New York is a No-Fault state, which means that if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, your own auto insurance policy's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical treatment — up to $50,000 — regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Understanding how No-Fault works, and how to protect your rights under it, is one of the most important steps you can take after a car accident.
Who Is Covered Under No-Fault?
New York's No-Fault law covers drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured in a motor vehicle accident. If you were in the vehicle, you file a claim through your own insurance policy. If you were a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, you file through the insurance policy of the vehicle that struck you. Motorcyclists are not covered under No-Fault insurance in New York.
Coverage begins immediately — there is no waiting period. You are entitled to medical treatment from the moment of your accident, and no pre-authorization is required for initial evaluation.
What No-Fault Covers
New York's mandatory No-Fault minimum is $50,000 per person per accident. This coverage includes all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injuries, including:
- Initial injury evaluation and follow-up visits
- Diagnostic imaging including MRI and X-ray
- Electrodiagnostic testing (NCV/EMG)
- Specialist consultations — orthopedics, neurology, pain management
- Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture
- Prescription medications related to your injuries
- Transportation costs to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages up to $2,000 per month for up to three years
The 30-Day Rule: Why Timing Matters
This is the most important procedural requirement in No-Fault: you must file a No-Fault application (NF-2 form) with your insurance company within 30 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in denial of your entire claim. At MAIC, our intake team assists patients with completing and filing the NF-2 at the time of their first visit.
In addition, medical providers must submit bills within 45 days of providing treatment. MAIC's billing team handles all No-Fault claim submissions on your behalf — you do not need to manage this process yourself.
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
Your insurance company has the right to require you to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) conducted by a physician of their choosing. The IME physician's role is to evaluate whether your treatment is medically necessary under New York's No-Fault fee schedule and the WCB Medical Treatment Guidelines.
Insurance companies use IME findings to cut off No-Fault benefits — a process called "cutting off" or "independent medical exam denial." If your benefits are cut off after an IME, you have the right to appeal through No-Fault arbitration. MAIC's clinical team can provide documentation support for appeals of IME denials.
No-Fault Treatment at MAIC
MAIC's 60,000 sq ft NYS-licensed facility at 2522 Hughes Ave in the Bronx accepts all New York No-Fault insurance carriers. There is no out-of-pocket cost for No-Fault-covered treatment at MAIC. Our intake team handles all billing, authorization, and carrier communication on your behalf.
If you were in a car accident and have not yet started treatment, call us now at (888) 991-5290. Same-day appointments are available for No-Fault patients.