What Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Cover? A Complete Guide for Drivers

Personal Injury Protection, commonly known as PIP, is one of the most important—and often misunderstood—auto insurance coverages. If you’re involved in a car accident, PIP helps pay for medical expenses and other related costs regardless of who was at fault.

In this guide, we’ll break down what Personal Injury Protection covers, what it doesn’t cover, and why it’s especially important for drivers in no-fault states.

🩺 What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

Personal Injury Protection is a type of auto insurance coverage designed to pay for medical expenses and certain financial losses after a car accident—no matter who caused the crash.

PIP is mandatory or commonly required in several states and is a key component of no-fault insurance systems.

✅ What Does Personal Injury Protection Cover?

PIP coverage typically includes:

🏥 Medical Expenses

PIP helps pay for:

- Emergency room visits

- Hospital stays

- Doctor visits

- Surgery

- X-rays and diagnostic tests

- Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Coverage applies to injuries sustained by:

- You (the policyholder)

- Passengers in your vehicle

- Sometimes household members

💊 Prescription Medications

If you’re prescribed medication as part of your accident-related treatment, PIP can help cover those costs.

💼 Lost Wages

If injuries prevent you from working, PIP may reimburse a portion of your lost income while you recover.

🧑‍🦽 Essential Services

PIP may cover the cost of services you can’t perform due to injury, such as:

- Childcare

- House cleaning

- Yard maintenance

⚰️ Funeral & Burial Expenses

In fatal accidents, PIP may help cover funeral and burial costs, depending on your policy and state requirements.

❌ What PIP Does NOT Cover

Personal Injury Protection does not typically cover:

- Damage to your vehicle

- Damage to other people’s property

- Injuries to drivers of other vehicles

- Pain and suffering (covered under bodily injury liability)

🗺️ PIP Coverage in No-Fault States

PIP is especially important in no-fault insurance states, where each driver’s insurance pays their own injury-related expenses.

🗽 New York

- PIP is mandatory

- Minimum coverage: $50,000 per person

- Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services

🌴 Florida

- PIP is mandatory

- Minimum coverage: $10,000

- Pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages (subject to limits)

💡 Important: In Florida, benefits may be limited if injuries are not classified as an “emergency medical condition.”

🤔 Who Is Covered Under PIP?

PIP typically covers:

- The policyholder

- Passengers in the insured vehicle

- Household members injured while driving or walking

Coverage details vary by state and insurer.

💰 How Much PIP Coverage Do You Need?

While states set minimum requirements, higher limits may be beneficial if you:

- Don’t have strong health insurance

- Are self-employed

- Carry high deductibles

- Want extra financial protection after an accident

📞 Get Help Choosing the Right PIP Coverage

Not sure if your Personal Injury Protection coverage is enough?

Our licensed insurance specialists can review your policy, explain how PIP works in your state, and help you choose coverage that fits your needs and budget.

📞 (631) 629-2233
📞 (386) 274-8150

Call today for a FREE, no-obligation auto insurance review and make sure you’re properly protected.

🏁 Final Thoughts: What Does Personal Injury Protection Cover?

Personal Injury Protection plays a critical role in protecting drivers from unexpected medical and financial expenses after an accident. Understanding what PIP covers—and how it works in your state—can help you make smarter insurance decisions.

If you drive in a no-fault state like New York or Florida, having the right PIP coverage isn’t optional—it’s essential.

📞 Reach out today and speak with a licensed specialist who can help you choose the right protection with confidence.