What is PIP? Who has it? How can it help/hurt me?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP or “No-Fault”) coverage is required by law in the state of Utah on all auto insurance policies. It is basic coverage provided regardless of fault, through your own automobile insurance policy, or the policy covering the car you may be riding in as a passenger. It is also possible for passengers to make a claim through their own insurance company. If you were involved in an automobile accident as a pedestrian or as a bicycle-rider the PIP coverage of the driver that hit you is responsible for covering you. Motorcycle owners are not required to purchase PIP insurance. However, some motorcycle owners purchase a special insurance for motorcycles that includes “Med Pay,” which is similar to PIP.
PIP insurance benefits will cover, up to certain limits, your medical bills, wage loss and household expenses, if any, that arise from your accident. If available, PIP must be utilized before any other policy can be considered as a source of recovery.
What are the benefits of Personal Injury Protection?
1. The reasonable and necessary medical bills and expenses up to at least $3,000 per injured person. It is also possible that the PIP coverage on your policy has more than $3,000 available.
2. Up to 85% of you lost wages or $250 a week (whichever is less). For this coverage there is a one year limit.
3. Up to $20 a day for household services. If the accident has limited you ability to perform necessary household services you are entitled to up to be reimbursed for such. There is a one year limit for these services as well.

A claim can be made on your PIP coverage following an accident by contacting the appropriate insurance carrier and filling out an application and wage verification form, signed by each injured party. These forms are provided by the insurance company and are available upon request. The attending physician must also sign the forms and submit any subsequent bills to that insurance company. It is important to know that your insurance company cannot raise your insurance rates as a result of you making a claim against your PIP coverage. If your insurance company fails to pay these benefits, you may be entitled to additional interest and attorney’s fees on unpaid claims. If this happens it is important to contact an attorney to ensure that your interests are protected. If you are or were involved in an accident you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. It is in the insurance company’s best interest to make sure you walk away with as little as possible. Obtaining legal counsel can help you get the restitution you are entitled to and the benefits you have purchased with your premium dollar.