California Car Accident Injury PIP Insurance Benefits
While renewing your insurance policy, you may have been asked about PIP insurance. In fifteen states this type of coverage is required, while in others it is an optional choice that is worth considering. Unless you are familiar with insurance terms, you might be confused about what PIP insurance is and what type of protections that it offers.
What Is California Car Accident Injury PIP Insurance?
PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection insurance. It is a type of coverage meant to pay out for medical and related expenses in the event of an accident. There are several pros and cons for this coverage.
Pros:
It provides coverage without establishing fault. In some cases, the facts of an accident can be questioned, meaning that no coverage is being provided until all of the facts are known and agreed upon. This can be several months to several years while bills continue to pile up and accrue late charges.
Coverage for medical needs, including treatment and transportation to appointments, is provided. Other coverage may include, dental care, vision care, childcare, and household services, such as mowing the lawn and general cleaning, if the injuries are severe. Funeral expenses may be covered. It may provide for lost wages as well.
Cons:
This coverage can be expensive, especially in states where it is considered to be optional. In most states, the coverage is not for 100% of expenses. Typically, coverage is for around 80%, with the rest paid by the insured. There is no hard and fast rule about what is and is not covered. Coverage varies by state and may vary within each state by insurance provider. It is important to know what is covered before making a final decision. Medical Treatments and Other Expenses
Since PIP is meant to cover injuries during an accident, it is important to have an idea of what kind of coverage that could entail. This coverage could mean:
Initial exams, such as at an emergency room or urgent care.
Follow-up appointments.
Medical equipment needed during your recovery, including braces, crutches, wheelchairs, and more.
Medications that are prescribed.
Specialists, consultation, and additional testing if required.
In some cases, paying for transportation to and from medical appointments.
Finding Out What Is Covered in Your State
In some states, PIP coverage is more comprehensive than in others. For instance, you might be able to go to a chiropractor for adjustments and follow-up treatment after an accident, and it will be paid for by this coverage in some states, while in others, it may be considered “unnecessary,” and the claim will be denied. In most cases, though, this type of treatment is allowed.
Most insurance agents can give a full breakdown of what is covered and what is not under PIP insurance before you choose a policy. It is important to know what type of medical care you would prefer so that you can make sure it will be covered in the event of an accident of any kind.
