Personal injury protection, or PIP, is a type of auto insurance. It can help to pay for some expenses that occur during an accident. It is not a requirement in all states. However, it can offer a variety of benefits when you carry it. 

Here is what PIP can offer. 
 

How Does PIP Work? 
 

In many states, the laws indicate that the person responsible for an accident must pay the costs associated with that accident. They are determined to be at fault. As such, they must pay the costs as a form of restitution for the incident. 

Even so, this process can be time-consuming and costly to the court system. It often causes lawsuits and settlements. To avoid this cost, some states put PIP requirements in place. 
 

PIP applies in many no-fault states. In a no-fault state, it does not matter who causes the accident. Rather, the insurance coverage of each driver involved pays for the losses their driver sustains. This helps minimize the number of claims in the court system. 

What PIP Includes 
 

It is always important to know what type of coverage your auto insurance policy provides. PIP can do more than what many realize. In some cases, it can pay for as much as 80 percent of the expenses — including medical expenses — that might occur during the accident. It can help cover the medical care you need, for example. 

PIP can help cover the losses of your passengers, too. It can help to cover both short-term and long-term medical needs. If a driver or the passenger dies, it can also cover some of the funeral costs. 
 

Should You Have This Coverage? 
 

There is no doubt that a simple car accident can cause financial strain on any person. With PIP, it is possible to reduce some of those costs significantly. It can also help to minimize lost income you sustain or medical debt you incur due to an accident. If your state requires PIP, you should have it to avoid any fines or the loss of your license, as well. 
 

Personal injury protection can be a valuable asset. It works to reduce what you have to manage out of pocket for an accident. In doing so, it can give you peace of mind knowing you do not have to worry if an unpredictable incident occurs.