What is No-Fault Insurance?

New York is a No-Fault state, which means that everyone involved in motor vehicle accident in New York (with the exception of riding a motorcycle), is entitled to a minimum of $50,000 coverage for medical expenses, lost wages and medical related out of pocket expenses.  If you are in a vehicle when the accident occurs, that vehicle’s insurance company covers the No-Fault benefits for all its occupants.

If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist, then the vehicle that strikes you covers your No Fault benefits.  If you are on a bus and you own a motor vehicle or live with another relative that owns a motor vehicle, then the insurance for that vehicle covers your No Fault benefits for the bus accident.  If there are no auto policies in your household, then the bus company’s auto insurance covers your No Fault benefits.

If you are in accident and the vehicle that is required to cover your No-Fault benefits is not insured, then you can apply to a state fund for these benefits, known as Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC).  For motorcycle cases, there is no No-Fault coverage.  For non-auto accidents, we can claim your lost wages, medical expenses and out of pocket expenses in our claim against the party that caused your accident.