP insurance, but do offer it as an optional coverage:

These at-fault states give drivers the option to buy no-fault insurance, while requiring personal injury protection coverage:

Tip:

An at-fault state is also known as a tort state. They have fewer restrictions on lawsuits than no-fault insurance states.

For help understanding what’s required in your area, call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.

Who Pays in a No-Fault State?

In a no-fault state, insurance laws say that after a car accident, each driver must file a claim with their own insurance company, no matter who is at fault. If PIP coverage is available in your state, it can help you and your passengers pay for:

Medical costs
Health insurance deductibles
Lost income due to injuries
Essential costs, like childcare
Funeral expenses

It’s important to remember that whether your state requires or allows you to purchase no-fault insurance, it won’t cover everything. For example, if you back into your neighbor’s fence, you’ll need liability coverage to pay for the property damages. And if your car is damaged in an accident, you’ll need collision insurance to help pay for the repairs for your vehicle.

man protected by no fault auto insurance

If You’re in a No-Fault State, Get Coverage Today

Whether you live in a no-fault car insurance state or not, it’s important to get the right protection. At The Hartford, we have a reputation for integrity and trust, plus high customer ratings for claims services. You can count on our car insurance to be there when you need it most. Call us today at 888-546-9099 or get a quote online.