What is Personal Injury Protection?

Posted in Car Accidents,Our Blog on May 14, 2019

Personal injury protection is a type of auto accident insurance coverage. It is the standard type of coverage required in the 12 states that abide by no-fault car accident rules. Louisiana is a fault-based state, meaning the Department of Motor Vehicles does not require personal injury protection insurance. Knowing what it is, however, can help you decide whether purchasing this type of additional insurance could be in your best interests as a driver.

Insurance Requirements in Louisiana

To legally operate a motor vehicle in Louisiana, a driver must carry at least the minimum required amounts and types of auto insurance. Failure to purchase and maintain the required amount of insurance without any gaps in coverage could lead to financial penalties and the loss of the driving privilege.

• $1,000 in medical payment insurance
• $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $15,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $25,000 in property damage liability coverage
• $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $30,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

Drivers must also carry proof of insurance with them when they drive. This may be in the form of an insurance card or policy document in the glove box, or an electronic insurance card via smartphone or tablet. Not having proof of insurance could lead to a fine.

What Personal Injury Protection Insurance Covers

Personal injury protection is not a requirement in Louisiana. Purchasing this type of insurance, however, could protect you after a car accident. Personal injury protection will cover medical expenses and lost wages for the policyholder. It will not matter who or what caused the accident. Personal injury protection will offer compensation to the policyholder regardless of fault. If you are afraid of having to pay out of pocket for a car accident you cause, personal injury protection might be the right insurance to give you peace of mind.

Personal injury protection is a type of no-fault coverage. Even if investigators determine you to be at fault for the car accident, personal injury protection insurance will cover your medical bills as well as your passengers, up to the limit on your policy. You can also use this insurance to recover your lost wages in an at-fault crash. Your insurance premiums may increase if you caused the accident, but you will at least receive checks to pay for your hospital bills and lost income.

Other Optional Types of Insurance Coverage in Louisiana

If you currently drive with only the minimum amount of insurance coverage, you could be exposing yourself to liabilities in a collision. It may be in your best interests to shop for additional insurance coverage in Louisiana. Drivers have the option of purchasing many different types of auto insurance in addition to the required minimums.

• Collision coverage. Collision coverage will pay to repair damage to your vehicle, even if you caused the accident. It may also pay for the full pre-crash value of your vehicle if the accident totals your car. Collision coverage might be worthwhile if you have a newer or high-value vehicle.
• Comprehensive coverage. This coverage extends to repairs for damage from vandals, bad weather, or acts of God. Liability and collision insurance will not cover these types of damages, but comprehensive coverage will. Collision coverage may also pay for repairs if someone steals or intentionally damages your car.

Personal injury protection insurance might be a good idea for you if you commonly drive around passengers who may hold you responsible for medical expenses if you cause an accident. If you do not have great health insurance, personal injury protection could also be a good idea. That way, if your health insurance policy does not fully cover your medical bills after a car accident, your auto insurance can step in to pay the rest. Speak to your insurance representative to see if personal injury protection is right for you.