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What Is MVAIC?

When you’re involved in a car accident in New York, you expect your insurance coverage to kick in and help you recover. But what happens if you don’t have insurance or the other driver is uninsured? Fortunately, New York has a unique system to support victims in these situations — the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC).

Whether you’re a pedestrian hit by an uninsured driver or a passenger in an uninsured vehicle, find out how MVAIC works here.

What Is Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification (MVAIC)?

MVAIC is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1958 as a last resort for auto accident victims without insurance coverage. As a “no-fault” state, all New York vehicle owners must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault. However, not everyone has access to this mandatory coverage.

Who Is Eligible for MVAIC Benefits?

To qualify for MVAIC benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

The accident occurred in the state of New York
You were a New York resident at the time of the accident (with some exceptions for non-residents)
You have no automobile insurance available to you or your household.
You weren't the owner of the uninsured vehicle involved in the accident.
You weren't the spouse of the uninsured vehicle's owner and a passenger in that vehicle.

MVAIC is designed to help:

Pedestrians or cyclists struck by an uninsured or unidentified driver.
Passengers in an uninsured vehicle.
Victims of hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver can't be identified.

When Would You Need It?

Maybe you don’t own a car and live in a household without an insured vehicle. Or you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident where the driver fled the scene. In these situations, MVAIC steps in to provide the no-fault benefits and liability coverage you would usually receive from a standard auto insurance policy.

How Much Does MVAIC Cover?

MVAIC’s role is to ensure innocent parties injured in motor vehicle accidents aren’t left without recourse. By filing a claim with MVAIC, you can access up to $50,000 in no-fault benefits to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and other reasonable and necessary costs. It also offers bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

How to File an MVAIC Claim in New York

Report the accident to the police within 24 hours or as soon as possible.
Submit a Notice of Intention to file an MVAIC claim within 90 days for a hit-and-run or unidentified vehicle or 180 days for an identified uninsured vehicle.
Complete an NF-2 Application for Motor Vehicle No-Fault Benefits. You'll need to provide details about the accident, your injuries, and associated medical expenses.
Submit a Household Affidavit (written statement) verifying you had no other automobile insurance available at the time of the incident.

Once MVAIC receives these forms, they'll open a case file and review your eligibility. A claims examiner may interview you, and MVAIC will notify you whether your application has been approved or denied.

Key Takeaways

The Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) provides no-fault and liability protection for accident victims involved with uninsured or underinsured drivers.

To qualify for up to $50,000 in no-fault benefits, the accident must be reported to the police within 24 hours.

Individuals must file claims directly with the MVAIC to receive the available funds.

Injured In a Car Accident? Our New York Attorneys Are Here to Help

At Field Law Group, we understand the complexities of MVAIC eligibility and will work tirelessly to aid your recovery, whether that’s through MVAIC benefits or other legal avenues. We offer FREE consultations 24/7, and you won’t owe us a penny unless we win your case.

About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve.

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No Fees Unless We Get You Compensation.

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Understanding your rights and how you can recover compensation under the law is important. At Field Law Group, there is no downtime. We are here for our clients whenever they need us.

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