What Is No-Fault Insurance in New York?
Who pays for what, how the system works, and what every accident victim in NY is entitled to from day one.
Read the guide →🇵🇭 Filipino & Asian Community · New York
Got Into an Accident in New York?
Here's What Happens Next.
New York law covers your medical bills, lost wages, and more after a car accident — find out exactly what you're entitled to and what you need to do before your deadline passes.
Accident Guide NY is not a law firm. This site provides free information only — not legal advice.
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These Are the Questions We Hear Every Day
Thousands of Filipino, Korean, Chinese, Indian, and other immigrant families across Queens, Nassau, and New York navigate accidents every year — often without knowing what they're entitled to.
Anong gagawin ko? What do I do right now?
Will my immigration status affect my claim?
Who pays my medical bills while I recover?
The other driver had no insurance — do I have options?
The insurance company called me. What should I say?
I'm not sure if I already missed a deadline.
How This Works
From Accident to Clarity in Three Steps
Each section covers one part of what comes after an accident — so you always know where you are and what comes next.
1
Understand Your Coverage
New York requires every driver to carry no-fault insurance. Find out what it covers, who qualifies, and how much you're entitled to.
2
Know Your Deadlines
There are hard deadlines after every accident in New York. Missing them — even by a single day — can end your claim entirely.
3
Take the Right Next Step
Once you understand your situation, you'll know whether to file a claim, get care, dispute a denial, or explore additional options.
Topics
What Do You Need to Know?
Start with the guide most relevant to where you are right now. Each one covers a single topic in full.
The 30-Day Deadline That Changes Everything
Miss this and you may lose all benefits. Here's exactly what you must file, where, and by when.
Read the guide →What to Do in the First 24 Hours
What to document, who to call, and what to avoid saying in the hours right after your accident.
Read the guide →What Medical Treatment Is Covered?
Doctors, physical therapy, MRIs, medications — a breakdown of what no-fault pays for and what falls outside it.
Read the guide →Your Rights Regardless of Immigration Status
There are still protections available to you under New York State law — regardless of your status.
Read the guide →What Is an IME and What Should You Know?
The insurance company may send you to their doctor. Here's what that exam involves and what your rights are.
Read the guide →When Can You File a Lawsuit?
No-fault covers up to $50,000. Some injuries allow you to go further. Find out if yours qualifies.
Read the guide →The Other Driver Had No Insurance — Now What?
New York has a specific program for exactly this situation. Learn what MVAIC covers and how to access it.
Read the guide →Critical Deadline
The Number That Matters Most After Any Accident
30
Days to File Your Claim
New York law requires you to file a no-fault claim (Form NF-2) with your insurance company within 30 days of your accident. This deadline has very few exceptions. Missing it — even by one day — typically results in full denial of your benefits.
- 1Call your insurance company to report the accident — ideally within 24 hours
- 2Request Form NF-2 from your insurer and complete it fully
- 3Submit within 30 days of the accident date — keep a copy of everything
- 4Seek medical care and make sure your injuries are documented from the start
Know This
Protections That Apply to You
These are guaranteed under New York State law. Insurance companies are not always forthcoming about them.
🛡️ Immigration Status Is Not a Factor
Undocumented residents have the same right to no-fault benefits as any other accident victim. NY law does not require proof of immigration status to file a PIP claim.
🚗 Fault Doesn't Determine Your Coverage
Even if you caused the accident, your own insurance still covers your medical bills and lost wages under no-fault.
💊 Medical Treatment Is Covered
All reasonable and necessary treatment up to $50,000 — emergency care, physical therapy, specialist visits, diagnostic imaging, medications, and surgery.
💼 Lost Income Is Recoverable
If your injuries prevent you from working, no-fault covers 80% of your lost income — up to $2,000/month for up to 3 years.
📋 A Denial Is Not Final
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal and request arbitration. Many denials are successfully challenged.
🚫 You Control Who You Speak To
The other driver's insurance company may contact you. You are not required to give them a recorded statement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions From Our Community
Real questions from Filipino, Asian, and immigrant families across New York — and the answers that matter.
What is no-fault insurance and how does it work in New York?
No-fault insurance means your own car insurance pays your medical bills and some lost wages after an accident — regardless of who caused it. Every registered car in NY must carry at least $50,000 in PIP. You file with your own insurer first, and the determination of fault happens separately.
I don't own a car. Am I still covered?
Yes. If you were a passenger in someone else's car, you're covered under that vehicle's policy. If you were a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a car, you're covered under the driver's policy. Car ownership is not a requirement.
I'm undocumented. Will filing a claim create problems for me?
No. Immigration status has no bearing on your right to file a no-fault claim in New York. Insurance companies are not immigration enforcement and do not share claim information with immigration agencies.
My pain didn't start until a few days after the accident. Can I still file?
Yes. Delayed pain is very common after accidents. The 30-day clock runs from the date of the accident, not the date symptoms appeared. Get medical attention as soon as you feel any pain and make sure it's documented.
The other driver had no insurance. What are my options?
New York has the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) — a state program for victims of accidents involving uninsured or unidentified drivers. Strict deadlines and eligibility rules apply.
The insurance company scheduled me for their doctor's exam. Do I have to go?
In most cases, yes. This is called an Independent Medical Examination (IME). Failing to appear can result in suspension of your benefits. You have rights during this exam, however — our IME guide covers what to expect.
I work in healthcare. Does my job affect my claim?
No. Your profession does not affect your right to file. Nurses, home health aides, and other healthcare workers are entitled to the same benefits as anyone else — including lost wage coverage.
Can I go after the other driver for more than what no-fault covers?
Yes — if your injuries meet New York's "serious injury threshold." Qualifying injuries include fractures, significant permanent limitations, and being substantially disabled for 90 out of 180 days post-accident.
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No-fault coverage per person in NY
30
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Start With What Matters Most
Understanding your no-fault coverage is the foundation of everything that comes next.
Read: What Is No-Fault Insurance in New York? →