Having a PIP, or personal injury protection, policy while traveling can help the policyholder cover the costs of medical bills and lost wages for himself and his passengers. As opposed to standard automobile insurance, PIP insurance is no-fault auto insurance that covers the driver and associated parties despite who caused the accident. In some states, PIP insurance is a mandatory extension of standard car insurance.
PIP Coverage
Per the particular policy, personal injury protection insurance may pay up to 80 percent of the driver and passengers’ medical bills, including rehabilitation. Sometimes, PIP covers the injuries of other drivers and pedestrians. If necessary, PIP also covers funeral costs.
Personal Injury Protection Versus Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage, or Med Pay, is another type of automobile insurance. While medical payments coverage and personal injury protection coverage share similarities, they differ in several ways. Like PIP, Med Pay covers the driver and passengers’ medical bills. Unlike PIP, Med Pay will not cover funeral costs, lost wages and other expenses. Therefore, many drivers prefer PIP.
Claims and Settlements
Generally, a policyholder who has personal injury protection insurance receives a settlement faster than a policyholder who has another type of automobile insurance. However, insurance companies do not always handle claims fairly and quickly. Anyone who is tired of dealing with their insurance company should seek advice from one of the personal injury attorneys at zaidlaw.com. Usually, PIP cases can be resolved without going to court, but if necessary, the attorney can file a lawsuit in order to seek a favorable settlement for the client.
Driving is dangerous, and anyone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel should consider personal injury protection insurance. Besides providing coverage for the policyholder, PIP insurance covers any passengers such as the policyholder’s spouse, children, friends or coworkers. The decision to forego PIP insurance is simply not worth the risk.
