Why Is PIP Mandatory In Some States But Not Others?

Why Is PIP Mandatory In Some States But Not Others?

I’m in Texas and just bought my first policy, so I spent way too long googling all this stuff. The “no-fault” thing makes sense, but honestly, it feels like a game of insurance roulette. I mean, I asked my agent about PIP and she looked at me like I’d just discovered fire.

“I get why people want it mandatory—I've been hit by uninsured drivers twice, and PIP would've saved me a ton of hassle.”

Honestly, I get why people want PIP to be standard, but making it mandatory everywhere isn’t always the answer. Here’s the thing:

- Some folks (like me) already pay sky-high rates because of tickets or accidents. Forcing extra coverage just makes insurance less affordable.
- Not every driver wants or needs the same protection—some have great health insurance, so PIP feels redundant.
- In states with fewer uninsured drivers, the risk is lower anyway.

I’ve been in a few wrecks myself, and yeah, it’s a pain dealing with bills. Still, I’d rather have the choice than be forced to pay for something I might not use. Just my two cents...

I totally get where you’re coming from—insurance costs can be brutal, especially if you’ve had a few bumps along the way. It’s true, PIP isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. I do see the value in having it, though, even if you’ve got good health insurance. After my cousin’s accident, there were all these little expenses that regular health plans didn’t cover, like lost wages and rehab. Still, I agree—having the option to choose would make more sense for a lot of folks. It’s a tricky balance between safety and affordability, for sure.

I get wanting more flexibility, but honestly, I think making PIP optional would end up biting a lot of people. The thing is, most folks don’t really understand what their health insurance does or doesn’t cover until they’re in a bad spot. I’ve seen it happen—someone thinks they’re set, then an accident happens and suddenly they’re on the hook for all sorts of stuff: missed work, paying for someone to help around the house, even transportation to appointments. Health insurance just doesn’t pick up those pieces.

Yeah, it adds to the monthly bill, but if you’re ever in a serious wreck, PIP can be the difference between getting by and falling into a financial hole. I get that costs are rough, but sometimes the “choice” ends up costing more in the long run. Not everyone likes being forced into it, but from where I’m sitting, it’s a safety net most people don’t realize they need until it’s too late.

I get where you’re coming from, but man, those premiums add up fast, especially if you’ve got a couple of tickets or accidents on your record. I had PIP kick in once after a fender bender, and yeah, it helped, but most of the time it just feels like another bill. I wonder if there’s a middle ground—like, maybe folks with solid health insurance could opt out? Or would that just make things messier for everyone?