US-New YorkWhat is New York's no-fault auto insurance system?
New York's no-fault auto insurance system requires your own insurance to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident — regardless of who caused it — up to set limits.
What the Law Says
New York’s no-fault auto insurance law is designed to provide fast, guaranteed payment for basic economic losses after a car accident — without needing to prove fault. It applies to all drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists injured in motor vehicle accidents in the state.
Under New York law, every auto insurance policy must include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other necessary expenses resulting from an auto accident — no matter who was at fault.
The minimum required PIP coverage is $50,000 per person. This includes up to $2,000 for funeral expenses (if applicable), reasonable and necessary medical expenses, 80% of lost earnings (up to $2,000 per month), and up to $25 per day for other reasonable expenses (e.g., transportation to medical appointments) for up to one year.
To receive benefits, you must file a claim with your insurer within 30 days of the accident. Failure to do so may result in denial of coverage unless you show 'reasonable excuse' for the delay.
Statutory TextEvery insurer authorized to transact automobile insurance business in this state shall provide personal injury protection benefits under any automobile insurance policy issued or delivered in this state.
— New York Insurance Law § 5103(a)(1) — Required personal injury protection benefits
Statutory TextPersonal injury protection benefits shall be payable for the following losses sustained by an eligible injured person as a result of an accident arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle: (a) eighty percent of lost earnings from work, subject to a maximum of two thousand dollars per month; (b) reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for medical, hospital, surgical, nursing, dental, optometric, chiropractic, podiatric, rehabilitation and physical therapy services...
— New York Insurance Law § 5102(a) — Definition of covered losses
What to Do
Seek medical care immediately — even if injuries seem minor — and tell providers the injury resulted from a motor vehicle accident.
Notify your auto insurer within 30 days (preferably in writing) and submit all required forms (e.g., NF-2, NF-3).
Keep records of all medical bills, prescriptions, wage statements, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
If your claim is denied or benefits are delayed, request a written explanation and consider filing for arbitration or consulting an attorney.
If you suffer a 'serious injury' (e.g., fracture, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation), you may sue the at-fault driver — but only within 2 years of the accident.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.