What Does Kentucky No-fault Insurance Mean?

When it comes to car insurance, Kentucky has unique laws. According to the Kentucky Driver Manual, “all motor vehicles registered or operated in Kentucky must be covered by liability insurance and basic no-fault personal injury insurance.” Kentucky is one of twelve states with no-fault laws, and one of three states in the US has “choice no-fault” laws. Having a comprehensive understanding of these laws can provide assistance when seeking much-needed compensation for a car accident. 

No-Fault Insurance Does Not Mean it is No One’s Fault

No-fault insurance covers every person involved in the car wreck, even if they are at fault. So, if you cause a car accident and are hurt, no-fault insurance (PIP) will cover you for up to $10,000 in lost wages (up to $200 a week) and medical bills. However, you will not be able to recover from the other driver’s liability insurance since you were at fault. Below is a chart for reference on what policies of insurance apply based on who is at fault. 

Are you at fault for the Wreck?	What Coverage applies?
Yes	PIP Benefits from your policy. Your personal property damage policy (if you have one) after you pay the deductible.
No.	PIP Benefits.  The at-fault driver’s insurance to cover property damage to your vehicle. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance to cover medical bills lost wages, and pain and suffering. Underinsured motorist insurance you or a family member living with you has, which is to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering beyond the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.

 

What Is Covered by Car Insurance in Kentucky?

According to No-Fault Insurance Quotes, Kentucky’s no-fault insurance is also known as PIP or personal injury protection. In Kentucky, PIP covers the costs of medical expenses and revenue losses after a car accident. Not only the policyholder but also anyone present in the vehicle at the time of the accident is eligible to obtain PIP coverage under the policy. There are a wide variety of medical costs that can be covered. If a car accident victim is injured to the extent that they require medical attention/hospitalization, this will be covered through their insurance. Whereas expenses for prescriptions and rehabilitation are only sometimes covered.

In addition to PIP coverage, Kentucky law requires vehicle owners to provide minimum amounts of liability insurance. Liability car insurance covers injuries and damages to property if you are at fault for an accident.  As stated in the Kentucky Driver Manual, the minimum requirements in Kentucky for liability insurance are:

• $25,000 of Coverage for injuries per person
• $50,000 of total Coverage for all injuries caused by the accident
• $10,000 of Coverage for property damage

What Happens When No-Fault Coverage Runs Out? 

Unfortunately, car accidents can rack up medical bills and repair expenses higher than the $10,000 covered through no-fault insurance. Furthermore, insurance companies may not provide the medical provider’s payment right away because they will be fighting with the medical provider over the cost of the treatment. This could negatively impact your credit score and cause other issues down the road.

How Can You Help Yourself?

• Buy excess PIP. You can purchase more PIP from your car insurance company. Insurance is like coffee, the first cup will cost you, but if you go up in size, it isn’t that much more expensive. Having more PIP, unlike coffee, will help alleviate stress. The last thing you want while trying to get better is more stress that comes from not knowing how medical bills will be covered and lost wages from being unable to work.
• Buy more Underinsured Motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage is the most crucial insurance coverage you can have on a car. Most people, especially post coronavirus, will be driving with as little insurance on their vehicle as possible. The only way you can protect yourself and your family is by making sure you buy as much underinsured motorist insurance as possible. This will cover you and anyone in your car (up to the insurance limits) for past and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Again, excess UIM isn’t that expensive (maybe an extra $15 to $20 a month), and if you need it, you will be happy you have it. Do not be without it.

 

Have Questions? Contact Us

Just because you buy the insurance doesn’t mean the companies will necessarily hand it over, but that’s what we help with. But, we can’t help unless there is Coverage to go get.

The Dixie Law Group fights insurance companies to get back what was taken after a car accident, truck accident, slip, and fall or workplace injury. If you have questions about your PIP or UIM Coverage or were in a wreck and the insurance company is refusing payment, please give us a call at 502-305-4654.                                               

You will receive a 100% free consultation with an attorney.                                                    Dixie Law Group, PSC – A Neighborhood Personal Injury Law Firm