What is personal injury protection for car insurance?

As an at-fault state, Nevada legally requires all registered drivers to carry a minimum auto insurance liability coverage of $20,000 to cover property damage, $25,000 to cover bodily injury per person and $50,000 to cover bodily injury or death per accident. Liability insurance protects you if you’re at fault for an accident and you’re liable for other people’s injuries or property damage. It’s illegal to drive in Nevada without adequate auto insurance coverage.

But what about your injuries and damage to your property? How can you protect yourself if you aren’t at fault? Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a no-fault supplemental insurance option gaining interest. Below, we discuss what PIP is, if it’s required in Nevada, what it covers, and its benefits.

What Is PIP?

PIP is commonly referred to as “no-fault insurance” because it covers your medical expenses and other expenses related to your accident, whether you’re at fault or not. It also covers the medical expenses of your passengers. PIP is mandatory in more than a dozen states, including Florida.

Is It Required in Nevada?

Nevada doesn’t require PIP. In fact, PIP isn’t available in the state. Nevertheless, drivers relocating from states that require PIP, such as Florida, will retain their coverage. Instead of personal injury insurance, Nevada offers optional medical payments coverage, also known as MedPay. Under this type of coverage, only the medical expenses you incur related to your accident are covered. Because MedPay is an optional insurance, there are no minimum coverage requirements. You’re free to purchase as little or as much insurance as you wish.

What Does PIP Pay For?

Insurance for Car Accidents

In most cases, PIP covers you as the policyholder, passengers in your vehicle, your family members within the same household, and other people driving your vehicle. Depending on your coverage policy, PIP pays for a percentage of your accident-related expenses, such as the following:

  • Medical expenses include treatment and surgeries, hospitalizations, medication, medical supplies, and physical therapy. This is all that’s covered under a MedPay policy.
  • A certain percentage of your lost wages if you cannot work while you recover from your accident.
  • Household services, including child care and housekeeping, if you cannot perform these activities while you’re recovering.
  • Funeral costs and accidental death benefits in the case of death.
  • Any injuries you sustained as a pedestrian.

There are a few expenses that aren’t covered by PIP, including expenses that exceed your policy limits, personal property damage, damage to your vehicle, and pain and suffering. If you have experienced pain and suffering as a result of a vehicle accident, contact one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your case.

What Are the Benefits of PIP?

PIP offers peace of mind at a difficult times. It supplements and fills in the gaps your other insurance policies, such as health and auto, may create. PIP provides immediate financial support to make it easier for you to focus on your recovery and reduce the stressors associated with recovering. It covers you if you’re injured in a vehicle accident, whether you’re liable or not, and even if you’re riding or driving another vehicle or are struck by a vehicle.

Unlike other policies, PIP also covers the medical expenses of your passengers. This can help you limit your financial liability, especially if you’re at fault for your accident. Nevada’s subrogation clause doesn’t apply to PIP and MedPay. As a result, you don’t have to repay the PIP and MedPay funds when you’re paid by the at-fault company, and your PIP or MedPay premiums won’t be increased when you collect your benefits. Another benefit is that you aren’t required to repay any benefits or reimburse your insurer.

Should You Purchase PIP or MedPay Insurance?

Whether you should purchase PIP or MedPay depends on your needs, budget, and driving behavior. Most PIP and MedPay policies available in Nevada don’t exceed $10,000. The costs are also low, with most policies available between $5 and $20 per month. Larger policies up to $100,000 are available, but the monthly cost can go up to $100. However, if you frequently travel with passengers in your vehicle or your auto and health insurance coverage doesn’t provide adequate coverage, PIP and MedPay can offer additional protection.

When you apply to purchase PIP or MedPay coverage, your insurer will determine if you’re eligible and calculate your rate based on certain criteria, including:

  • Your age and gender.
  • Your marital status.
  • If coverage is optional or required in your state.
  • Your driving record.
  • Current insurance policies with other insurers.
  • Your claims history.
  • Where you live.
  • Your credit history.

Why Should You Let Us Handle Your Vehicle Accident Case?

Since 2005, De Castroverde Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers has handled hundreds of personal injury cases professionally and diligently. We skillfully apply our in-depth knowledge of Nevada personal injury law to get injured people the compensation and justice they deserve. Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. From the moment you enter our offices, we’re at your side through each step of your personal injury claim.

Our law offices serve the residents of Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, and Reno, Nevada. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions, and we’re bilingual — Spanish/English. Contact us today at 702-780-6462 for a free consultation or case review.

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