{"id":4276,"date":"2022-02-10T08:22:23","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T16:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vernfonk.confiedevstg.com\/blog\/?p=4276"},"modified":"2022-02-10T08:22:25","modified_gmt":"2022-02-10T16:22:25","slug":"how-living-in-a-no-fault-state-affects-your-car-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vernfonk.confiedevstg.com\/blog\/car-accidents\/how-living-in-a-no-fault-state-affects-your-car-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"How Living in a No-Fault State Affects Your Car Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Twelve U.S. states have what\u2019s known as no-fault car insurance laws. Not every driver has to have a no-fault car insurance policy in every no-fault state. In a handful of states, drivers can opt out.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what does no-fault car insurance actually mean? How does it affect you? Can you score cheap car insurance in a no-fault state? We\u2019ll explain what no-fault insurance means and how it can be an advantage for drivers. While most Pacific Northwest drivers don\u2019t live in no-fault states, Oregon drivers have related laws we\u2019ll explain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with a brief definition of this type of car insurance<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is No-Fault Car Insurance?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No-fault car insurance means that your insurance company pays for your injuries and damage in the event of a car accident, regardless of who\u2019s at fault for the collision.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No-fault car insurance differs from state to state. In some states, no-fault car insurance does not have anything to do with assigning fault or remedies for damages to vehicles or such stationery objects as buildings or fences or parked cars. In other words, in these states, if you have a fender bender or other type of collision that only does damage to things<\/em> rather than people, the insurer of the responsible party will have to pay. Just like in states that don\u2019t have no-fault insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most states with no-fault car insurance require drivers to also carry something called personal injury protection, or PIP, as part of their car insurance coverage. With PIP, they can file claims and settle with their own insurance companies for their medical and related expenses, regardless of fault. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Advantages of No-Fault Car Insurance?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most basic advantage is that if you or anyone else in your vehicle is hurt in a car accident there\u2019s no doubt as to whether you\u2019ll receive a settlement to pay for your medical expenses. Your own car insurance company will foot that bill up to your coverage limits, regardless of who\u2019s at fault for the accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In states without no-fault coverage, one insurance company might waste a lot of time and money suing the other driver\u2019s insurer if the fault isn\u2019t determined or is argued. So you\u2019re in the hospital with no idea whether or when your rapidly rising medical bills will be paid.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the Disadvantages of No-Fault Insurance?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simple fairness can come into play in no-fault states. If you get injured in an accident that\u2019s the fault of the other driver, your insurer will indeed pay your medical bills, however, this can result in your car insurance company raising your premiums after you make the claim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So the accident wasn\u2019t your fault \u2014 but you nonetheless end up taking a financial hit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I Have to Get No-Fault Coverage If I Live in a No-Fault State?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It depends on where you live. Let\u2019s start with a listing of the 12 states<\/a> that have no-fault car insurance laws: <\/p>\n\n\n\n