Who pays for car damage in Kentucky?
Asked by: Prof. Arnold Yost | Last update: August 25, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (24 votes)
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.
How do I get someone to pay for car damage?
What happens after a car accident in Kentucky?
Contact the Police
If a motor vehicle collision in Kentucky results in bodily harm or death or renders your vehicle inoperable, you must report the incident to the authorities. You are required to contact the Kentucky State Police if there is damage to vehicles or property that totals more than $500.
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.
Use Patience To Win Your Injury Case
Should I file a claim if I'm 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.
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 medical bills after a car accident in Kentucky?
The at-fault driver's insurance provider can pay your medical bills and other expenses. Kentucky drivers who have been seriously injured in a car crash will soon begin to realize as the medical bills start rolling in that $10,000 from PIP doesn't go too far.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, you are required to file a police report if there is more than $500 worth of damage. However, you have 10 days to file. If you didn't talk to the police after your minor accident, you may still have time to report the property damage.
How many days after a car accident can you claim injury?
For personal injury cases like car accident lawsuits, you have two years from the date of the accident. If you're dealing with damage to your vehicle but no injuries, you have three years to file.
Should I pay for a car accident out of pocket or let insurance pay?
If the repair costs are less than your deductible (or even slightly more) you should pay for the repairs out of pocket. For example, if the damage to your car costs $300 to fix, and your deductible is $200, you would save $100 by filing a claim.
How do you ask someone to pay for car damage?
- Type your letter. ...
- Be polite. ...
- Keep it short, but not too short. ...
- Tell your side of the story. ...
- Ask for what you want, but be reasonable. ...
- Set a deadline. ...
- Keep copies. ...
- Use certified mail.
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.
Is Kentucky still a no-fault state?
Kentucky is one of three “choice no fault states” where no-fault coverage is the default but can be rejected in writing. And even if you don't opt out, it's still extremely likely that you'll need to file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company anyway if you do get hurt in an accident.
Does collision pay regardless of fault?
In California, determining fault is crucial in deciding who ultimately pays the deductible. California follows a “fault” insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident pays for the damages through their insurance company.
What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in KY?
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.
Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage?
It may not make sense to file a claim if the bumper damage is minor and the repair cost is lower than your auto insurance deductible. If you have a low deductible, it may be worthwhile to file a claim, even for minor repairs.
How long do you have to report an accident in KY?
To start, by law anyone involved in an automobile accident involving property damage exceeding $500 must file a Civilian Collision Report with the Kentucky State Police (KSP) within 10 days of the accident.
Can you file an insurance claim for an accident without a police report?
Police reports are helpful tools for documenting an accident and establishing fault. However, even though insurance companies consider police reports important when investigating a claim, they are not required in California. You can still file and succeed on an insurance claim without a police report.
Who pays for injury claims?
Insurance & Personal Injury Compensation
Usually, compensation is paid through an insurance policy. In relation to a road traffic accident, we are all required to have insurance to cover compensation payments in the event that we cause an accident. In such situations, the insurance company will pay out.
What if my medical bills are more than my settlement?
In such cases, individuals may need to explore various options to address the remaining medical bills including negotiating with healthcare providers, seeking assistance from health insurance, or exploring legal avenues to potentially reopen the case.
What does "no fault" cover?
So let's start with a basic definition: no-fault insurance, sometimes referred to as personal injury protection insurance (PIP), can help cover you and your passengers' medical expenses and loss of income in the event of a covered accident, regardless of who is found at fault.
Should you file a claim if I'm not at fault?
» FAQs » Should I Call My Insurance If a Car Accident Was Not My Fault? Yes, you should call your insurance company if you were in a car accident that was not your fault.
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.
What to do if someone claims you hit their car?
- Evaluate the Situation.
- Speak to the Other Party Politely.
- Take Photos and Videos.
- Gather Witnesses.
- Check for Nearby Cameras.
- Report the Incident.
- Explain Your Side Clearly.
- When to Consult an Attorney.