03 Sep UNINSURED MOTORIST INSURANCE VS. PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION
Posted By Gruenberg Kelly Della || 3-Sep-2019
The purpose of car insurance is to provide financial coverage to drivers in the event that the policyholder is involved in a collision. However, auto insurance is not a cover-all solution for every accident situation. There are a wide variety of different policy options that are available, which offer different forms of coverage to drivers. Some of these types of coverage are required by law in some states, while others are offered as a choice for drivers who are interested in added benefits. Two of these types of coverage are uninsured motorist insurance (UMI) and personal injury protection (PIP).
Personal Injury Protection
Following a car accident, benefits are paid to victims depending on state laws about fault. Some states are “at fault” states, and require proof of liability so the responsible party can pay for the victim’s expenses, while other states follow “no fault” laws. In no fault states, every person is responsible for paying their own expenses (through insurance), so proving liability is not necessary.
In at fault states, a personal injury protection plan is a good “safety net” in the event that you are found to be responsible for your own injuries. With this policy, you can be sure that your own expenses will be covered, even if you are liable for the other driver’s injuries.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Uninsured motorist insurance covers the medical expenses of people who are injured in a car accident that was caused by a driver with little or no auto insurance. This type of coverage is meant to provide supplementary benefits if the insurance policy of the at-fault driver does not cover the victim’s expenses. It is also useful in cases of hit and run accidents, in which there is no party to attribute liability to.
In comparison to a PIP policy, uninsured motorist coverage is reserved for these kind of “absentee” situations. Conversely, personal injury protection plans are more all-encompassing and can help a policyholder in most instances in which coverage is needed.
If you were injured in an auto accident, schedule a free consultation with Gruenberg Kelly Della to discuss your case. Send us a message or reach out via phone at (888) 305-6372.