Maryland Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
When you’re involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is your insurance coverage. You’re injured. You’re overwhelmed. You need financial help—fast. That’s where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) comes in, especially in a state like Maryland, where insurance options can make or break your financial recovery. But not all PIP coverage is the same, and choosing the wrong option could leave you vulnerable when it matters most. Let’s break down what Maryland PIP covers and why making the right choice is critical for you and your family.
What Is Full PIP Coverage?
Full PIP coverage in Maryland is designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services for you and others injured in an accident—regardless of who’s at fault. This coverage kicks in whether you were hit by another car or were responsible for the crash. Here’s what you’re looking at:
Who’s Covered: Full PIP covers you, your family members residing with you, passengers in your vehicle, and even pedestrians who are struck by your car. It’s comprehensive and ensures that anyone impacted by the accident receives some level of financial support.
What’s Covered: Full PIP pays for medical expenses, which include any necessary treatments or procedures needed due to the accident. It also covers 85% of lost wages if you’re unable to work and essential services you can’t perform yourself due to injuries. For instance, if you’re injured and can’t take care of your household, PIP steps in to cover costs for essential help. Maryland law mandates a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage, though higher amounts can be purchased.
At the end of the day, it means you won’t have to jump through hoops or wait for the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay up. You get the money you need when you need it. However, it’s essential to recognize that full PIP comes at a price. The cost of premiums increases with this level of protection, but the alternative could leave you struggling financially after an accident.
Limited PIP
Limited PIP sounds like a way to save on premiums, but it comes with major drawbacks. In Maryland, you can waive PIP coverage for yourself, other drivers on your policy, and family members 16 or older. While this option lowers your insurance costs, it also prevents you from receiving PIP benefits under any Maryland auto insurance policy. This means no immediate help with medical expenses or lost wages after an accident—unless you pursue legal action or file a claim against the at-fault driver.
Big Takeaway: If you waive full PIP and select limited PIP, you won’t just be denying coverage from your own policy. You’ll also block yourself from collecting PIP benefits under any other motor vehicle liability insurance policy in Maryland. So, if you’re in a crash and rely on someone else’s policy for coverage, you’re out of luck. The only exceptions are if the person has full PIP under their own policy and has not waived coverage.
Rejecting PIP in Maryland is playing with fire. You might save a little upfront, but the cost of an accident could be catastrophic without this vital coverage.
Protect Yourself Now—Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Accidents happen in an instant, and the aftermath can be financially crippling. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in Maryland is there to help you get back on your feet. Whether it’s covering your medical bills or ensuring your lost wages don’t leave you in debt, PIP is a lifeline. But you must make the right choices now.
If you’ve been in an accident and need help understanding your rights or filing a claim, contact Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, at (703) 879-5910. Our team will fight aggressively to ensure you receive the compensation and coverage you deserve. Don’t wait. Call us today!