PIP Insurance Coverage in Texas
In Texas, insurance companies must offer personal injury protection (PIP) as part of any auto insurance policy. PIP coverage compensates policyholders for certain expenses if they are injured in a car accident, regardless of fault.
The Francis Firm strongly recommends PIP coverage as a safeguard for you and your family, especially in cases where the at-fault party lacks sufficient liability insurance.
Texas law mandates that insurers offer a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage. You may reject this coverage, but it must be in writing. If you do not reject PIP in writing, it will automatically be added to your policy. You also have the option to purchase more PIP coverage, depending on what your insurance company offers.
For immediate assistance, please call our Texas injury firm at (817) 329-9001 or submit an online form.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) versus MedPay
DO NOT PURCHASE MEDPAY coverage. MedPay works similarly to PIP when filing a claim, but it allows the insurance company to subrogate, meaning they can later demand repayment from your personal injury settlement with the at-fault driver.
PIP coverage does not allow for subrogation, meaning you do not have to pay your insurance company back when you settle your claim. Therefore, your total recovery is greater when you have PIP coverage versus MedPay.
Check your policy, and if you have MedPay protection, change it to PIP today.
What Does Personal Injury Protection in Texas Include?
PIP insurance in Texas covers 100% of medical expenses related to your automobile accident, up to the policy limit. Medical expenses may include surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, and more. Your treating physicians will need to show the insurance company proof that your injuries resulted from the car accident.
PIP may also cover 80% of lost income if you were employed at the time of the accident. You will need to provide proof of income and show that the loss is due to your accident-related injuries.
If you were not employed, PIP may cover substitute services to perform household duties that you can no longer manage. It can also cover funeral expenses.
Remember: PIP insurance in Texas only pays up to the policy limit. If your expenses exceed your coverage, you may need to find additional resources to cover the costs. This is why purchasing higher PIP coverage is a good idea.
Is PIP Insurance in Texas Mandatory?
While Texas law requires insurers to offer PIP, you are not required to accept it. You may decline PIP by signing a waiver, but if you do not, it will be added to your policy automatically.
Many believe that health insurance will cover most accident-related expenses, but health insurance does not cover lost wages or funeral expenses, which PIP does. Additionally, some health insurance policies exclude coverage for injuries sustained in car accidents, making PIP an important safety net.
Be sure to have an experienced attorney review your insurance policy and claim to ensure you get the maximum recovery available under your coverage.
Contact an Experienced Southlake, Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident or have questions about personal injury protection in Texas, contact our office. We can help you understand your insurance coverage. If you are considering making a claim after your accident, please call us at (817) 329-9001 today.
We have extensive experience representing auto accident victims and do everything we can to help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today to get started.