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No, personal injury protection (PIP) is not required in California (it's not even available to purchase). Instead of PIP insurance, California insurance companies offer medical payments insurance (sometimes called MedPay), which helps with hospital bills resulting from a car accident.
MedPay is similar to PIP insurance in that both handle your medical bills even if you cause a car accident. But MedPay covers less than personal injury protection, with no provisions for lost wages or assistance with home tasks that you can't manage due to injury.
PIP & Insurance in California
| PIP required? | No, PIP is not required |
| MedPay required? | No, it's optional |
| State accident laws | At-fault |
| Annual cost of insurance | $1,291 per year |
| National cost ranking (1=cheapest) | 33 |
Personal injury protection is a type of car insurance used in no-fault states, since it covers medical payments regardless of who caused an accident. California is an at-fault state, which means at least one driver is found to be “at fault” after a collision.
To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to PIP insurance.
People also ask
What states are PIP states?
The 12 states that require PIP insurance, also known as personal injury protection, are Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, and Utah. Eleven of these states are “no-fault” states.
In addition, Pennsylvania law requires drivers to purchase $5,000 in medical benefits, but does not mention PIP specifically. PIP coverage is also available, but optional, in seven additional states, plus the District of Columbia.
PIP States
... read full answer by Merrill Burchell, Car Insurance WriterIs California a no-fault state?
No, California is not a no-fault state for auto insurance. California is an “at-fault” or “tort” state, which means the person who is at fault for a car accident is responsible for paying for other people's injuries and property damage resulting from the accident. Additionally, unlike in no-fault states, drivers in California can file lawsuits to seek compensation for even basic medical expenses after an accident.
In typical no-fault states, drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to...
read full answer by Delaney Simchuk, Car Insurance WriterHow does PIP insurance work?
PIP insurance works by compensating drivers up to a given limit for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, funeral costs, lost wages, and other car accident costs. PIP insurance is meant to simplify claims by requiring drivers involved in an accident to file with their own insurer, instead of establishing fault in court.
Examples of How PIP Insurance Works
New York: PIP is required in New York, and drivers must have at least $50,000 in...
read full answer by Leif Olson, Car Insurance WriterDid we answer your question?
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