Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Definition
Required insurance coverage in no-fault states that pays for your own medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
Real-World MVA Example
Your PIP coverage pays your $10,000 ER bill immediately after the crash, so you don't have to wait for the other driver's insurance to accept fault.
Related Terms in Insurance & Claims
Adjuster
An insurance company employee who investigates your claim, evaluates the damage, and decides how much the insurer should pay. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you.
At-Fault State
A state where the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the other party's injuries and damages. Most states follow this system.
Bad Faith
When an insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or undervalues your legitimate claim. Bad faith can give you grounds to sue the insurer for additional damages.
Collision Coverage
An optional part of your own auto insurance policy that pays for repairs to your vehicle after a crash, regardless of who was at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage
An optional insurance coverage that pays for damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, or hitting an animal.
First-Party Claim
A claim you file with your own insurance company under your own policy, such as collision coverage, MedPay, or uninsured motorist coverage.
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