No-Fault Insurance at 40: Dusting Off an Old Idea to Help Consumers Save Money in an Age of Austerity

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first state (Massachusetts) to implement a no-fault law. Between 1971 and 1975, the District of Columbia and 15 states followed suit. During the 1970s, the U.S. Congress also considered, but failed to adopt, a national no-fault law. Since 1975, however, no state has adopted a no-fault law, due in substantial part to the opposition of the trial bar and the failure of no-fault to lower premiums. Four states and the District of Columbia have repealed their laws. Today, the idea seems almost forgotten.