What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Car Insurance?

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Key Takeaways

Also called no-fault insurance, personal injury protection coverage is an important type of car insurance that offers financial assistance if you or your passengers get hurt in a car accident, no matter who caused it.
PIP doesn’t help cover damage to your car or someone’s property, theft or the other driver’s injuries. That’s why it’s important to have a robust car insurance policy that helps protect you from those situations.
Depending on where you live, your PIP requirements and availability will change. To make things simple, we’ve outlined the requirements by state.

What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

Personal injury protection (PIP), also known as no-fault insurance, is a type of car insurance coverage that helps cover expenses like medical bills, lost wages or funeral costs after a car accident, no matter who is at fault. Requirements for this coverage vary from state to state.

Let’s take a closer look at the personal injury protection definition. You can learn more and take advantage of customizable coverage options by getting a quote with AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford.¹

Tip:

You can also learn more about coverages by reviewing our glossary of important auto insurance terms and definitions.

What Does Personal Injury Protection Insurance Cover?

If you’re in an auto accident, PIP covers your own medical expenses and any additional costs of medical care for your injured passengers, no matter who is at fault for the accident.

This car insurance coverage applies even if you’re not driving. For example, if you’re hit by a car while walking, your PIP coverage covers injuries by helping to pay your medical costs. Plus, on top of covering medical treatment for injuries caused by a car accident, PIP coverage can even help cover your health insurance deductible.

Other covered losses also include:

Work Loss

If you’re injured in an accident and have lost wages because you’re out of work, your PIP coverage can help.

For example, if you break your hand and can’t perform your tasks at work, PIP will help pay for any lost wages while you recuperate at home. This benefit can also apply if you’re self-employed and need to hire temporary workers to perform tasks, like if you’re a landscaper and can’t finish your properties due to a sprained ankle.

Funeral Expenses

PIP coverage can help pay for funeral and burial expenses or cremation costs after a car accident. This applies to the driver and passengers in your vehicle but not the driver of the other car.

Survivors’ Loss

PIP insurance can help replace lost income for the surviving family members of someone who dies in a car accident. This benefit can provide comfort and peace of mind during a difficult time, helping to alleviate financial burden or stress that may be on your plate.

Essential Services

Your PIP insurance can also help pay for services that you’d normally perform if you weren’t injured. This includes tasks like child care, housecleaning or other related costs.

drivers protected by auto insurance personal injury protection from The Hartford

What Is Not Covered by PIP Insurance?

Car insurance personal injury protection won’t help cover:

Property damage
Vehicle damage
Vehicle theft
The other driver’s injuries in a collision
Any injuries from an accident while committing a crime, like fleeing the police
Injuries in an accident while driving for work

Because PIP doesn’t cover everything, you’ll want to make sure you have the right limits selected for these other automobile insurance coverages to help ensure you’re fully covered on the road:

You can learn more about auto insurance PIP limits and other essential coverages by getting a car insurance quote from The Hartford or calling us at 888-546-9099 today.

Personal Injury Protection Coverage Requirements by State

State car insurance requirements are not the same everywhere. In fact, they vary quite a bit across the United States, depending on where you live. Our map shows the states where PIP is required, optional or not available.

No-Fault States

In no-fault states, every driver must file a claim through their own auto insurance policy after an accident, regardless of who caused it. This means that all drivers need to buy personal injury protection coverage as part of their auto policies.

States with no-fault coverage laws are:

At-Fault States Where PIP Is Required

At-fault states require the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident to pay for injuries, up to their coverage limits.

States with at-fault laws that require PIP coverage are:

At-Fault States Where PIP Auto Coverage Is Optional

These are the states where PIP is considered optional coverage.

female driver happy to be protected by auto insurance pip from The Hartford

Get a Quote for Auto Insurance Personal Injury Protection Coverage

For over 40 years, AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford has offered customizable coverage options to get you the quality protection you need without breaking the bank. To learn more about personal injury protection, from PIP claims to coverage limits, call The Hartford at 888-546-9099 or get a car insurance quote online today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Protection

What Is PIP in Auto Insurance vs. Bodily Injury Coverage?

Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage helps pay expenses related to things like medical bills, lost wages or funeral costs for you and your passengers after a car accident, no matter who is at fault. Availability and requirements for this coverage vary from state to state. Bodily injury is a liability coverage that helps cover the costs of injuries for any passengers in the other car and is required by law in most states. It also helps pay your legal defense fees if you cause an accident and the other driver files a claim against you.

Is Personal Injury Protection Coverage Worth It?

Personal injury protection coverage can be a wise policy enhancement. It offers extended financial protection from many scenarios for you and your passengers, including helping to cover child care costs, medical expenses or lost wages if you can’t work after being injured in a car accident.

When Can I Receive Benefits for Covered Losses?

After you file a claim, your insurance benefits will kick in once it’s approved. Keep in mind: PIP benefits typically trump medical insurance. So, if you’re hurt in a car accident, your personal injury protection coverage will come before your medical insurance when paying out a claim, in most states.