What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

Auto insurance is a recognized standard as a driver, but what about personal injury protection? Personal injury protection (PIP) is additional coverage on your insurance policy that can be claimed to cover medical expenses and lost wages as a result of injury in a car accident in Maryland. Many people do not realize the benefits of PIP and end up opting out of the coverage.

In Maryland’s insurance statute there are seven categories of PIP coverage:

• The insured (policy holder)
• Insured’s family members of the same household
• Passengers of the insured
• The insured in any other auto vehicle accident
• The insured’s household family members in any other auto vehicle accident
• Any other permitted operators of the insured vehicle
• Injured pedestrians by the insured vehicle

At DuBoff & Associates, Chartered we know that any amount of money lost or owed as a result of being injured in a car accident is significant. Often times, standard auto insurance coverage just doesn’t cut it. Provide yourself with more peace of mind and add PIP to your policy today.

We offer a free review of your insurance coverage. Simply bring in a copy of your policy and we will let you know what you can do to improve your coverage. Click here to learn how we can help and set up an appointment today.

Here’s what you need to know:

Is PIP applicable to me?

Maryland requires that all insurance companies offer PIP coverage on your auto insurance policy. However, a vehicle owner can waive personal injury protection. We advise you not to waive this important coverage and to instead find the best PIP coverage offered by your insurance for your needs.

Personal injury protection is especially important to have for those who are frequently traveling with passengers.

Do you need help determining if your insurance coverage is right for you? We can help. Simply bring us a copy of your policy and we will review it for free.

What are the benefits of PIP coverage?

Even if you are the at-fault driver in an accident, PIP covers the resulting injuries and lost wages up to a certain amount. In fact, PIP is commonly called “no-fault” coverage because you can file a claim regardless of what fault you have in the accident. Personal injury protection can supplement your car insurance claim by compensating you for medical expenses and lost wages directly caused by the car crash. These damages are not usually covered by your auto insurance or health insurance plans. Also know that your insurance rates cannot be raised if you have a PIP claim, according to Maryland’s insurance statute that is in place.

How much more will PIP cost on my current auto insurance plan?

It’s hard to say for certain how much your rate will rise from adding PIP to your plan. The increase can vary depending on your insurance company and the number of vehicles that you want to cover, but fees usually start around $5 per month. Talk with your insurance agent today and you can receive a quote to help you decide how much PIP coverage you want. In Maryland, the minimum coverage is $2,500, however, some policies are as much as $10,000 in coverage.

How do I opt-in to PIP or choose a coverage that’s right for me?

After speaking with your auto insurance agent, you might still be confused about your specific PIP needs. At DuBoff & Associates, Chartered, we are here to help you navigate personal injury protection plan application and to consult you on your unique needs. We offer a free review of your insurance coverage; simply bring in your policy to our office. Contact our office today to speak to one of our personal injury attorneys.