Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may be a required part of no-fault insurance that covers injury to the insured driver. It is also known as no-fault insurance, although PIP is considered separate from no-fault coverage. PIP coverage is available as an addition to insurance plans in some at-fault states.
PIP coverage may sometimes be helpful if you are riding a bicycle or are a pedestrian hit by a vehicle or a passenger in another person’s car. PIP is regulated at the state level, so the monetary limits and rules may vary depending on your state of residence. PIP coverage covers medical expenses regardless of who was at fault.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
PIP is part of an insurance policy that covers medical expenses resulting from a car accident. Medical costs will be covered for the policyholder and any passengers. If costs exceed the policy provisions, a person’s regular health insurance may cover the remaining costs.
It is beneficial to utilize all your PIP availability before relying on your health insurance coverage. Some states have a subrogation clause that allows your health insurance to recover expenses from any remaining PIP funds that remain unused.
Health insurance coverage may include deductibles, co-pays, or other out-of-pocket expenses. Therefore, you should fully exhaust PIP benefits before using your healthcare coverage.
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Difference Between PIP and Bodily Injury Coverage
PIP covers medical costs associated with a car accident. Some of the items it may cover are:
- Ambulance costs
- Emergency room expenses
- Follow-up medical care
- Lost wages
- Transportation to appointments
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Funeral and burial expenses
Bodily injury liability coverage covers the medical costs for others if you are at fault for causing an auto accident. Almost all states require bodily injury coverage for drivers. Bodily injury can include:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Cuts and bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Bodily injury policies may cover other serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and other physical injuries resulting from an accident.
What Will PIP Cover After an Accident?
PIP coverage covers medical costs regardless of who is at fault. It is often called no-fault insurance because it protects you if you are at fault or involved in a single-vehicle accident. Some areas PIP coverage includes are:
- Medical expenses include surgery, emergency room treatment, ambulance and medical transportation, home care, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and braces.
- Lost wages may sometimes be available if you cannot work due to injuries.
- Home assistance such as cleaning if injuries prevent you from performing routine tasks.
- Funeral and burial expenses if the accident caused a fatality.
Check with your insurance adjuster if you are unsure what your coverage can pay.
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What does PIP NOT Cover?
PIP coverage will not reimburse for:
- Vehicle damage
- Theft of your vehicle
- Damage to other people’s property or vehicle
- Medical care that exceeds the policy limits
To provide for damage to vehicles, you need to add comprehensive or collision coverage to your policy. In some states, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover costs over PIP coverage.
PIP coverage is different than liability coverage. Every state except Virginia and New Hampshire require minimum liability coverage.
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Is PIP Required in All States?
PIP coverage is required in all no-fault states, which are:
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New York
- New Jersey
- North Dakota
- Utah
- U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico
In at-fault states, PIP requirements are decided at the state level. It is required in the following states:
- Oregon
- Texas
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Arkansas
In some areas, PIP is optional coverage that the policyholder can elect, including:
- South Dakota
- Virginia
- Washington
- New Hampshire
- Washington D.C.
- Wisconsin
Should I Add PIP if It Is Not Required?
Only you can determine if the added expense of PIP coverage is necessary for states where it is not required. To decide, evaluate your current health insurance policy.
Suppose injuries from a car accident are covered under your health insurance. In that case, you may not need PIP coverage. However, if your health insurance does not cover injuries from vehicle accidents, PIP coverage will handle those expenses.
Navigating a Claim for Personal Injury in Ohio
According to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PIP coverage is unavailable in Ohio. However, you can add optional MedPay coverage to your vehicle insurance to perform the same function as PIP coverage. MedPay covers the cost of medical treatment in Ohio, providing that it does not exceed your policy limit.
Suppose your medical expenses exceed the limits of your MedPay coverage. In that case, you will need further reimbursement from the at-fault driver. In that case, a car accident attorney can navigate your claims process.
Learn More About Insurance Coverage for Car Accidents by Contacting Us Today
The car accident lawyers at Bressman Law have experience dealing with insurance and accident claims. They understand the difficulties of coping with interstate accidents involving drivers with different personal injury insurance coverage requirements. Ohio has three no-fault states along the borders, each with different procedures for making an accident claim. Contact us for a free claim evaluation.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
