What is Zero Threshold?
Updated January 24, 2026
A policy in some no-fault insurance states that allows injured parties to sue for pain and suffering without meeting a minimum injury requirement. States without threshold requirements provide broader access to the courts.
Understanding Zero Threshold
No-fault states vary in their threshold requirements. Some require injuries to meet a verbal threshold (serious injury) or monetary threshold (medical bills exceeding a certain amount) before allowing lawsuits. Zero threshold states, or states without no-fault systems, allow injured parties to pursue claims regardless of injury severity.
Examples
- 1Filing suit in a zero-threshold state for soft tissue injuries
- 2Comparing recovery options between no-fault and tort states
- 3Strategic considerations when injury may not meet threshold
Related Terms
No-Fault Insurance
An auto insurance system where each driver's own insurance pays for their medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.
Pain and Suffering
A category of non-economic damages compensating injury victims for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by their injuries.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Insurance coverage that protects you if you're injured by a driver who has no liability insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your damages.
Total Loss
When a vehicle is damaged to the extent that the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle's actual cash value, or when the vehicle cannot be safely repaired.
Bad Faith Insurance
When an insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim, or fails to properly investigate or defend its insured.
For Motor Vehicle Collision cases
The record behind a term like this one is built by the client, not the file.
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