What does PIP cover that health insurance doesn't?

PIP covers lost wages and household services (like hiring someone to do chores you can't do while injured), which health insurance typically doesn't. It also covers medical bills without deductibles or copays in many cases.

Is PIP required in my state?

PIP is mandatory in 12 no-fault states including Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Utah. Other states offer it as an option.

What is the difference between PIP and MedPay?

Both cover medical bills after a crash. PIP also covers lost wages, rehabilitation, funeral costs, and household services. MedPay is narrower — just medical bills — but available in more states and usually cheaper.

Does PIP cover passengers?

Yes. PIP covers you, passengers in your vehicle, and in many states, household family members injured in any vehicle or as pedestrians.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): What It Covers and Who Needs It

June 29, 2026

What personal injury protection does

Personal injury protection, or PIP, is a first-party medical coverage that pays for your injuries after a crash without waiting to determine fault. In no-fault states, it's the main source of compensation for your own medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident.

What PIP typically covers

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment.
Lost income: A portion of wages lost while you recover and can't work (typically 60–80% of income).
Rehabilitation costs: Ongoing physical or occupational therapy.
Funeral expenses: In the event of a fatal accident.
Household services: Costs of hiring help for tasks you can't perform while injured, such as cleaning or child care.

Coverage amounts and specific benefits vary by state. Michigan, for instance, has some of the most comprehensive PIP benefits in the country.

PIP vs. your health insurance

If you have solid health insurance, PIP may seem redundant. However, PIP fills gaps that health coverage often misses: it pays lost wages, covers deductibles, and extends to passengers who may not be on your health plan. In no-fault states, using PIP rather than health insurance keeps your health insurer from seeking reimbursement later.

How much PIP coverage to carry

No-fault states set minimum PIP limits that you must carry. Common minimums range from $10,000 to $50,000. Higher limits provide more protection for serious injuries. In states where PIP is optional, consider your health insurance deductible and how much income you'd lose during a recovery when deciding whether to buy it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PIP cover that health insurance doesn't?: PIP covers lost wages and household services (like hiring someone to do chores you can't do while injured), which health insurance typically doesn't. It also covers medical bills without deductibles or copays in many cases.
Is PIP required in my state?: PIP is mandatory in 12 no-fault states including Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Utah. Other states offer it as an option.
What is the difference between PIP and MedPay?: Both cover medical bills after a crash. PIP also covers lost wages, rehabilitation, funeral costs, and household services. MedPay is narrower — just medical bills — but available in more states and usually cheaper.
Does PIP cover passengers?: Yes. PIP covers you, passengers in your vehicle, and in many states, household family members injured in any vehicle or as pedestrians.