Notifications
Clear all

Hypothetical Car Accident: How Does PIP Insurance Actually Work?

383 Posts
346 Users
0 Reactions
2,522 Views
Posts: 5
(@sarahturner310)
Active Member
Joined:

I agree that it's frustrating to see that extra charge every month, especially when budgets are already tight. Still, from personal experience, PIP can be a lifesaver when things go sideways. My brother-in-law had a minor accident last year—not even his fault—and his regular health insurance was a nightmare to deal with. They kept requesting paperwork and delaying payments, meanwhile the hospital bills were stacking up. Luckily, he had PIP coverage, and it started paying out almost immediately without any fuss about who caused the accident.

One thing I'd add is to carefully check how much your PIP covers for lost wages. Some policies have surprisingly low limits, which might not help much if you're out of work for weeks or months. It might be worth seeing if you can bump that amount up slightly—usually doesn't cost much extra, but could make a huge difference if you're ever in that situation.

Reply
charlietrekker373
Posts: 8
(@charlietrekker373)
Active Member
Joined:

That's actually really helpful to know. I'm just getting my first car insurance policy and honestly, all these different coverages are a bit overwhelming. I almost skipped PIP to save a few bucks, but hearing your brother-in-law's story makes me reconsider. I'll definitely double-check the lost wages part too—didn't even realize that was a thing. Better safe than sorry, right? Thanks for sharing your experience, it helps newbies like me figure this stuff out.

Reply
CoverageChris
Posts: 5
(@coveragechris)
Active Member
Joined:

Yeah, I was kinda in the same boat at first—thought I'd save a bit by skipping PIP. But then someone mentioned how it covers medical bills even if the accident's your fault, which got me thinking. I'm still wondering though...does PIP coverage kick in right away, or do you have to wait for other insurances to deny claims first? Insurance fine print always feels kinda sneaky to me, lol. Curious if anyone's had firsthand experience with this.

Reply
mrebel74
Posts: 4
(@mrebel74)
New Member
Joined:

I had similar reservations initially—PIP seemed like just another expense, especially since my premiums were already high due to my driving record. But after a minor fender-bender last year (totally my fault, unfortunately), I realized how quickly medical bills can pile up even from small injuries. From what I experienced, PIP coverage kicked in immediately without waiting for other insurance denials or anything like that. It was pretty straightforward actually, which surprised me given how confusing insurance usually is.

One thing to keep in mind though is that PIP limits can vary significantly depending on your state and policy. Mine had a relatively low cap, so while it helped, it didn't cover everything. I still had some out-of-pocket expenses, but it definitely softened the blow financially. I'd suggest double-checking your specific policy details—insurance fine print is sneaky indeed, and it's always better to know exactly what you're paying for upfront.

Reply
Posts: 6
(@puzzle485)
Active Member
Joined:

Had a similar experience myself. Thought PIP was just another way insurance companies squeezed money out of us until my wife strained her neck in a minor accident. Bills added up fast, and PIP covered most of it without hassle. Still, always worth checking those sneaky policy details...

Reply
Page 34 / 77
Share:
Scroll to Top