Fault vs No Fault Accidents and Car Insurance Claims
When it comes to car accidents, two main types of claims can be made: fault and no-fault. In a fault accident, the driver who is determined to be at fault for the accident is responsible for damages and injuries suffered by the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in the accident. In a no-fault accident, each driver’s insurance company pays out claims regardless of who was at fault.
How Is No-Fault Car Insurance Different?
No-fault insurance is a type of auto insurance where each driver is compensated for damages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This is opposed to fault insurance, where the driver at fault’s insurance company compensates the other driver. No-fault insurance typically covers damage to your car and your medical expenses up to a certain limit.
Some states have no-fault laws. For this reason, drivers must purchase no-fault insurance to drive legally in Minnesota, Massachusetts, New York, and other states where such laws apply. Other states have optional no-fault laws, which means that drivers can choose whether or not to purchase no-fault insurance. Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey are the only three states where motorists can choose whether to undergo the no-fault claims process or not.
Some benefits of no-fault insurance include faster claim payouts and less litigation. However, some drawbacks include higher premiums and limited coverage.
Ultimately, whether or not no-fault insurance is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are having trouble choosing the best option, Gina Corena & Associates will guide you through the process.
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Fault Insurance?
Fault insurance, also known as traditional insurance, is the most common type of auto insurance. In a fault accident, the driver at fault’s insurance company compensates the other driver for damages. Some benefits of fault insurance include:
- You can sue the at-fault driver in court to recover additional damages
- The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying your damages
- Fault insurance typically covers more types of damage than no-fault insurance
Some drawbacks of fault insurance include:
- The claims process can be slow
- You may have to pay a deductible
- The at-fault driver’s insurance rates may go up
How Will Your Car Insurance Rates Be Affected?
If you’re involved in a car accident, your insurance rates are likely to go up, regardless of whether it was your fault or not. When you file a claim, your insurance company is taking on more risk by insuring you.
To offset this risk, they charge all their policyholders higher rates. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you’d still be paying more for your insurance. If the accident was your fault, your rates will go up, as you’ll be considered a high-risk driver. Either way, it’s essential to know that filing a claim after an accident will impact your rates.
Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, but knowing what to do afterward can help lessen the stress. Make sure you have the right insurance coverage to know your financial stability is taken care of should something unfortunate happen on the road.
