PIP Insurance - Personal Injury Protection Coverage

What is PIP insurance?

Personal injury protection (PIP), also known as no-fault insurance, is a type of car insurance coverage that helps pay for covered medical expenses caused by an accident – whether you're at fault for the accident or not. Some states require you to carry PIP insurance on your auto policy.

Get a personalized PIP insurance quote and see the coverage options available in your state.

What does personal injury protection (PIP) cover?

PIP coverage rules vary by state. Each state determines who is covered and the required limits. In most states, PIP covers you and your resident relatives. Your passengers may also be covered. However, some states may require that passengers with auto insurance file through their own policy for PIP coverage. Other states may require the passengers to occupy a vehicle owned by you to qualify for PIP coverage under your policy. PIP may also provide coverage if you are struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian.

For more information about your state, you can check out our state information pages.

Examples of what PIP insurance can cover:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Nursing care
  • Medical supplies
  • Prescriptions
  • Replacement services
  • Funeral services
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Essential household services, such as childcare or house cleaning, you cannot perform due to an injury

What is not covered by PIP insurance?

While PIP insurance provides essential coverages for personal injuries from an automobile accident, it does not cover:

  • Damage to your vehicle or other property
  • Vehicle theft
  • Injuries to other drivers
  • Pain and suffering or emotional distress

How much does PIP coverage cost?

The cost of Personal Injury Protection coverage varies based on several factors, including your state’s insurance requirements, the limits you choose, and the deductible options available to you. Because PIP is designed to help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services after an accident – regardless of who is at fault – your premium will reflect how much protection you want and how much financial risk you’re comfortable taking on.

Higher PIP limits generally cost more but provide broader coverage for expenses that can add up quickly after an accident. Choosing a higher deductible may help lower your premium, while selecting a lower deductible can reduce your out-of-pocket costs if you ever need to file a claim. Your driving history, ZIP code, and the number of people covered under your policy can also influence your rate.

Since every driver’s needs are different, the best way to understand what PIP coverage will cost for you is to get a personalized quote. GEICO makes it easy to compare options so you can choose the level of PIP protection that fits your budget and coverage goals.

What is the difference between PIP coverage and medical payments coverage?

Both PIP and medical payments may provide coverage for you and your relatives living with you. PIP and Med Pay may also provide coverage for your passengers. The main difference between the two coverages is what they'll cover in an accident-related injury.

Medical payment coverage helps pay for expenses for medical treatment of the injury resulting from an auto accident. It may also provide coverage for funeral expenses if death is caused by the injuries from the accident.

PIP insurance also helps to pay for medical treatment, but can also cover additional expenses. These expenses can include lost wages or paying someone to perform tasks you can't perform due to your injuries.

How is PIP insurance different from bodily injury liability coverage?

PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for you and possibly your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in a car accident. In contrast, bodily injury coverage is part of liability insurance that pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees of the other party if you are found at fault in the accident. While PIP is focused on your protection, bodily injury coverage protects you from being financially liable for injuries you cause to others.

Should you get personal injury protection insurance?

If your state requires it, you'll need personal injury protection coverage to legally drive on the roads. If it's optional in your state, you may still want to buy PIP to help protect you if you're injured in an accident.

If you don't have the option to purchase PIP, you may want to consider medical payments coverage.

How much PIP coverage should you get?

The right amount of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage depends on your financial situation and the protections you already have in place. Because some states allow you to personalize your PIP limits and deductibles, it’s important to choose coverage that fits your needs – not just the minimum required.

Start by reviewing the medical and income protection coverage you already have. For example, if you have a high-deductible health plan, PIP can help cover out-of-pocket medical costs after an accident. If you don’t carry disability insurance or don’t have savings to replace lost wages, you may want higher PIP limits to help cover income loss while you recover.

As you evaluate your options, consider how PIP can fill the financial gaps your other coverages don’t address. Depending on your state, you may be able to choose your:

  • Deductible amount – Lower deductibles reduce your upfront cost after an accident but may increase your premium.
  • Coordination with health insurance – Some states allow you to choose whether PIP or your health insurance pays first.
  • Coverage limits – Higher limits offer more protection for medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services.
  • Individuals covered by PIP – Coverage may extend to you, household members, and passengers.

Choosing the right PIP limit is ultimately about ensuring that an unexpected accident doesn’t create a financial burden. Taking a moment to assess your existing coverage and personal risk can help you select the level of protection that makes the most sense for you.

FAQs about PIP Insurance

  • Is PIP insurance required in my state?

    Whether Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required depends on where you live. States with no-fault insurance laws generally mandate PIP coverage, while at-fault (tort) states typically do not. If you live in a no-fault state, you’re usually required to carry PIP as part of your auto insurance policy, or reject it in writing.

    States where PIP coverage is offered include*:

    Because insurance regulations can change, it’s always a good idea to verify your state’s requirements. You can check with your state’s insurance department or consult your auto insurance provider to confirm whether PIP is mandatory where you live.

  • Is PIP insurance required in my state?

    Whether Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required depends on where you live. States with no-fault insurance laws generally mandate PIP coverage, while at-fault (tort) states typically do not. If you live in a no-fault state, you’re usually required to carry PIP as part of your auto insurance policy, or reject it in writing.

    States where PIP coverage is offered include*:

    Because insurance regulations can change, it’s always a good idea to verify your state’s requirements. You can check with your state’s insurance department or consult your auto insurance provider to confirm whether PIP is mandatory where you live.

  • What is a no-fault insurance state?

    A no-fault insurance state requires drivers to carry insurance that covers their own medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it. This system limits the ability to sue the other driver except in cases of severe injury. PIP coverage is mandatory in no-fault states.

  • Can I use PIP insurance if I'm at fault?

    Yes, you can use PIP insurance if you're at fault in an accident. PIP covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who caused the accident.

  • How does PIP interact with my health insurance?

    PIP and health insurance can work together to cover your medical expenses after an auto accident, but the interaction depends on your policy and state laws. Typically, PIP is used first to cover immediate medical costs up to its limit, often without requiring copays or deductibles. After your PIP benefits are exhausted, your health insurance can step in to cover additional medical expenses according to your health insurance policy's terms.

  • Can I customize my PIP coverage limits?

    Yes, in many states, you can customize your PIP coverage limits within the options provided by your insurance company. While some states have minimum required PIP coverage amounts, you can often choose to increase them for more protection.

Please note:

The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.