Car accidents are very random, and the chances of you or your passengers getting injured are high. However, buying a personal injury protection policy will comprehensively the injuries succumbed regardless of who’s at fault.
Whether you need it or not primarily depends on your state’s traffic policies and regulations. In some regions, PIP is a requirement for their no-fault auto insurance laws limiting your ability to sue. Get a good PIP policy and hire a qualified personal injury lawyer to increase your chances of securing worthy compensation. Here is more about personal injury protection and why you need it.
What’s Personal Injury Protection?
The personal injury protection policy pays all medical bills and rehabilitative costs for all the victims after getting involved in a car accident. It differs from bodily injury liability as it covers the medical expenses of other passengers and drivers when at fault.
The ideal personal injury protection insurance includes coverage similar to your Medical Payments policy. However, it’s explicit to car-related injuries, which are often exempted from other policies. Note that it varies by state and features a coverage limit per person.
Personal injury protection is most common in no-fault states. In such states, if a policyholder is involved in an accident, their policy will pay for all victims in their vehicle, regardless of the responsible party. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you qualify for some benefits.
This policy makes quality medical care affordable while compensating for lost income and child care. Currently, over 12 states have PIP as an auto insurance requirement.
Do I Need Personal Injury Protection?
In no-fault states, PIP is a requirement for all road users. Note that your state sets the minimum coverage while the maximum is determined by the insurance providers. To better understand this concept, here are the primary categories of auto-liability insurance laws:
No-fault – This law commands that your insurance covers all injuries and damages after an accident, even when not at fault.
Tort liability – All injuries and damages are paid by the insurance company of the driver at fault and have no limitations on your right to sue.
Choice no-fault – The involved drivers can choose between tort and no-fault liability.
In states requiring PIP, you cannot get behind the wheel without purchasing one. Although your health insurance coverage can provide similar protection, you still must get personal injury protection in no-fault states.
Puerto Rico and the following no-fault states have PIP as a state requirement:
- Delaware
- Arkansas
- Utah
- Oregon
- Texas
- Hawaii
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- New Jersey
For some individuals, personal injury protection coverage is optional. You can consider purchasing a cover even if it’s not a state requirement, as it helps clear accident-related expenses not on your health plan. The following states are where PIP is optional:
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
- Washington
What’s Covered By Personal Injury Protection?
Before purchasing any coverage, knowing what it covers and to what extent is essential. PIP covers several expenses, but they vary depending on the state. These expenses include:
- Medical care expenses, including hospital stays and any surgeries
- Any wages lost due to injuries from the accident
- Ongoing care from specialists like physical therapists
- If the accident resulted in death, they should pay for the funeral expenses
- Home care expenses like finding a home nurse to help with recovery
Unfortunately, a PIP policy doesn’t cover everything. It will not cover:
- Any injuries to other drivers
- Injuries incurred when driving to work
- If you were breaking the law
Finding the right personal injury protection policy is as important as considering life insurance. It’d help to consider the costs and ensure they align with your needs and budget. The insurer might request personal medical history to help create your ideal plan.
