While it might not be your favorite topic for a dinnertime family discussion, there are few things more important than what kind of auto insurance you have associated with your vehicles. If you’re on the fence when it comes to this assertion, all it takes is being involved in one accident to completely change your perspective. To ensure you’re properly protected when the time comes, let’s spend a few minutes talking about what a PIP/PD only policy covers, as well as what it means for you every time you back out of your driveway.
What Is PIP/PD Coverage?
The best place to start is actually defining what a PIP/PD policy covers. After all, it’s hard to really come to a sound conclusion about your coverage if you’re unfamiliar with the terminology. To start, the PIP portion of this coverage stands for personal injury protection. As DMV.org explains in its review of this type of policy, a PIP plan protects you from lost wages and medical expenses in the event of an accident. Often, this type of insurance carries a “no-fault” designation since the coverage is not tethered to defining who is at fault in the event of a collision. As for the property damage (PD) portion of a policy, Jason Neufeld of Avvo points out that this coverage protects you when damages occurs to the property of others.
The Risk of an Insufficient Policy
Unfortunately, the issue faced by most people who need PIP/PD protection stems from insufficient coverage and a lack of understanding when it comes to the legal minimum requirements of their state. For instance, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that drivers in this state must hold at least $10,000 in PIP coverage, as well as $10,000 in PD liability in order to legally operate a vehicle. Without this coverage, drivers risk running afoul of the law, in addition to stiff monetary penalties, in the event of an accident.
However, one of the biggest misconceptions is that having the bare minimum is good enough. While $10,000 seems like quite a large amount at first glance, it quickly turns into a paltry sum when placed against severe property damage or overwhelming medical bills. It’s not always necessary to go above and beyond, but exploring your options before committing to the minimum is the best way to ensure your coverage doesn’t come up short when the worst happens.
Finding the Right Coverage for You
Now that you’re an expert on PIP/PD coverage, it’s time to figure out what goes into your ideal plan. Naturally, you’ll need to see if this type of coverage is required in your area, in addition to what currently constitutes the legal minimum. With this number serving as a starting point, connecting with an insurance specialist and reviewing the particulars of your financial situation, as well as other factors that either increase or decrease the need for additional coverage, is a great way to find the plan that fits you. From here, you can rest easy knowing that when you leave your home, you’re protected should an accident occur.