What is Personal Injury Protection Coverage?
Did you know it is mandated by state law that you have a minimal amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in your insurance policy? And the only way by which you can not have PIP coverage is through signing an explicit agreement with your insurance provider denying PIP coverage? Unless you signed the release, even if all you bought was a minimal liability insurance policy, you still have a minimal amount of PIP coverage. Here are some facts surrounding your personal injury protection coverage that might put your mind at ease.
When Do You Qualify For PIP Coverage?
No matter if you are in an accident that is your fault, someone elses fault, or no one’s fault, you can file a PIP claim and receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and reasonable household duties that you would have otherwise done yourself. PIP is mandated by law to ensure that your life isn’t rocked by an accident and you are unable to recover financially.
How Much Is PIP Coverage?
If you bought the bare minimum liability coverage, then you will have $2500 dollars to go towards medical expenses, lost wages, and reasonable household duties you could not perform. This means if you have $1500 in medical expenses, the maximum amount you can receive for lost wages and household duties combined is $1000.
Insurance companies are known for being sticklers about what medical expenses they will pay for. If problems occur while trying to get your compensation from your provider, you will need to hire a personal injury attorney who knows how to speak your insurance providers’s lingo. Otherwise use these techniques to insure you get the compensation you deserve:
- For medical expenses, talk with your medical provider before they bill you and make sure he or she knows that you’re making a claim with your insurance provider. This will prevent them from sending your bill to a collection agency if your insurance company doesn’t pay quickly.
- Ask your doctor to make sure to explain clearly that your injuries are related to your accident. In many cases, misplaced billing codes can conflict with your insurance companies coverage. A simple change in a code by your doctor can mean the difference between no compensation to all that you deserve.
- When validating your lost wages, contact your employer and doctor. You need a report and validation from each of them showing that you missed work due because of your injuries.
- Keep all receipts from the household expenses you incurred due to injury.
If You Only Own Liability Coverage, Explore Your PIP Options
When you are shopping for liability insurance or full coverage, be sure and ask about different amounts of PIP coverage. Consider yourself after having a wreck. How much would you need for lost wages? How much would you be able to afford on medical expenses? Or would you need help around your house? Then decide on an amount of PIP coverage that best suits your needs. An extra $3000 worth in coverage might go a long way if you are in an accident.
If any problems arise or disputes between your insurer and your claim, you need a personal injury lawyer to explore your options. There might be other policies involved that should be held liable for your compensation. For more information contact us and we’ll explore every option you have.