Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state of Pennsylvania?
Asked by: Abbigail Emmerich | Last update: August 13, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (5 votes)
Who pays for car damage in Pennsylvania?
There are two ways to receive payment for property damage when involved in a Pennsylvania car accident that is not your fault — through your own insurance company or through the at-fault party's carrier.
How does no-fault insurance work in PA?
Pennsylvania provides for the no-fault payment of your initial medical expenses and wage losses up to the limit of coverage you had selected. These benefits are paid by your insurer and are not dependent on proof of fault. Once you exceed your coverage limits, you may seek coverage from the at-fault motorist's insurer.
Who pays for car damage in no-fault states?
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.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am not at-fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
Who Pays For Car Damage In A No Fault State?
How does insurance work if it's not your fault?
You will file a claim with your auto insurance for damage to your vehicle, medical bills, property damage, and, potentially, lost wages due to injury. The car insurer collects money from the at-fault driver's coverage. Your claims might be limited by the other driver's coverage limits and the state where you live.
Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?
After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.
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.
Should I call my insurance if it wasn't my fault progressive?
Start the claims process
Regardless of who's at fault, it's a good idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred.
When someone hits you, do you call their insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your own insurance will pay if you have the right coverage. Always call your own insurance company, even if you think the other driver is at fault.
What are the cons of no-fault insurance?
CONS: Fewer legal options: In most states, drivers with no-fault policies are restricted from suing unless the injuries meet a certain severity threshold. Potentially higher premiums: Some say no-fault insurance may lead to higher premiums due to more claims being filed.
How long does a no-fault accident stay on your record in PA?
In Pennsylvania, an accident stays on your driving record for a period of four years.
What coverage is mandatory in PA for when you cause an accident?
Pennsylvania law requires all Pennsylvania motor vehicle owners to maintain vehicle liability insurance (financial responsibility) on a currently registered vehicle. Vehicle liability insurance covers the property damage or injuries you may cause others in a crash.
What does it mean when PA is a no-fault state?
Is Pennsylvania a no fault state? Yes, Pennsylvania is indeed a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, each driver's own insurance company is responsible for covering their medical expenses and other financial losses resulting from the accident.
Who pays if a pothole damages your car?
If you sustained pothole damage to your car on the freeway or any other California highway, you'll want to file your claim with Caltrans. Caltrans will reimburse up to $10,000 or less for damages or injuries caused by a pothole, and it doesn't require a filing fee.
How much will the insurance company pay for the damage to the car?
A typical insurance payout for a totaled car will be for its actual cash value. It's generally determined by factors such as year, make, model and mileage. Simply put, it's what your car could have been reasonably sold for before the damages.
How do insurance companies handle no-fault accidents?
A no-fault state is one where drivers involved in a car accident are required to file claims with their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident. This system relies on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which compensates for medical expenses and lost wages up to a state-determined limit.
What to do if you bump a car but no damage?
* Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. * Document the incident: Take photos of both vehicles, even if there's no visible damage. * Report the incident: If required by law in your area, report the incident to the police.
Who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled?
If you own the car without any loans or liens, you will receive a check for the value assessed by the insurance company. If there is a loan, the check usually goes first to the leasing company or the lender. If you owe money on the vehicle, you should notify the lending company that your car has been totaled.
Why do I have to pay deductible when it's not my fault?
Insurance companies collect deductibles every time they settle a claim, so they don't care who was at fault. You would not be at fault if your car was stolen from a secure facility, but you would still pay a deductible if you filed an insurance claim.
Does your insurance pay if you are not at fault?
Who pays in a no-fault accident? If there's an accident between two drivers, each party's PIP coverage typically pays for their respective medical bills and/or wage loss up to their policies' limits, no matter who caused the accident.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.
Can my husband drive my car if he is not on my insurance?
Usually, yes. Your car insurance coverage should be able to extend to anyone else driving your car. Even if someone isn't listed on the policy, they can operate your vehicle. If you explicitly name someone as an excluded driver in your policy, however, none of this applies to them.
Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?
If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.
What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car Progressive?
Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.