What does it mean when Kentucky is a no-fault state?

Asked by: Clarissa Kovacek DDS  |  Last update: May 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (33 votes)

In a no-fault state, drivers are required to carry no-fault insurance, otherwise known as “personal injury protection” or “PIP” coverage. This coverage will pay out if a person is injured in a car accident regardless of who was at fault.

Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the no-fault car insurance law means that you will file a claim with your own car insurance provider after a car accident whether or not you caused the crash. Your own car insurance policy will cover your damages without requiring proof of someone else's fault.

Who pays for car damage in no-fault state?

In no-fault states, each party carries insurance that pays for their own injuries, while the at-fault party typically pays for everyone's property damage.

What is the point of a no-fault state?

What does a no-fault insurance state mean? No-fault insurance refers to how injuries are covered by car insurance. In a no-fault insurance state, if you're injured in an auto accident, you would file a claim with your own insurance company to pay for related medical costs. This is regardless of fault.

Who is at fault in a rear-end collision in Kentucky?

For example, rear-end collisions are almost always the fault of the driver who runs into the back of the other vehicle. Drivers are supposed to leave plenty of stopping distance between themselves and cars ahead. When they don't and they hit a car in front of them, they are usually at fault.

What Does Kentucky No Fault Really Mean?

24 related questions found

Who is at fault for Fender Bender?

Determining liability in a three-car fender bender can be complex, as multiple factors may have contributed to the accident. Usually, the driver of the car who caused the initial rear-end collision is considered liable. In California, a tailgating vehicle is typically presumed liable for a chain reaction collision.

What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in Kentucky?

If you don't have insurance, you're on the hook for covering all of your vehicle damage and any medical bills. Additionally, if you are later found to be primarily at fault, and have no insurance, you may be responsible for paying for the other party's damage out of pocket as well.

Does a no-fault accident affect insurance?

In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.

Are no-fault states good or bad?

No-fault insurance is more expensive than insurance in at-fault states because it includes personal injury protection (PIP) in addition to basic liability insurance. Insurance fraud is also more prevalent in no-fault states compared to at-fault states, which increases rates for everyone.

What happens if no one is at fault in an accident?

But what will happen if no one is at fault for your car accident? You can always file a no-fault car insurance claim. The insurance provider will compensate the policyholder and its passengers for the cost of minor injuries and loss of income regardless of who caused the accident.

Will insurance pay out if it was my fault?

Who pays for an at-fault accident? If the situation is clear-cut, or one party admits that they caused the accident, the at-fault driver's auto insurance should pay for any property damage and medical bills, and in some cases compensation for other damages, such as pain and suffering.

Is insurance more expensive in no-fault states?

According to the analysis of premium data as reported by insurance companies to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners: Premiums are 19% higher in no-fault states than in personal responsibility states.

Who pays deductible in no-fault accident?

Policyholders will generally pay the deductible before comprehensive coverage kicks in. Liability insurance. Liability coverage, which is required in California, doesn't involve deductibles but covers damages the policyholder causes to other vehicles, drivers, or property. Uninsured motorist coverage.

What does it mean Kentucky is a no-fault state?

The state of Kentucky is called a no-fault state because of a law stating that each driver in the state of Kentucky has to file a claim with their insurance company first to get compensation for medical bills and other financial losses caused by the accident according to their own insurance policy.

What does the Kentucky no-fault rejection form mean?

No-Fault Rejection Form. Acceptance of No-Fault Insurance denies each individual the right to sue a negligent motorist unless certain requirements are met. You and any member of your household can retain the right to sue by completing this form and mailing it to the Kentucky Department of Insurance.

When did KY become a no-fault state?

Enacted in 1975, Kentucky's Motor Vehicle Reparations Act, KRS 304.39 (sometimes referred to as the No-Fault Law) has two components: personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and limitations on an individual's right to sue and be sued (tort rights).

What are the advantages of a no-fault state?

The advantage of a no-fault system for states is that it reduces lawsuits after car accidents, decreases legal expenses, and provides quicker access to medical coverage for individuals involved in accidents.

How does insurance work in no-fault state?

In no-fault states, each driver in an accident must file a claim with their own insurance company, no matter who is at fault. So, 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 insurance company if you or your passengers are hurt.

What are the disadvantages of no-fault insurance?

Opponents of no-fault insurance argue that the benefits are purely theoretical and that past performance has proved that no-fault is ineffective. Drawbacks include the following: No compensation for pain and suffering, paralysis, or other non-economic damages; arbitrary limits are imposed.

How long does a no-fault accident stay on your record?

In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.

Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?

However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.

What is accident forgiveness?

What is Accident Forgiveness? Available in select states, Accident Forgiveness is an auto insurance coverage option that potentially helps you avoid a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. Others on your policy can also benefit from Accident Forgiveness. But it can only be used once per policy.

Can you go to jail for no insurance in Kentucky?

Driving without insurance in Kentucky may also result in jail time. For a first offense, you may have to serve up to 90 days in jail in addition to paying fines. For a second offense and offenses after that, you may have to serve up to 180 days in jail.

What does PIP mean in insurance?

Personal injury protection (PIP), also known as no-fault insurance, covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers if you're injured in an accident.

What is the bodily injury threshold in Kentucky?

The law mandates that your policy meets the following minimums: $25,000 for bodily injury, per person. $50,000 for total bodily injury, per accident.