# What is no-fault insurance?

> No-fault insurance usually means a system where your own policy pays certain injury benefits after a crash, regardless of who caused it.

Glossary date: February 23, 2026.

## How it works

The phrase does not mean fault never matters. Fault can still affect vehicle damage, liability claims, and whether an injured person may sue.

## Example

After a covered crash, a driver first seeks eligible injury benefits from personal injury protection on the driver's own policy.

## Why it matters

Using the wrong claim process can delay bills, especially when treatment and notice deadlines apply.

## What to check on your policy

Confirm whether your state uses a no-fault system and read the PIP claim instructions and deadlines.

Coverage, definitions, limits, and legal requirements vary by policy and state. Your declarations page and policy forms control your coverage.

## Related terms

- [Personal injury protection](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-glossary/personal-injury-protection.md)
- [At-fault accident](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-glossary/at-fault-accident.md)
- [Car insurance claim](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-glossary/car-insurance-claim.md)

- [Car insurance guide](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-guide.md)
- [Complete glossary](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-glossary.md)