Liability Auto Insurance

Reader’s Question:

My car sustained considerable damage after hitting a roadside rail because of snowy roads. Will my liability auto insurance here in New York pay for the damages?

Will

New York, NY

New York is a no fault state. Essentially this means that the state’s financial responsibility laws require its resident motorists to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of up to $50,000. Personal Injury Protection is also interchangeably used and referred to as no fault insurance because in all no fault states PIP is always the first insurance requirement. After PIP the state also makes it compulsory for its drivers to have liability auto insurance.

The minimum liability auto insurance for the state of New York is pegged at $25,000 for bodily injuries to one person, and up to $50,000 to all passengers, and a minimum liability for property damage of $10,000. In your case, if your accident just so much as dented or scratched the roadside rail, then your liability auto insurance could be made to pay for the damage to this public property. On the other hand, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) should pay for your medical and hospital bills in case you sustained any injuries in the car accident. The state does not require collision and comprehensive coverage, but if you were prudent enough to get one and it was in effect at the time, then your auto insurance company should be able to help you out with the expenses you will incur to have your car repaired.’

Tags: Car Insurance Company, car insurance law, liability insurance, no-fault