If you drive in Texas, there’s a good chance your auto insurance policy includes a coverage called personal injury protection, commonly known as PIP. A lot of drivers carry it without even realizing it, and many don’t fully understand what it covers or how it works until they’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident.
PIP is a no-fault coverage, which means it pays out regardless of who caused the crash, and can cover at least some of your medical bills and lost wages. Learning about how this coverage works can make a meaningful difference in your financial recovery, so read on for the details you need to know.
What Does PIP Cover in Texas?
PIP is designed to provide fast financial relief after a car accident. Since it doesn’t depend on a fault determination, you can file a claim with your own insurer and start receiving benefits while a liability claim against the other driver is still being worked out.
Under Texas law, PIP can cover the following:
- Reasonable expenses for necessary medical, surgical, X-ray, dental, ambulance, hospital, professional nursing, and prosthetic services
- 80% of income lost because of the accident
- Necessary and reasonable expenses for essential household or family services when an injured person who was not earning income can no longer perform them
- Funeral expenses
These benefits apply per person, per accident. That means if three people are injured in the same crash, each one is covered up to the policy limit individually.
Is PIP Required in Texas?
PIP is not technically mandatory in Texas, but the law treats it almost as though it is. Under Texas Insurance Code Section 1952.152, every auto insurance company in the state is required to include PIP in your policy unless you reject it in writing. A verbal rejection doesn’t count. If you never signed a written waiver turning it down, your policy almost certainly includes PIP coverage.
Unless PIP is rejected in writing, Texas policies must provide at least $2,500 in coverage per person. Drivers may have the option to purchase higher limits. Given how quickly medical bills add up after a serious accident, carrying more than the minimum is generally recommended to protect your financial future.
PIP vs. MedPay
Some drivers confuse PIP with MedPay, which is another coverage called medical payments coverage. While the two are similar, they aren’t the same thing.
MedPay only covers medical expenses. PIP goes further by also covering a portion of lost wages and the cost of household services you can’t perform while recovering. Another key difference is that Texas insurers are required to offer PIP with every auto policy. There is no similar requirement for MedPay.
If your policy includes both, you may be able to use them together to cover more of your accident-related costs. An attorney can help you figure out how to get the most out of the coverage you’re paying for.
How Do I File a PIP Claim in Texas?
After an accident, you generally file a PIP claim with your own auto insurance company. Your insurer may require documentation showing the expenses and losses you are claiming.
Depending on your claim, useful documents may include:
- Medical bills and treatment records
- Pay stubs or other proof of lost income
- Receipts for covered household services
- Documentation related to the accident
- Other records requested by your insurer
Keeping these records organized can make it easier to document your losses. Your benefits are limited by the amount of PIP coverage available under your policy, so reviewing your policy can also help you understand what coverage you have.
How PIP Works Alongside a Personal Injury Claim
One thing that trips people up is the assumption that PIP replaces a personal injury claim. It doesn’t. Texas is an at-fault state, which means you still have the right to pursue compensation from the driver who caused the accident. PIP simply provides a separate source of financial relief that kicks in right away.
This matters because liability claims can take months to resolve. Insurance companies on the other side of the case are not in a hurry to pay, and negotiations can drag on while your bills keep coming in. PIP fills that gap by covering immediate costs so you’re not left scrambling during the process.
PIP benefits come from your own insurance coverage, while a liability claim generally seeks compensation from the party responsible for the crash. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue both sources of compensation for accident-related losses.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Attorneys at The de la Garza Law Group for Help Today
PIP coverage can provide valuable financial support after a car accident, but your benefits may not cover all of your accident-related losses. If someone else caused your crash, you may also have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
The Houston car accident attorneys at The de la Garza Law Group can review your insurance coverage, investigate your accident, and explain your options for seeking compensation. Contact us today at (713) 784-1010 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.
