Miss this and you may lose your no-fault benefits entirely. Here's exactly what you need to file, where, and by when — in plain language.
New York law requires you to file a no-fault claim — Form NF-2 — with your own insurance company within 30 days of the accident. This is separate from any police report and separate from who was at fault. It's a paperwork deadline, and insurance companies enforce it strictly.
Miss it, even by a single day, and your insurer can deny your claim in full — no coverage for medical bills, no coverage for lost wages, nothing. There are very few exceptions.
Don't wait to have every detail figured out — file what you have now and correct it later if needed. A late, incomplete form is almost always better than no form at all. If you think you may have already missed the window, reach out — there are a small number of exceptions worth checking.
My pain didn't start until a few days after the accident. Can I still file?
Yes. The 30-day clock runs from the accident date, not when symptoms appeared. Get care as soon as you feel anything and make sure it's documented.
What if my claim gets denied anyway?
A denial isn't final. You have the right to appeal and request arbitration, and many denials are successfully challenged.
Do I need a lawyer to file Form NF-2?
No — this is a form you can file yourself directly with your insurer. Legal help becomes more relevant if your claim is denied or your injuries are severe.
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