I’ve wondered about this too, especially since I drive across state lines a lot for road trips. It’s kind of wild how PIP is a must-have in some places but totally optional or even unavailable in others. From what I’ve pieced together, it seems like it comes down to whether a state is “no-fault” or “at-fault” for car insurance. No-fault states want everyone to use their own insurance first, so PIP is required. But then you cross into another state and suddenly you’re back to relying on the other driver’s insurance if they’re at fault.
One thing that tripped me up: I assumed my PIP would work the same everywhere, but apparently coverage can get weird if you’re in an accident out of state. Has anyone had to file a PIP claim while traveling? Did your insurer handle it smoothly, or was it a headache? I’m always nervous about getting stuck with bills just because I happened to be in the “wrong” state at the wrong time...
Yeah, I’ve run into this too and it’s honestly confusing. I drive between states for work all the time, and the rules change so much it’s hard to keep track. One time I had a minor fender bender in a state where PIP isn’t even a thing, and my insurance rep had to walk me through what was actually covered. It wasn’t a total nightmare, but it definitely took longer than I expected. I always double-check my policy now before a big trip, just in case—some insurers have weird exclusions or limits once you cross state lines. It’s wild how something that seems basic can get so complicated depending on where you are.
I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I’ve found it’s not as complicated as it first seems. I’ve been driving across state lines for years, and after a while you start to pick up on the big differences—like which states are “no-fault” and require PIP, and which ones don’t. The first time I got into a scrape in a state without PIP, I thought it’d be a nightmare too, but my insurer just defaulted to the coverage from my home state. It took a bit of paperwork, sure, but nothing too wild.
It’s wild how something that seems basic can get so complicated depending on where you are.
I hear you, but once you know your own policy inside out, most of the “weird exclusions” aren’t as scary as they sound. I actually think the bigger headache is remembering which states require you to carry proof of insurance in the car... learned that the hard way in Missouri once.
I actually think the bigger headache is remembering which states require you to carry proof of insurance in the car... learned that the hard way in Missouri once.
Yeah, I’m always double-checking my glove box before road trips because I’m paranoid about that exact thing. The state-by-state rules just make me nervous, honestly. Even if it’s not “that complicated,” it feels like there’s always some little detail waiting to trip me up. Maybe I’ll relax after a few more years behind the wheel… or maybe not.
I totally get that feeling—every time we cross into a new state, I’m triple-checking the insurance docs and registration. It’s wild how some places are strict about paper copies, while others are fine with digital. I keep a folder in the glove box just in case, but honestly, it still feels like a guessing game sometimes. Missouri caught me off guard too... learned my lesson there.
