What is PIP Coverage in Missouri?
Summary: With rising healthcare costs, drivers throughout Missouri can greatly benefit by adding personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to their auto insurance. Not offered in all states, PIP coverage is a good protection against many different medical expenses, including X-rays, going to the doctor, chiropractic care, and much more. You can even cover lost wages if you're injured after an accident. Even if you have MedPay, PIP coverage can cover more. Get a quote and save by comparing multiple top-rated carriers. Estimated Read Time: 3 mins
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical bills after an accident for you and your passengers regardless of fault.
Missouri offers drivers the option to add PIP coverage, though it’s not available in every state.
PIP provides no-fault protection and covers a broader range of costs than standard medical payments coverage (MedPay), making it a valuable option for those seeking more comprehensive support.
Drivers receive greater peace of mind after an accident in the face of rising healthcare costs.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage vs MedPay in Missouri
Missouri operates as an at-fault state, meaning drivers aren’t required to carry PIP insurance.
Instead, they must have coverage that includes medical expenses after an accident, ensuring that at least one driver is accountable for damages when making a claim.
For those seeking coverage for medical bills, medical payments coverage offers a solution.
MedPay helps cover medical costs after an accident, offering protection similar to PIP but with key distinctions in scope and benefits.
One major difference between MedPay and PIP lies in coverage limits.
PIP auto coverage typically offers broader limits, protecting against a wider range of medical costs that may arise from an accident.
Additionally, PIP can cover lost wages, whereas MedPay is limited to medical expenses alone.
This makes PIP a more comprehensive option for those needing coverage for both medical expenses and a loss of wages following an accident.
How Does PIP Coverage Work for Drivers in MO?
PIP insurance coverage is designed to cover personal losses for you and your passengers, focusing on your needs rather than the other party's damages.
This type of coverage offers broad protection, including essential medical care in the aftermath of an accident.
With Missouri PIP coverage, many different healthcare expenses are covered, making it a versatile option for handling accident-related medical needs.
From X-rays to physician visits to going to the chiropractor, PIP insurance ensures that necessary medical expenses are manageable.
If you’re unable to work due to injuries sustained in an accident, personal injury protection insurance coverage can help cover lost wages, easing financial stress during recovery.
Your policy also reimburses costs for essential medical devices like crutches or prosthetics, supporting your return to daily activities.
PIP coverage even covers specialist procedures, such as eye or dental treatments, that may be needed as a result of the accident.
For larger expenses, like surgeries, your policy steps in to pay for procedures, reducing the financial burden of high medical costs.
In addition, PIP coverage allows you to claim rehabilitation services, including nursing care and physical therapy, which can be crucial in achieving full recovery.
With this wide range of support, PIP insurance offers significant financial relief, making it easier to manage medical and income-related expenses after an accident.
Not Covered
While PIP coverage is very helpful for covering medical expenses after an accident, it won’t cover everything.
This includes damage to your vehicle or another party’s property. To protect against these types of losses, you’ll need additional coverage, like collision or liability coverage respectively.
Personal injury protection coverage won’t cover non-accident damage, like hail damage or flooding—however, comprehensive coverage will.
For accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, separate coverage can help with losses PIP doesn’t cover.
Finally, because PIP coverage has policy limits, you may need to pay out-of-pocket if expenses exceed them.
You can purchase additional personal injury protection coverage to increase your policy limits, however, its availability varies by carrier. Be sure to shop and compare to understand all of the options available for your needs.
PIP Coverage and Missouri Liability Auto Insurance
PIP coverage protects you and your passengers’ medical expenses but doesn’t cover damage to others' property or injuries; liability insurance is needed for full coverage.
In Missouri, bodily injury liability is required and covers injuries to others, with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
All drivers must carry motor vehicle liability insurance and show proof when registering a vehicle or renewing plates.
The bottom line is that Missouri mandates all drivers carry liability coverage but PIP policies are optional.
Get PIP Coverage Quotes in Missouri
Healthcare costs are rising and staying protected is increasingly important for drivers in Missouri. Shop and compare top-rated carriers offering PIP coverage using our auto insurance quote tool below: