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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