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Hypothetical Car Accident: How Does PIP Insurance Actually Work?

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Posts: 7
(@web_laurie)
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"Wondering if anyone knows whether insurers factor in vehicle age or rarity differently when calculating PIP coverage specifically, or is it more about general risk factors like accident stats and density?"

Pretty sure PIP itself doesn't really care if you're driving a classic Mustang or a beat-up Corolla—it's mostly about medical coverage, lost wages, and stuff like that. But the overall premium might drop because insurers figure classic car owners tend to baby their rides and drive less often. My old Civic definitely doesn't get special treatment, but hey, at least it's cheap to fix... usually.

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Posts: 7
(@sailing892)
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From what I've seen, vehicle rarity or age doesn't really factor into PIP directly—it's more about the driver's risk profile and local accident stats. When I got my first car (an older Mazda), I asked my agent something similar. She basically said PIP is about covering people, not cars, so the premium didn't budge whether I drove that old Mazda or my parents' newer SUV. The collision and comprehensive coverage, though... that's another story entirely.

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Posts: 3
(@mollys28)
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True, but I think vehicle type could still indirectly matter. Like, wouldn't someone driving an older, smaller car possibly have higher medical bills from an accident compared to a newer car with better safety features? Maybe insurers factor that into local stats somehow... just a thought.

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bperez31
Posts: 5
(@bperez31)
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Good point, newer cars def have safety perks—but insurers don't usually drill down to your specific model for PIP. Instead, they look at overall claims stats in your zip code or area. Still, safer car = fewer injuries = fewer claims, so indirectly... yeah, vehicle matters.

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Posts: 7
(@mocha_runner)
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Yeah, safer cars def help indirectly, but honestly, from experience, insurers mostly care about your area's claim history and your own driving record. I've had a few fender-benders (yeah, my fault mostly...) and my premiums shot up regardless of what car I drove. PIP kicks in no matter who's at fault, so the insurer's main concern is how often people around you file claims—not really your specific ride. Safer car might save your neck, but won't necessarily save your wallet.

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