Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

by Anna Glendenning | More from this Blogger

04 Feb 2007 04:20 AM

Personal Injury Protection Also known as "PIP", is a special form of "no fault" insurance that covers the cost of injuries to you, your family, and your passengers. PIP pays for medical expenses and loss of income caused by an auto accident regardless of which driver is at fault. PIP covers the medical and lost income costs those who were injured in your car.

No Fault Personal Injury Protection can add to the basic auto insurance medical payments coverage because it often includes broader and more covered expenses. PIP may cover the cost of:

• Medical expenses
• Emergency Rescue
• Emergency Transportation
• Loss of income
• Essential services
• Accidental death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Survivor benefits.
• Childcare costs while you or a passenger is in the hospital
• Household help and housekeeping services.
• In some cases depending on your states laws, PIP will cover "pain and suffering" and "loss of companionship."

The Personal Injury Protection portion of auto insurance coverage generally pays the expenses actually incurred, up to the specific limit and per-person dollar stated on the auto insurance policy. PIP coverage is limited to the policy limits and pays for injuries to the people inside of your automobile. Some people argue that drivers are better off saving the money they spend for Personal Injury Protection and investing in a good heath insurance policy.

In most of the "no fault" insurance states PIP is required as part of the minimum auto insurance policy. In other states PIP is offered as an optional protection. It's important to understand your own state's auto insurance requirements. Talk with your agent or insurance company and ask what your states Auto Insurance laws are. You may also be able to find information by searching the Internet and looking for "auto insurance laws and requirements" for your own state. No Fault and Personal Injury Protection laws vary widely from state to state.

Related Blogs:

• No-Fault Auto Insurance: The Basics
• No-Fault Auto Insurance: Pros and Cons
• Ask Anna: Pennsylvania Auto Accident
• The Contents of An Auto Insurance Policy.

Glossary of Insurance Terms:

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Families.com Blogs are for informational purposes only. Families.com assumes no responsibility for consumer choices. Consumers are reminded that it is their responsibility to research their choices properly and speak to a certified insurance professional prior to making any decision as important as an insurance purchase.

Learn more about Anna Glendenning

Anna Glendenning is a mother of four. Two biological children grown and out of college, and two siblings and adopted together in 2003. Anna's Personal Website http://www.adoptiveparentsnetwork.

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