Nov 27 2008
No-Fault and Fault Systems
Each state has one of two kinds of automobile insurance systems:
• no-fault automobile insurance systems
• fault automobile insurance systems
No-fault. In states with no fault automobile insurance systems it doesn’t matter who caused the accident. Each insurance company pays for the property damage and medical expenses of its policyholders according to the terms of the policy. If the property damage or medical injury is serious and expensive, the no-fault system may not apply and fault will have to be determined to identify the insurance company that is liable for the loss.
Fault. In states with fault automobile insurance systems, it does matter who caused the accident. Fault is either admitted or proved. Determining fault may involve a lawsuit. The insurance company of the at-fault driver pays the losses of the other driver. The insurance company of the at-fault driver also pays the losses of the at-fault driver according to the terms of the policy.
There are three major types of automobile insurance: collision, liability, and medical expense.
• Collision covers property damage to your car caused by an accident. It does not cover the other person’s car.
• Liability insurance covers property damage and personal injury to the other driver.
Medical insurance covers the cost of your personal injury. Your health insurance company also may cover the cost of your medical care resulting from an automobile accident.