Every year, there are around 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. And outside of the office, there are significantly more injuries suffered.
When you factor in all the daily dangers you face, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll get hurt one day. If (or when) that happens, you don’t want to go bankrupt paying your medical bills and taking time off work. So it might be wise to get personal injury insurance.
What is personal injury insurance? And do you really need it? Read on to find out the answers and more!
What Is Personal Injury Insurance?
This might be surprising to hear, but personal injury insurance actually falls under the general category of auto insurance. Its main purpose is to cover your medical expenses after you’ve been in an auto collision. It can also cover your passengers.
Other areas of coverage include if you’re the passenger of another car and if you’re hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian or bicyclist.
Many people confuse personal injury insurance with bodily injury liability insurance, but they’re not the same thing. The former applies to you and your passengers, while the latter applies to the people in the other car if you’re at fault for a crash.
This type of insurance will pay for your medical bills, as well as:
- Medical supplies
- Medications
- Auto replacement services
- Lost wages
- Funeral costs
Do note that this insurance won’t cover vehicle repairs.
Do You Need Personal Injury Insurance?
Some states require that you get personal injury insurance, which is also known as “no-fault insurance”. Currently, these are the states/areas that require this insurance:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- Washington DC
Puerto Rico also requires personal injury insurance.
If you live somewhere where this insurance isn’t mandatory, it can still be a good idea. Factors include your current car and health insurance, as well as how much risk you’re willing to take.
In many cases, it can be difficult to handle a personal injury suit, so it’s best if you consult with a lawyer. Check out this article if you want to learn more about filing a personal injury claim.
Protect Yourself
Now you know the answer to the question, “what is personal injury insurance?”
This type of insurance might sound like it covers you for any injury, but in reality, it’s mainly for auto-related accidents. It’ll cover not just your medical bills, but also things like medications, medical supplies, and lost wages.
While not everyone needs to get personal injury insurance, it’s definitely a good idea. This is especially true if you live in a state that requires it. So look into your options and choose a policy that works for you!
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