Need state-specific charts?
Our policy pillar guide maps every PIP limit, deductible, and coordination option.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required in most no-fault states and optional in others. It pays quickly after an accident, helping you handle medical bills, lost wages, and everyday services while waiting for the liability investigation to finish.
PIP covers medical expenses, lost income, essential household services, and funeral costs for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. You can often choose deductibles or coordinate PIP with your health insurance to control the premium.
1. What PIP covers
- Doctor visits, hospital stays, imaging, rehab, and prescription meds.
- Percentage of lost wages up to state-specific caps.
- Replacement services (childcare, cleaning, snow removal) if you cannot perform them while recovering.
- Funeral expenses and survivor's loss benefits in severe cases.
2. State-by-state variations
PIP rules vary widely. Use this cheat sheet:
Mandatory PIP states
FL, NJ, NY, MI, MN, OR, and others require PIP. You must carry at least the state minimum.
Optional PIP states
In states like TX, WA, and MD, insurers must offer PIP, but you can reject it in writing. Consider keeping at least minimal coverage for quick cash flow.
3. Coordination with health insurance
Some states let you coordinate PIP with your health plan. Coordinated PIP pays only what your health plan does not cover, lowering your auto premium. Choose this option if:
- You have a robust health plan with low deductibles.
- You do not mind filing through your health insurer first.
- You want to lower your auto insurance premium without losing protection.
4. Deductibles and excess PIP
Ask whether your carrier offers deductibles or excess PIP (extra limits beyond the state minimum). Increasing the deductible can trim the premium, while excess PIP is handy if you earn a high income and need more wage replacement than the basic policy offers.
Action step: list your current PIP limit, deductible, and coordination election on a worksheet. Compare it to your household income and health plan. Adjust the coverage so it mirrors your actual cash needs after an accident.