If you own a car in MA, you are aware that the state requires you to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Basically – if you want to drive, you need to have it. Oftentimes when something is mandatory, we just accept it as fact and don’t really pay much heed to the why or what for…we just oblige. But what exactly is MA auto insurance personal injury protection and why do many states mandate that drivers have this additional “no-fault” coverage?
What it Covers
Personal Injury Protection allows for insurance companies to pay out certain benefits regardless of who is at fault for an accident. It is a broad level type of insurance that provides basic medical coverage as well as the following:
- Physical and Occupational therapy
- Psychiatric and Other Professional Health Services
- Loss of Wages
- Replacement Services – i.e. Child Care, Cleaning Services, Grocery Delivery, etc.
Hence, PIP covers both basic medical coverage as well as other benefits that might be necessary after sustaining an injury in a car accident – up to a point. Which leads us to the next question…
How Much Does PIP Cover?
The minimum requirement by law in MA is $8,000 per person, per accident. However it can get complicated when it comes to medical and wage coverage, as well as some rather confusing stipulations re: who is entitled to receive, which doctors are eligible, and various conflicts with other types of insurance. Your best bet is to speak with your agent for specific details regarding the various nuances that are associated with PIP coverage.
So – Why Is PIP Coverage Important?
This is where your health insurance factors into the mix. Many plans do not cover all of the expenses associated with an injury sustained in a car accident – especially if you have a medical insurance plan that only covers a percentage of costs and requires a huge out-of-pocket expense. While PIP should not be considered a substitute for health insurance, it can help cover additional expenses that your health insurance company may not pay out due to your type of plan.
Should You Purchase More than the Minimum?
Insurance is meant to cover liability. While PIP insurance is no fault, that doesn’t mean that someone injured in an accident where you are at fault won’t sue you personally for damages that exceed what your insurance plan covers. So in this instance, it may behoove you to purchase more than the minimum required by law. A helpful side note – additional coverage is often inexpensive.
So there you have it…a quick tutorial on what is MA auto insurance Personal Injury Protection. Now you are an informed observer of the mandatory law! Contact us for additional information on this and any other MA auto insurance coverage.
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