Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Nov 10, 2008
In order to legally drive a car, auto insurance is a must. However, many people don’t think about the quantity and type of coverage needed, so they just end up settling for the minimum amount. In the event of an accident this can be a serious mistake. When you are wondering what kind of auto insurance coverage is right for you, talk to a good insurance agency that knows what you need to be safe. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco is an independent agency that can get you what you need at the best possible premium rates.
Probably the most misunderstood and overlooked insurance coverage is Personal Injury Protection or PIP, which pays for your medical expenses in the event of an accident. With PIP, who is at fault for the accident doesn’t matter as you will have coverage for the policyholder and all permitted drivers and passengers. In Texas, PIP insurance is mandatory unless you sign a waiver declining it, which may not be the brightest of ideas.
Take for instance the case of Adam Morris, a 36-year-old recently laid off computer technician. As he and his family were driving to a nearby fast food restaurant, a red light runner hit them. The damage to the vehicle was severe, and the family’s injuries were just as critical. Unfortunately due to his unemployment, Adam had lost the medical benefits provided by his company. He had also made the mistake of scaling down his auto insurance policy to save money after he lost his job. He told his insurance agent to cut PIP insurance from his policy without really knowing anything about it. The out of pocket expenses accrued after the accident was numerous to say the least.
Many people choose to forgo PIP insurance because in many situations, injuries resulting from an accident are covered by an individual’s health insurance, but not always. PIP covers medical expenses such surgical treatments, dental and eye healing, nursing, prescription medication, ambulance costs and even prosthetic devices. Compensation for lost wages is also available for you and your passengers along with help for funeral expenses if necessary.
If you feel you have sufficient coverage through your health insurance policy you may opt out of Personal Injury Protection. Just remember to take into consideration whether or not you will be able to afford any lost wages if you were to be in a serious accident and unable to work. If you do not have a job or health insurance, PIP may act as a substitute in the case of a car accident.
Don’t be like Adam and get stuck paying major out of pocket expenses. PIP insurance is mandatory in the following states:
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- Texas
Think hard before eliminating Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage from your policy without knowing all the facts. Contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. today at 214-387-0600 or visit them online at www.tristarins.com. Let the experts give you expert advice!
Related Links
All About Car Accidents
Texas Attorney General
Texas Department of Insurance