Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 12/9/2009

Question
if you are in a accident where the other driver was at fault, and you were the passenger do you have to have personal insurance to have medical bills payed

Answer
Hi Sam,

There would only be coverage for your medical bills under the vehicle owners policy if you are in a state that has "Medical Payments" coverage available and the vehicle owner purchased the coverage. In many cases Medical payments coverage is optional.

If the driver of the car you were in was at fault for the accident, then you would have a claim against his Bodily Injury Liability coverage. However, this coverage would not pay your medical bills as they are incured. Instead there would be a one time lump sum settlement after all of your treatment is completed. In that case you would use your own health insurance to pay the bills and then you would have to reimburse them when you achieve a settlement.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh