Personal injury protection (PIP) is a type of car insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. It is also known as no-fault insurance.
PIP insurance is required in some states, while it’s optional in others. It typically covers medical expenses such as hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and prescription medications. It may also cover lost wages if you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in a car accident.
What does personal injury protection (PIP) cover?
PIP coverage typically covers the following:
Medical expenses: PIP helps pay for necessary medical expenses resulting from an accident, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation services.
Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to accident-related injuries, PIP can provide compensation for the income you would have earned during that time.
Funeral expenses: In the unfortunate event of a fatality resulting from an accident, PIP may cover funeral and burial expenses.
Essential services: PIP can also cover expenses for services you may need due to your injuries, such as house cleaning, child care or transportation to medical appointments.
Who does PIP insurance cover?
Personal injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically extends to the following individuals:
- Policyholder: PIP covers the policyholder named in the insurance policy. As the policyholder, you are entitled to PIP benefits for your accident-related injuries, regardless of fault.
- Household members: PIP often extends coverage to members of your household, such as your spouse, children or other dependents, while in your car or when hit by another vehicle.
- Passengers: PIP can cover injuries sustained by passengers in your vehicle, even if they are unrelated to you or residing in your household.
- Household members: PIP often extends coverage to members of your household, such as your spouse, children or other dependents, while in your car or when hit by another vehicle.
It’s important to note that the specific coverage and limits can vary depending on your insurance policy and the regulations in your state.
What isn’t covered by PIP insurance?
While Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance provides broad coverage, PIP typically does not cover certain things. It includes:
- Property damage: PIP insurance is primarily focused on covering medical expenses and lost wages, so it generally does not cover damage to your vehicle or other property resulting from an accident.
- Intentional acts or criminal activities: PIP insurance does not cover injuries that result from intentional acts or illegal activities.
- Expenses beyond policy limits: PIP coverage has limits. You may be responsible for the remaining costs if your medical expenses or lost wages exceed the policy limits.
Make sure you review your PIP insurance policy to understand the specific coverage exclusions and limitations that apply.
What states require personal injury car insurance?
The following states are considered no-fault and require PIP coverage:
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
Each state has its own specific requirements for PIP coverage, so it’s important to know the rules and regulations of your state.
PIP coverage requirement by state
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance requirements vary depending on whether you live in a no-fault or at-fault state. In no-fault states, PIP insurance is mandatory and required by law. However, in at-fault states, PIP insurance may not be offered at all, or it may be available as an add-on to your liability insurance.
If you live in an at-fault state and do not have PIP insurance, you may still be able to sue the other party involved in the accident for damages. This means that if you are injured in an accident caused by another driver, you can still seek reimbursement for injury expenses from your car insurance company.
| State | PIP coverage required |
| Florida | $10,000 |
| Hawaii | $10,000 |
| Kansas | PIP: $4,500/person for medical expenses $900/month for one year for disability/loss of income $25/day for in-home services $2,000 for funeral, burial or cremation expense $4,500 for rehabilitation expense |
| Kentucky | $10,000 |
| Massachusetts | $8,000 per accident |
| Michigan | Amount varies depending on health insurance |
| Minnesota | $40,000 per accident |
| New Jersey | $15,000 per accident |
| New York | $50,000 |
| North Dakota | $30,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $5,000 |
| Utah | $3,000 per person |
Source: Insurance information institute and state Departments of Insurance and Motor Vehicles.
What happens if you don’t have PIP coverage?
In some states, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is not mandatory. If you choose not to purchase it, you may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for your medical expenses resulting from a car accident. Alternatively, if you have medical payments coverage, you can use that to help cover some of your medical bills.
In a nutshell
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is a requirement if you live in a no-fault state. It can provide valuable coverage for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a car accident. PIP also covers substitute services, like a cleaning crew, and funeral expenses in some cases.
While PIP insurance is optional in some states, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and potential costs before deciding whether or not to purchase it.
Frequently asked questions about personal injury protection
What is the difference between PIP and MedPay?
MedPay only covers medical expenses regardless of fault, while PIP goes beyond and also covers lost wages and funeral expenses in some cases.
Can I use PIP coverage if the accident was my fault?
Yes, you can use PIP coverage regardless of fault. PIP operates under the “no-fault” system, which means you can file a claim with your own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident.
Does PIP cover injuries to passengers in my vehicle?
If you’re in an auto accident, PIP typically covers injuries sustained by passengers in your vehicle regardless of who’s at fault for the accident.
