What Are No-Fault States?

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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 car insurance, it won’t cover everything. That’s why it’s important to have a car insurance policy with personalized 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?

In no-fault insurance states, each driver in an accident must file a claim with their own insurance company, no matter who’s at fault.

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 in no-fault states, you could still be responsible for these costs, even if you didn’t cause the accident.

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 sustain a bodily injury.

What Is No-Fault Auto Insurance?

No-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP coverage), helps pay the medical expenses for you and your passengers after a car accident. These benefits apply to anyone in your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault for the collision.

Keep in mind that no-fault insurance isn’t available in most states, so you’ll have to check if you can get it where you live. Some states also don’t require this coverage.

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.

Do You Need PIP Insurance?

Even if having PIP insurance is not required where you live, it can still be a good idea to carry coverage. PIP insurance helps pay for:

Benefit	What It Helps Cover
Medical Costs	For you or your passengers regardless of who’s at fault for the accident.
Funeral Expenses	If you or your passengers die after a vehicle crash.
Services	Things like childcare, cleaning or grocery shopping if you need help because of your injury.
Lost Income	If you or your passengers can’t work because of an injury from an auto collision.

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 state with a no-fault system, 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 the no-fault state meaning, call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.

No-Fault States Map

Depending on where you live, you may be required to have PIP insurance. Our map shows the states where PIP is required, optional or not available.

Who Pays in a No-Fault State?

In a no-fault car insurance state, each driver must file a claim with their own insurance company after an accident, 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 wages if your injury prevents you or your passengers from working
Essential services, including child care, cleaning or grocery shopping
Funeral expenses

No-fault insurance won’t cover everything. For example, if you back into your neighbor’s fence, you’ll need property damage liability coverage to pay for the expenses. If your car is damaged in an accident, you’ll need collision insurance to help pay for the repairs to your vehicle.

man protected by no fault auto insurance

Get Coverage Today

Regardless of whether you live in a no-fault car insurance state, 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.