If you’re injured in an accident, PIP could cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.
Car insurance that covers personal injury, regardless of fault, pays for the medical expenses resulting from car-related injuries. This coverage is available in 21 states and Washington, D.C., but 13 states require that all drivers have a minimum amount personal injury protection, commonly referred to as PIP.
What is personal injury coverage?
PIP covers any injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of fault. It also includes other benefits. PIP may pay for the following depending on where you live:
- Injuries and medical expenses that result from a car accident.
- You may lose your wages if you are temporarily unable to work because of injuries sustained in an accident.
- You can’t perform certain services due to an accident like housecleaning and child care.
- Funeral costs for an accident-related injury that results in death
- A cash payout and a small death benefit.
You may need to pay a deposit if you want to collect PIP benefits. PIP typically covers the policyholder, their family members, and passengers. It also covers anyone who is driving the car with permission. PIP may also cover you in the event that you are injured riding in another car or being struck by a bicycle or pedestrian.
What does PIP mean for no-fault insurance?
No-fault insurance is also known as personal injury protection. It is available in states that have no fault laws such as New York, Florida, and Michigan. These laws prevent injured drivers from suing at fault drivers after an accident, unless the severity of their injuries or their medical bills exceed their state’s minimum requirements. Minimum amounts of PIP are required by no-fault states for all drivers.
State-sponsored personal injury protection
PIP can be purchased in 21 states as well as Washington D.C. Thirteen states require drivers that they carry a minimum amount. A few other states offer it as an optional addition to your policy. The map below will show you if your state has PIP and what the minimum requirements are.
13 states require personal injury protection
Drivers in 13 states must purchase a minimum amount PIP. However, the amount varies from one state to another. The table below shows which states require personal injuries protection and the minimum requirements.
Is personal injury coverage the same as medical pay?
Although medical payments coverage (also known as Medpay) covers medical expenses resulting from a crash, regardless of fault, it does not offer additional financial benefits like PIP, such as lost wages, funeral costs or child care.
Optional coverage is Medpay. Some states offer both PIP coverage and medpay, including Florida, Kansas and Massachusetts. If medpay is offered, it might be worth adding it to your policy. It can help you pay your PIP deductible.
