Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
The
Texas Department of Insurance requires automobile insurance carriers in
our state to issue all automobile policies it writes at least $2500
worth of coverage and you have this coverage unless you reject it in
writing. Most people are unaware of this coverage or even know what it
is and therefore very few people use it. You end up paying for coverage
that they don’t inform you about and you’re entitled to.
Why?
Insurance is not understood and most people rely on their agent and
claims adjusters to advise them on what to do after an accident.
Insurance is a multi-billion dollar industry and are in business to make
money. They keep their costs down, less payout, more profits and
bonuses at the end of the year. Good for them and not for you.
What is PIP?
PIP
is no fault coverage similar to health insurance but on your auto
policy for your injuries and your passengers injuries. This coverage is
available regardless who is at fault. Yes, you can be the cause of the
accident and you will still be covered. There’s no deductible and no
co-payment. There is other separate coverage that will cover the other
party if you were at fault. If you do not have PIP then you could still
be covered if you were in an accident in another state besides Texas.
You may also be covered if you were hit in a crosswalk by a car or on a
bicycle or borrowing someone else’s car.
What will a claim do to my insurance rates and policy renewal?
Under
section 5.7016 of the Texas insurance code, automobile insurance
carriers cannot non-renew you for filing one PIP claim in a 12 month
period. Also, it is unlikely that they would raise your rates for a sole
PIP claim.
Why doesn’t the other guy’s insurance pay for my medical expenses and why should I use my insurance?
Medical
treatment is expensive and you are liable for the costs. There is a
chance that the other party may never pay for your medical expenses
leaving you a financial burden. PIP gives you peace of mind that your
medical bills are covered. If you use your health insurance, you may
have to pay a deductible and co-pays to your doctor and if the health
insurance finds out that you were in an accident they could request to
be reimbursed. Some people get referred to a medical provider by their
attorney and the medical provider agrees to be paid months or even years
later. Since there are a limited number of medical providers who agree
to this arrangement, your choice and quality of healthcare may be
limited. The answer is to use your PIP coverage so you will not have to
pay for medical expenses out of your pocket and get the best possible
healthcare treatment available for you and your family’s injuries caused
by the accident.
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