no-fault

adjective

ˈnō-ˈfȯlt 

1

: of, relating to, or being a motor vehicle insurance plan under which someone involved in an accident is compensated usually up to a stipulated limit for actual losses (as for property damage, medical bills, and lost wages) by that person's own insurance company regardless of who is responsible for the accident

2

: of, relating to, or being a divorce law under which neither party is held responsible for the breakup of the marriage

3

: characterized by the absence of a prevailing sense of individual responsibility (as for behavior)

Examples of no-fault in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But now, nearly 50 years later, no-fault divorce is under increasing attack. —Marcia Zug, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2024

Related article What is no-fault divorce, and why do some conservatives want to get rid of it? —Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024

Jose Rodriguez is spearheading efforts to have the City Council consider adopting local tenant protections from no-fault evictions following a devastating rain storm that upended living conditions for many residents. —Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2024

He’s made amends with his four adult children and agreed to a no-fault divorce from his wife. —Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 21 Jan. 2024

Opposition to the legality of no-fault divorces, which allow one partner to file for divorce and don’t require a specific reason for the split, is surging anew in conservative circles. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2023

Michigan no-fault auto insurance:How to pick the cheapest options How to watch the Michigan Legislature The Michigan Capitol is open to visitors when the Michigan House or Michigan Senate are in session, offering a chance to watch lawmakers vote on bills and deliver floor speeches in person. —Detroit Free Press, 26 Aug. 2023

Today, however, every state offers a no-fault divorce option allowing an easier out. —Rebecca Feinglos, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2023

That new law requires a landlord to pay a tenant two months’ rent in the event of a no-fault eviction but does not restrict rent increases. —Cameron Fozi, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

no-fault

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or being a motor vehicle insurance plan under which someone injured in an accident is compensated usually up to a stipulated limit for especially actual losses (as for property damage, medical bills, and lost wages) by that person's own insurer regardless of who is responsible for the accident and is prohibited from or limited in his or her right to sue the responsible party

2

: of or relating to no-fault divorce

a no-fault ground for dissolution

see also no-fault divorce at divorce