If you're in a car accident, personal injury protection insurance can help cover your medical expenses and replace lost wages—no matter who's at fault.
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is a type of auto coverage designed to help pay for medical expenses for you or your passengers after a car accident, regardless of whether or not you are at fault. Depending on where you live, PIP may be a mandatory component of your car insurance policy, or you could choose to add it to your coverage.
What does personal injury protection insurance typically cover?
What PIP covers will depend on the state you live in and the terms of your auto insurance policy. That being said, coverage could include:
If you or your passengers are hurt during a car accident, PIP insurance can help pay for medical expenses.
In some states, PIP coverage may also cover funeral expenses if a death is related to injuries caused by a car accident.
PIP coverage may help replace lost wages if you or your passengers lose the ability to work due to injuries from an accident.
If a car accident causes injuries that require rehabilitation—such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech-language therapy—a PIP policy may help cover the costs.
Have questions about personal injury protection insurance? We've got answers.
Life insurance and personal injury protection insurance are very different. Personal injury protection may help cover funeral costs if you or your passengers are killed during a car accident. The death benefit from a life insurance policy isn't limited to being killed in a car accident. While a small life insurance policy may only cover funeral expenses, in many cases a life insurance death benefit will help surviving loved ones cover living expenses like paying bills, the mortgage and even for college.
Personal injury protection insurance is designed to help if you are injured and unable to work due to a car accident. Disability insurance coverage is designed to help replace income if an injury or illness prevents you from working.
PIP insurance doesn't cover any damage to your vehicle, your property or someone else's property. It also doesn't cover injuries to other drivers involved in the accident or their passengers. And if you were driving your vehicle for work purposes when the accident took place (or committing a crime) PIP will not typically apply.
Personal injury protection insurance is mandatory in certain states, especially "no fault" states. If it is a requirement in your state, then you must purchase PIP coverage in order to legally drive your vehicle.
If PIP is optional in your state, it can be a good idea to purchase extra coverage—especially if you have a high deductible health plan. Think about your financial situation and your ability to cover medical expenses or replace lost wages if you are injured in an accident and find yourself unable to work.
Northwestern Mutual does not offer personal injury protection insurance. This is the type of coverage you would buy along with your auto insurance.
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