Why do insurance companies still determine blame in car accidents if you have 'no fault' insurance.?

Sue

"No Fault" is a misnomer - it is only Personal Injury Protection - This means your MEDICAL bills are paid by your own carrier no matter who is at fault in the accident. There may also be some lost wages coverage & a death benefit too. Companies still & I'm sure always will determine who is at fault in regards to the bodily injury & property damage liability. In a "no fault" state there may be statutes that say when you can or cannot sue for bodily injury. The insurance company for the at fault party will pay the % they are at fault to the other insurance company or other party (if they didn't initially go through their own insurance first).

la428282

The problem is you understand the meaning of no fault wrong. Generally no fault only pertains to injuries (and it means your own insurance is primary for injuries)

For example, in florida (another "no fault state") the at fault party is responsible for the other vehicles damage as well as 20% of medical expenses. The "no fault" kicks in because your own insurance (even when your not at fault) pays 80% of medical.

This is too prevent people trying to collect too much money for injuries from the at fault party

blb

I am licensed in MN and no fault for MN only applies to the medical bills that you may have due to an accident. It doesn't have anything to do with the damages to the vehicle.

The adjusters do have to determine who is at fault in an accident for the damages to the vehicle.

fighting saints

Ah another no-fault question from my beloved home state.

The phrase "No-Fault" is very confusing for the general public. As three people have already pointed out "No-Fault" pertains ONLY to the medical bills. When the lawmakers of MN decided to come up with the no-fault statute they picked a horribly confusing name.

Under the statute the phrases "no-fault" means that no matter who is at-fault for an accident that any medical bills are paid by your own company. So even if the other person is at-fault your own auto insurance company HAS to pay the bills.

So since "no-fault" refers to only the medical bills the companies still have to investigate to determine who caused the accident. Depending on the factors both drivers can be held partially at fault for an accident. The investigation will determine percentage of fault which should lead to one party getting at least part of their collision deductible reimbursed.

Fred C

Different no-fault jurisdictions have different rules. In Manitoba, for instance, no-fault applies to injuries, not to vehicles. Regardless, of the rules, somebody causes the accident, therefor someone is at fault. No-fault just means blame does not have to be assessed to settle the claim. In other words, no-fault doesn't mean nobody's fault.

jlewis_media

ey I pulled this one for ya, so you owe me one, haha... better check on it....

"Don't Apply For Car Insurance Until You Read This"
http://www.useful-tips.com/auto-car-insurance-guide/AutoInsurance.html

Luey

Because they still want their money from whoever was more responsible. It all happens behind the scenes, so don't be too concerned.

bundysmom

"No fault" is misleading. All it means is if you're in a wreck you can pursue your damages thru your insurance or the at fault person's insurance company.

Insurance companies determine fault b/c there are many civil legal issues at stake that you the driver don't know about, don't care about, and aren't knowledgeable in...until you get sued. They determine fault b/c if they pay your damages they want to recover it from the person responsible. The determine fault b/c if someone wants them to pay for the damages you caused they make sure the claim valid and you legally owe the damages. They determine fault to keep your butt out of court as best as possible--and with such a sue happy society we live in......

@ng

Because if it was your fault, that gives them reason to raise your rates.

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