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?
Honestly, I’ve wondered about that too. I mean, we’ve got decent health insurance through my wife’s job, and sometimes it feels like we’re double-paying for the same thing. But then again, when my son got rear-ended last year and needed physical therapy, PIP covered stuff our regular insurance didn’t even touch. No fighting over deductibles or waiting for approvals—just handled.
I get the frustration with premiums stacking up, especially if you’ve had a couple of dings on your record (been there, paid that). But if they let people opt out, I feel like it’d turn into a paperwork circus. Insurance companies would probably find a way to make it even more confusing... and I don’t know about you, but I don’t need more forms in my life.
It’s not perfect, but having PIP as a backup has saved us from some headaches. I guess it’s one of those “better safe than sorry” deals, even if it stings the wallet sometimes.
I totally get where you’re coming from—double-paying feels like a ripoff, especially when you’re already shelling out for “good” health insurance. But man, the hoops you have to jump through with regular insurance after an accident are no joke. I had a fender bender last year and my health plan wanted me to prove it wasn’t “work-related” before they’d cover anything. PIP just paid up, no questions asked. Still, I wish there was a way to make it less of a wallet-drain for folks who barely use it... Maybe some kind of rebate if you don’t file a claim? Probably wishful thinking, but hey, a guy can dream.
Still, I wish there was a way to make it less of a wallet-drain for folks who barely use it... Maybe some kind of rebate if you don’t file a claim?
That rebate idea would be awesome, honestly. I always feel like I’m paying for stuff I never use, especially as a student trying to keep costs down. Here’s what I do: I compare the minimum PIP required in my state with what’s “recommended” by insurance agents, and usually stick with the lowest. But now I’m wondering—does anyone know if states that don’t require PIP have more complicated claims when accidents happen? Or is it just more paperwork either way?
I always feel like I’m paying for stuff I never use, especially as a student trying to keep costs down.
Totally get where you’re coming from. Insurance always feels like this weird gamble—paying out the nose “just in case,” but if nothing happens, it’s money down the drain. That rebate idea would make so much sense, but I doubt the companies would ever go for it unless they were forced.
About your question on states without PIP: from what I’ve seen (and heard from friends in liability-only states), claims can get messier. If you’re not at fault, you have to chase down the other driver’s insurance for medical bills, and that can drag out forever. More paperwork, more phone calls, more headaches. With PIP, at least your own company pays up front and sorts it out later.
Honestly, sticking with the minimum is smart if you’re on a budget. Just be ready for some extra hassle if something does happen. It’s a trade-off either way... but yeah, wish we had more control over what we pay for.
Honestly, I’ve wrestled with the same frustration. When I moved from a state with mandatory PIP to one without, I thought I’d be saving money by dropping it. Turns out, after a minor fender bender, it was way more complicated than I expected. My own insurance wouldn’t cover my medical bills, and getting the other driver’s company to pay up took months—tons of paperwork and calls that went nowhere for weeks.
I get why some states make PIP mandatory now. It’s not just about protecting yourself but also about keeping things moving when accidents happen. Still, it does feel like you’re paying for something you might never use, especially if you’re careful or don’t drive much. But after my experience, I’m a little less annoyed about that extra line on my bill... at least I know what it’s for now.
