Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. PIP can feel like overkill, especially if you’ve already got solid health insurance and collision coverage. But I’ve seen cases where folks thought they were totally covered, then got stuck in a weird limbo between their car and health insurance companies—neither wanted to pay up first. Maybe that’s part of why some states just make it mandatory? Curious if anyone’s actually had PIP save them from a headache, or if it’s mostly just extra paperwork for most people...
I used to think PIP was just another way for insurance companies to squeeze more money out of us, but then my buddy got rear-ended and his health insurance dragged their feet because it was a car accident. PIP actually paid out right away for his physical therapy, no questions asked. He said it saved him a ton of stress and out-of-pocket costs. I still grumble about the extra premium, but after seeing that, I get why some states just make it non-negotiable. It’s not always about what you think you’ll need—sometimes it’s about avoiding those insurance company games.
Why Is PIP Mandatory In Some States But Not Others?
Man, I used to roll my eyes at PIP too—felt like just another line item on the bill. But after my cousin’s fender bender last year, I started seeing it differently. She got whiplash and her regular health insurance basically played hot potato with her claim because it was “auto-related.” Meanwhile, PIP just quietly did its thing and covered her bills. No drama, no endless phone calls. Made me wonder if maybe the extra few bucks a month are worth it for that peace of mind.
But here’s what I don’t get: why do some states make it mandatory and others don’t care? Is it just about how litigious people are in certain places, or is there something else going on? Like, does Florida have more accidents or something? Or maybe their health insurance companies are even more stubborn than usual? I’ve lived in three different states and only one made me carry PIP—never really understood the logic.
And then there’s the whole “no-fault” state thing. Does that tie into why some places require PIP? Or is it just lawmakers trying to look busy? Sometimes I feel like insurance rules are made by people who’ve never actually filed a claim in their lives.
Anyone ever had PIP actually save their bacon in a way regular health insurance wouldn’t? Or is it mostly just for those weird edge cases? I’m still not thrilled about paying extra every month, but after seeing what my cousin went through, I’m starting to think maybe there’s more to it than just another cash grab...
And then there’s the whole “no-fault” state thing. Does that tie into why some places require PIP?
- Yeah, the no-fault thing is a big part of it. In no-fault states, your own insurance covers your injuries regardless of who caused the accident, so PIP is basically the backbone of that system.
- States like Florida and Michigan have it because they want to cut down on lawsuits for minor injuries. Instead of suing each other over every fender bender, you just use your PIP.
- I’ve actually had PIP come through when my health insurance wanted to dodge stuff related to an accident. It was way less hassle.
- Some states figure folks should have the choice, especially if they already have good health coverage. Others want everyone to have at least some protection no matter what.
- Not saying it’s perfect, but after a couple close calls, I don’t mind paying for it anymore... peace of mind is worth something.
Yeah, you’ve got it right—PIP is pretty much the foundation of the no-fault system. The idea is to make sure people get medical care quickly after an accident, without waiting around for someone to admit fault or for a lawsuit to play out. That’s why states like Florida and Michigan make it mandatory.
One thing I’d add: even if you have solid health insurance, PIP can cover stuff your health plan might not touch, like lost wages or essential services if you can’t do basic things at home. I’ve seen folks surprised by that—sometimes they think their regular insurance will handle everything, but then end up with gaps.
On the flip side, in states where PIP isn’t required, there’s more flexibility but also more risk. If you’re counting on suing the other driver for medical bills, that can drag on forever... and sometimes you get nothing if they’re uninsured or underinsured.
It’s not a perfect system anywhere, honestly. But after seeing how messy things get without PIP, I’d rather have it—even if it means paying a bit more each month.
