What's personal injury protection?
Personal injury protection, also known as PIP or no-fault insurance, kicks in when you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, regardless of whose fault it is.
It covers medical expenses and things like lost wages and household services if you can't work. PIP also covers the other drivers on your policy and accidents involving you as a pedestrian.
You can add PIP coverage to a new or existing auto insurance policy. Here's what's usually covered and what isn't.
What's personal injury protection?
Personal injury protection, also known as PIP or no-fault insurance, kicks in when you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, regardless of whose fault it is.
It covers medical expenses and things like lost wages and household services if you can't work. PIP also covers the other drivers on your policy and accidents involving you as a pedestrian.
You can add PIP coverage to a new or existing auto insurance policy. Here's what's usually covered and what isn't.
What's covered?
- Ambulance rides
- Emergency room visits
- Follow-up medical visits and rehab services
- Prescriptions
- Lost wages
- Household services like childcare or cleaning
- Funeral expenses
What's not covered?
- Damage to vehicles and other property
- Accidents that happen during a crime
- Injuries to people in another vehicle
What's covered?
- Ambulance rides
- Emergency room visits
- Follow-up medical visits and rehab services
- Prescriptions
- Lost wages
- Household services like childcare or cleaning
- Funeral expenses
What's not covered?
- Damage to vehicles and other property
- Accidents that happen during a crime
- Injuries to people in another vehicle
Does my state require it?
These states require PIP coverage, but some of them let you opt out. If your state isn't listed here, PIP is optional or not available. In states where you can't get PIP, you may be able to get medical payments coverage.
Does my state require it?
These states require PIP coverage, but some of them let you opt out. If your state isn't listed here, PIP is optional or not available. In states where you can't get PIP, you may be able to get medical payments coverage.
Where it's required
Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah
Where it's required
Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah
Where you can opt out
Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C.
Where you can opt out
Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C.
PIP versus medical payments coverage
Like PIP, medical payments coverage provides protection regardless of who causes an accident. But medical payments coverage only pays for medical bills and has lower coverage limits.
PIP has higher coverage limits and can also pay for things like lost wages and essential household services. If you can't get PIP in your state, a good alternative may be medical payments coverage.
How does PIP coverage work?
Say you're riding your bike and someone hits you with their car. If that person has enough bodily injury liability coverage, their auto policy can help pay your medical bills up to their coverage limit.
But if they're uninsured or underinsured, your PIP coverage can be there for you.
How much should I get?
It depends on your situation. If it's required in your state and you have good life and health insurance, you could decide to purchase the minimum amount. If you want to take full advantage of the coverage, consider how much you can afford and if you have enough health or life insurance.