The Other Driver Had No Insurance — Now What? | Accident Guide NY
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Uninsured or unidentified drivers

The other driver had no insurance — now what?

New York has a specific program for exactly this situation. Here's what MVAIC covers and how to access it.

You're not out of options just because the other driver had none.
MVAIC
Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation — NY's coverage of last resort
Act quickly
MVAIC has its own deadlines, separate from standard no-fault — don't assume you have 30 days
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What MVAIC is

The Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) is a New York State program created specifically for victims of accidents involving uninsured or unidentified drivers. If the driver who hit you had no insurance — or fled the scene and can't be identified — MVAIC exists as your path to coverage instead of a standard insurance claim.

MVAIC works differently from a regular no-fault claim, with its own eligibility rules and timing. It's worth getting the right guidance early rather than assuming the same process applies.

What it covers

Uninsured driversAccidents where the at-fault driver didn't have insurance at all.
Unidentified driversHit-and-run situations where the driver couldn't be identified.
Medical and wage benefitsSimilar in spirit to standard no-fault coverage, subject to MVAIC's own program rules.
Its own eligibility rulesMVAIC has strict requirements and deadlines that differ from a standard no-fault claim.

Strict deadlines and eligibility rules apply

Because MVAIC operates differently from standard no-fault insurance, timing and paperwork matter even more here. Don't wait to find out whether you qualify — reach out as soon as possible after the accident.

Good to know

  • A police report matters here even more. Documentation that the other driver was uninsured or unidentified supports an MVAIC claim.
  • This applies to hit-and-run accidents too. If the driver fled and couldn't be identified, MVAIC may be your path forward.
  • Immigration status is still not a factor. The same protections that apply to standard no-fault claims apply here.

Common questions

The other driver had no insurance. What are my options?

New York has MVAIC — a state program for victims of accidents involving uninsured or unidentified drivers. Strict deadlines and eligibility rules apply.

Does MVAIC work the same way as my own insurance would?

Not exactly. MVAIC has its own process, eligibility requirements, and deadlines, separate from a standard no-fault claim through your own insurer.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

That's exactly the kind of situation MVAIC covers. Reporting it to police right away helps establish that the driver couldn't be identified.

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Accident Guide NY LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Nothing on this page constitutes legal counsel or creates an attorney-client relationship. Content is for informational purposes only. Laws change — consult a licensed New York attorney for advice specific to your situation.