New York is one of the world’s most popular destinations, attracting millions of tourists annually. This includes high-end travelers from all over the U.S. who want to experience The Big Apple while prioritizing comfort and luxury.
For luxury travelers, a stay in New York includes premium accommodations and expensive transportation. But, even if you get around the city on the best transport money can buy, an accident can still happen.
If it does, you must know how to file a claim and when to get a lawyer. It is also important to note that New York is a no-fault state, which will impact your compensation.
No-fault insurance is an auto insurance system streamlining the compensation process after a car accident. In no-fault states, each party involved in a car accident files a claim with their insurance company. This must happen regardless of who was to blame for the accident.
Filing claims like this aims to reduce the number of lawsuits filed for minor car accidents.
Under New York’s no-fault laws, all drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for medical expenses and loss of income after an accident. Again, it does not matter whose fault the accident was – the coverage must pay for these and other accident-related costs.
New York’s minimum PIP coverage is $50,000 per person, per accident. However, you can purchase additional coverage if need be.
If you are using a premium vehicle to travel, you cannot stay unfamiliar with New York’s specific insurance laws.
It is important to know that PIP coverage applies to passengers and drivers. This means that if you are in an accident in New York, the no-fault insurance provides coverage for everyone in the vehicle, regardless of fault.
For luxury travelers, the driver's insurance policy will cover you if you are in a hired car or rented luxury vehicle.
You must ensure the service provider has adequate PIP coverage if you use private car services like limousines with chauffeurs. Base coverage for PIP will cover up to $50,000, but you may want to inquire about additional coverage for more protection.
No-fault insurance covers medical bills and lost wages. Even if you are visiting from another state, the policy of the driver of the car you are in should pay for accident-related medical expenses.
It is essential to understand the limitations of PIP coverage if you are used to a high standard of medical care. If the driver of the car does not have additional insurance, the PIP minimum will likely not cover top-tier private healthcare.
New York’s no-fault insurance also places restrictions on filing personal injury lawsuits. You can only file a lawsuit for additional compensation if certain conditions are met.
For example, if you want to file a lawsuit for non-economic damages, your injuries must meet the state’s definition of serious injury. This includes conditions like severe fractures, disfigurement, and loss of body function. If you are used to resolving legal issues via a lawyer, the no-fault insurance system may feel very limiting.
Moreover, this restriction can greatly impact you if you lose out on business opportunities because you are recovering from injury. At this point, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in no-fault insurance and personal injury cases.
If you are renting a luxury vehicle in New York, you also need to know how no-fault insurance works with the rental car company's insurance. PIP coverage may still be required, but luxury cars have higher rental insurance costs. This is especially true for collision damages.
Checking whether the rental company provides sufficient liability and PIP coverage is a good idea. Otherwise, you will need to get supplemental insurance in the event of an accident.
If you are an international traveler, you must check that your travel insurance covers no-fault accidents in the U.S.
No-fault insurance covers anyone injured in a car accident while in New York. Typically, this includes out-of-state and international visitors.
If you drive a vehicle registered outside New York, your insurance policy will likely not align with the city’s no-fault laws.
PIP insurance provides only a base level of protection for accidents. It will likely not be sufficient for you if you expect more comprehensive coverage.
You should purchase the highest levels of coverage if you are renting a luxury vehicle. Additional PIP coverage or other insurance policies can help ensure that your medical costs and other expenses are fully covered.
If you want to hire a private driver, you must ensure that the company provides insurance coverage for the vehicle and passengers. Also, check that the company has a good safety record.
Before you travel anywhere in New York, consulting with an insurance expert may be a good idea. They can advise what type of insurance you need to protect yourself best while traveling. They can also check whether your personal insurance policies will cover you under New York’s no-fault laws.
If you are planning to use Uber Black while in New York, you will be covered by the company’s insurance coverage. You will also be covered by the city’s no-fault insurance and the driver’s personal insurance policy.
You can file an additional claim if the Uber is in an accident while you are in the vehicle. But having a lawyer guide you through the process is important.
The no-fault insurance system in New York is meant to provide quick access to compensation if you are in an accident. However, if you are used to comprehensive insurance covering everything, PIP coverage may not work out well for you.
If you want to file a claim for compensation above and beyond PIP coverage, you must hire a lawyer to assist you. This will ensure you know what to expect and whether your claim is reasonable.
