Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance: A Complete Guide (2024)
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, or no-fault car insurance, is required in 15 states to cover medical bills and lost wages after an accident. Mississippi and North Carolina have the cheapest PIP insurance rates, averaging $7/mo. Learn your state requirements and how to get the lowest PIP rates.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
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UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance pays medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who was at fault
- PIP insurance is required in 15 states
- Coverage is not available in every state – you might have to get medical payments insurance instead
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers medical expenses after an accident, no matter who was at fault. While required in 15 states, PIP insurance can save you thousands of dollars in medical costs and covers you while you’re healing, making it an invaluable part of a full coverage car insurance policy.
However, PIP car insurance is not available in every state. Read on to learn more about personal injury protection coverage, including how much it might cost and if you really need it. Then, compare PIP insurance quotes to find the best price possible.
How Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Works
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers your health care expenses after an accident, no matter who was at fault. PIP car insurance not only protects the policyholder but also any passengers you have in the car with you. PIP insurance often covers you when you’re a passenger in someone else’s vehicle.
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Like other types of car insurance coverage, PIP auto insurance has limits. Health insurance usually takes over if your medical bills exceed the per-person limit of your personal injury protection coverage.
Also called no-fault insurance, Personal injury protection car insurance is included in state car insurance requirements in 15 states. PIP insurance is not offered in every state – you can purchase MedPay insurance if PIP is not available in your state.
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What Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Covers
Wondering what happens if you’re injured by a driver without adequate coverage? Or if you can get reimbursed for lost wages after an accident? Personal injury protection car insurance has you covered.
Examples of PIP coverage include the following:
- Hospitalization costs
- Medical procedures like operations or surgeries
- Ambulance rides
- Physical therapy
- Personal care expenses like landscaping, house cleaning, and childcare
- Lost wages
- Funeral costs and death benefits
As mentioned, everyone in your car is covered up to your PIP limits. Aside from your personal injury protection insurance limits, coverage can vary between companies and states. If you’re unsure of what your policy covers, an insurance representative can help.
Comparing PIP Insurance vs. MedPay
Looking for possible alternatives to PIP insurance? Your first option is Medical Payments (MedPay) insurance, though not every state offers it. To compare PIP vs. MedPay, check the details below.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) vs. Medical Payments (MedPay): Key Differences
| Feature | Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage for Others | Generally extends to passengers and sometimes even pedestrians involved in the accident | Covers driver and passengers and does not extend coverage to pedestrians or other third parties |
| Coverage for Policyholder | Offers medical coverage specifically for the policyholder and often for their passengers too | Focuses primarily on covering the policyholder's and their passengers' medical expenses following an accident |
| Coverage Purpose | Covers a medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault, and may also include other damages like lost wages | Solely provides coverage for medical or funeral expenses resulting from an accident, irrespective of fault |
| Death Benefits | Can offer a death benefit or compensation if the insured dies due to accident injuries | Might provide a specific death benefit or sum in case the policyholder passes away from accident-related injuries |
| Deductible Requirement | Might have a deductible that needs to be met before the policy pays out | Has a very low or no deductible |
| Funeral Expenses | Might assist with funeral expenses in case of fatal accidents | Might provide a sum to cover funeral expenses after a fatal accident |
| Limits on Coverage | Comes with high coverage limits | Comes with lower coverage limits |
| Lost Wages | Can offer compensation for wages lost as a direct result of injuries from an accident | Doesn't offer compensation for lost wages |
| Rehabilitation Expenses | Can help cover costs associated with post-accident medical rehabilitation | Might extend to necessary post-accident rehabilitation |
| Required by States | Required in no-fault states | Not usually required in most states |
As you can see, a key difference between the two is that personal injury protection state requirements exist, while MedPay is not required in any state. Insurance representatives will understand your state’s necessary personal injury protection minimums, so you won’t have to worry about buying the right amount.
Comparing PIP Insurance vs. Liability Insurance
Although they often cover the same expenses, PIP and liability insurance are very different. Check below to get an idea of what each covers.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) vs. Liability Insurance: Key Differences
| Feature | Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Liability Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage for Others | Extends coverage to passengers and sometimes pedestrians involved in an accident | Covers medical expenses and property damages for other parties when the policyholder is at fault |
| Coverage for Policyholder | Provides medical coverage for the policyholder and their passengers | Covers medical costs and property damage of third parties injured by the policyholder |
| Coverage Purpose | Covers medical expenses, often regardless of who's at fault in the accident | Protects policyholders from financial ruin if they cause harm (either bodily or property damage) to others and are deemed at fault |
| Death Benefits | Can offer a death benefit or compensation if the insured passes away due to accident injuries | Doesn't provide a death benefit or compensation for the passing of the policyholder due to accident injuries |
| Funeral Expenses | Might provide funds to cover funeral costs in the event of a fatal accident | Doesn't typically cover funeral costs, either for the policyholder or injured third parties |
| Legal Defense | Does not usually provide legal defense coverage | Offers legal defense coverage if another party sues the policyholder for damages after an accident |
| Lost Wages | Compensates for lost wages due to injuries that prevent the policyholder from working | Doesn't provide compensation for lost wages for either the policyholder or the injured party |
| Property Damage | Does not cover damages to vehicles or property | Covers damages to another person's property or vehicle caused by the insured |
| Rehabilitation Expenses | Can cover the costs of post-accident medical rehabilitation, if necessary | Doesn't provide coverage for medical rehabilitation for the policyholder |
| Required by States | Mandated in some states, especially those that operate under a "no-fault" system | Almost universally required as it ensures that drivers can cover costs they might inflict on others |
Liability insurance is required in nearly every state so at-fault drivers can reasonably cover injuries and damage they cause. It’s meant to protect people who did not cause an accident and the policyholder from expensive bills.
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Understanding the Limits of PIP Insurance Coverage
When you need to use your PIP insurance, you’ll go through a process similar to how to file a car insurance claim of any other type. However, it’s important to understand your policy limits before you file your claim.
Most companies have a per-person limit for your PIP insurance, commonly capped at $10,000. If you’re in an accident, your PIP will cover up to $10,000 for medical expenses for each person in your car. After you hit that limit, other insurance types will need to cover the rest.
If your state requires PIP insurance, you must meet those minimums. Some PIP states require that companies offer PIP coverage, but you don’t have to buy it. For example, Texas car insurance requirements state a company has to offer you $2,500 worth of PIP coverage.
Regardless of your state requirements, you can always purchase more coverage. You should always buy only the coverage you need – while a higher PIP limit offers better protection, it also costs more.
States That Require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
To see how much insurance is required in your state, check the table below.
Liability Car Insurance Minimum Requirements by State
| State | Limits | Coverages |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Alaska | 50/100/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Arizona | 15/30/10 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Arkansas | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| California | 15/30/5 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Colorado | 25/50/15 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Connecticut | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Delaware | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| District of Columbia | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Florida | 10/20/10 | Property Damage Liability & Personal Injury Protection |
| Georgia | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Hawaii | 20/40/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Idaho | 25/50/15 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Illinois | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Indiana | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Iowa | 20/40/15 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Kansas | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Kentucky | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Louisiana | 15/30/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Maine | 50/100/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & MedPay |
| Maryland | 30/60/15 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Massachusetts | 20/40/5 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Michigan | 20/40/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Minnesota | 30/60/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Mississippi | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Missouri | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Montana | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Nebraska | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Nevada | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| New Hampshire | 25/50/25 | Financial Responsibility (None Required) |
| New Jersey | 15/30/5 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| New Mexico | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| New York | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| North Carolina | 30/60/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| North Dakota | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Ohio | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Oklahoma | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Oregon | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Pennsylvania | 15/30/5 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Rhode Island | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| South Carolina | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| South Dakota | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Tennessee | 25/50/15 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| Texas | 30/60/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Utah | 25/65/15 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection |
| Vermont | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Virginia | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist |
| Washington | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
| West Virginia | 25/50/25 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist/ |
| Wisconsin | 25/50/10 | Bodily Injury, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & MedPay |
| Wyoming | 25/50/20 | Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability |
PIP insurance is not always required, but it’s important to get the right amount if it is. For example, both New Jersey and Pennsylvania require PIP insurance before you can legally drive. However, New Jersey car insurance requirements include $15,000 worth of PIP coverage, while Pennsylvania car insurance requirements only require $5,000.
How to Find Affordable Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Finding affordable PIP car insurance works the same as any other type of insurance. The simplest way is to compare quotes with multiple car insurance companies.
All major car insurance companies will offer PIP coverage if you live in a PIP state. Going with the first company you look at will likely mean you’ll overpay for your coverage. Even if you want to add PIP insurance to an existing policy, you should still compare quotes.
Monthly PIP Insurance Rates by State
PIP insurance requirements can have a significant impact on your rates. To see how much PIP insurance rates average in your state, check the table below.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Monthly Rates by State & Coverage Level
| State | Minimum PIP Coverage | Maximum PIP Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $17 | $174 |
| Alaska | $347 | $694 |
| Arizona | $104 | $347 |
| Arkansas | $35 | $174 |
| California | $104 | $347 |
| Colorado | $35 | $347 |
| Connecticut | $139 | $347 |
| Delaware | $104 | $208 |
| Florida | $69 | $69 |
| Georgia | $17 | $174 |
| Hawaii | $69 | $69 |
| Idaho | $35 | $174 |
| Illinois | $174 | $174 |
| Indiana | $174 | $347 |
| Iowa | $139 | $139 |
| Kansas | $31 | $31 |
| Kentucky | $69 | $69 |
| Louisiana | $104 | $174 |
| Maine | $14 | $14 |
| Maryland | $17 | $69 |
| Massachusetts | $57 | $57 |
| Michigan | $104 | $1,735 |
| Minnesota | $278 | $278 |
| Mississippi | $7 | $7 |
| Missouri | $174 | $174 |
| Montana | $174 | $174 |
| Nebraska | $174 | $347 |
| Nevada | $139 | $139 |
| New Hampshire | $7 | $14 |
| New Jersey | $104 | $1,735 |
| New Mexico | $31 | $174 |
| New York | $347 | $347 |
| North Carolina | $7 | $7 |
| North Dakota | $208 | $208 |
| Ohio | $35 | $174 |
| Oklahoma | $174 | $174 |
| Oregon | $104 | $104 |
| Pennsylvania | $35 | $35 |
| Rhode Island | $14 | $14 |
| South Carolina | $35 | $174 |
| South Dakota | $174 | $174 |
| Tennessee | $104 | $174 |
| Texas | $17 | $174 |
| Utah | $21 | $21 |
| Vermont | $69 | $69 |
| Virginia | $174 | $174 |
| Washington | $69 | $291 |
| West Virginia | $139 | $139 |
| Wisconsin | $69 | $1,735 |
| Wyoming | $174 | $174 |
You might notice that PIP insurance can be very cheap in many states, especially if you pick the minimum amount. No matter where you live, however, you should always compare PIP quotes with multiple companies. It’s the only way to guarantee you find the lowest prices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is personal injury protection (PIP)?
PIP insurance covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, no matter who was at fault. It also often covers you when you’re a passenger in someone else’s vehicle.
What does personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance cover?
While policy specifics vary by company and state, PIP insurance usually covers hospital visits, surgeries, lost wages, personal care expenses like house cleaning, physical therapy, and funeral costs.
Do I need PIP car insurance if I have health insurance?
If you live in a state that requires PIP coverage, you’ll need it regardless of having health insurance. If not required, PIP coverage is often recommended to protect you and your passengers from injuries that your health insurance might not cover.
What is the difference between personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and liability car insurance?
While they cover similar expenses, the main difference between PIP and liability insurance is that liability only covers other people and property that you damage in an at-fault accident. Liability insurance does not protect you.
Is PIP insurance the same as bodily injury coverage?
No, bodily injury coverage is a type of liability insurance, and therefore, only covers other drivers and people you injure in an at-fault accident.
What states require personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance?
PIP insurance is required in Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
How do you file a PIP insurance claim?
PIP insurance claims work similarly to other types of claims. The most important first step is to report an incident to your insurance company. A representative will provide you with your next steps and tell you what documentation they need. It’s essential to promptly provide whatever your company requires to receive your full PIP coverage.
If you have passengers who want to make a claim with your PIP insurance, rules vary by state. An insurance representative can work with your passengers to make sure they get coverage.
How is personal injury protection (PIP) insurance paid out?
PIP claims tend to require more paperwork than other insurance claims, which means you’ll be paid out a little slower. Rather than one lump sum, your insurance will pay out claims as needed. Whether you receive a check or payment will be paid directly for services depends on the company.
Are there limits to personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance?
Yes, PIP insurance has per-person limits, which define how much your insurance will cover per incident. For example, if your PIP insurance has a $10,000 per-person limit, each person in your car at the time of an incident can claim up to $10,000 in PIP coverage.
What is the difference between personal accident cover and personal injury cover?
Personal accident coverage is a type of liability insurance that protects you against all kinds of accidents, not just ones involving a vehicle. It’s often included in employer liability insurance, but you can buy it as a standalone policy. Personal injury protection coverage only covers car accidents.
Is PIP insurance worth it?
PIP insurance is often worth it, even if you don’t live in a state that requires it. PIP coverage can save you thousands of dollars in medical expenses and help cover you while you heal.
How much does PIP pay?
The amount PIP insurance pays depends on the per-person limits of your policy.
Does using PIP insurance raise your car insurance rates?
While you’ll need to check with your company, most PIP insurance claims will temporarily raise your rates.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.