How much PIP insurance should I have?

You should have $2,500 to $30,000 in PIP coverage per person in states that require personal injury protection (PIP), though exact requirements vary by state. Even if it’s not mandatory in your state, you should purchase as much PIP coverage as you can comfortably afford. For example, $10,000 in PIP coverage will ensure that you're covered for at least basic medical expenses and some lost wages.

Personal injury protection pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. As a result, purchasing higher limits can better protect you against hefty expenses that may result from injuries.

What to Consider Before Purchasing PIP Coverage

When deciding how much PIP to purchase, you should consider how much coverage you can afford as well as the coverage offered by any health insurance that you have. If you have a reliable health insurance policy, you may be able to purchase lower PIP limits, since the coverage overlaps in some areas.

However, you should keep in mind that PIP also covers certain long-term expenses that don’t typically fall under health insurance, like lost income and household services. Additionally, PIP can help cover the deductibles and copays that you’re typically required to pay with health insurance, so you’ll have fewer out-of-pocket costs.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to personal injury protection.