What is PIP insurance? How does it work in Texas? It’s important to understand your auto insurance coverage.
So let’s look at everything you need to know about Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
How Does PIP Insurance Work in Texas?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a type of first-party auto insurance that provides coverage after a car accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. It also covers medical expenses for your passengers who get hurt due to the collision.
In Texas, PIP coverage is compulsory unless you choose to waive the coverage by signing a waiver. Opting out of this insurance can put you at risk if you unexpectedly get injured in an accident, as you may face significant medical bills and lost wages without adequate protection.
How It Works
If you are involved in a car accident in Texas and suffer injuries, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your medical expenses and those of your passengers, regardless of who is at fault. PIP insurance covers a wide range of costs, including:
- Reasonable medical expenses, such as surgeries, X-rays, dental or eye treatments, medical procedures, prosthetic devices, and professional nursing
- Ambulance services
- Rehabilitation therapies
- Funeral services
- Lost income resulting from the accident
Replacement of necessary services provided by the injured party, such as family care or household maintenance, if the injured person is not an income producer.
In Texas, every driver must be offered at least $2,500 of PIP insurance, but additional coverage of $5,000 or $10,000 is available if you want more financial protection. The policy limit applies to each person injured in the accident and represents the total amount of benefits available to cover all expenses.
What Is PIP Insurance? See It In Action
Imagine that you and your spouse were in a car accident, and you had purchased $5,000 worth of PIP insurance. In this case, your insurance would cover up to $5,000 in expenses for both you and your spouse.
Let’s say you suffered a broken leg and needed to go to the hospital by ambulance, get X-rays, and receive treatment for your injury. The PIP coverage you purchased could cover these expenses. However, there is a cap at the maximum amount of $5,000 available to cover all costs under your PIP policy.
How Much Is PIP Insurance?
The cost of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance in Texas is influenced by several factors, such as your location, the level of coverage you choose, and your driving record. To ensure that you get the best rate, we recommend comparing quotes from at least three to four different insurance providers before selecting a policy.
If you buy more coverage than the state-required minimum of $2,500, the cost of PIP insurance usually increases slightly. For instance, based on sample quotes, a driver who has only the minimum liability insurance requirements in Texas may pay less than $39 per month to add $10,000 in protective coverage.
What If I Waive PIP Coverage?
In Texas, if you decline Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, it will not affect your liability insurance premiums as it would in true no-fault states. Unlike some no-fault states that require PIP insurance, Texas doesn’t have a tort threshold that restricts your ability to sue another party in an accident.
No-fault laws often include tort thresholds and limit lawsuits in accidents involving injuries.
Final Thoughts
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is an essential type of coverage for Texas drivers. It provides protection against the financial burden of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
While PIP coverage is mandatory in Texas, drivers can decline coverage by signing a waiver. However, rejecting PIP coverage can leave drivers vulnerable in an unexpected accident.
Therefore, it’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Then, find a policy that provides adequate coverage at an affordable cost.
It’s important to understand the benefits of PIP and make informed decisions. In doing so, Texas drivers can protect themselves and their passengers from the financial impacts of a car accident.