Is Personal Injury Protection Required In New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is a beautiful state known for its scenic drives, charming towns, and outdoor activities. However, accidents can happen even in the most idyllic of settings. If you’re a driver in New Hampshire, you may be wondering if personal injury protection (PIP) is required by law.

The short answer is no, PIP is not mandatory in New Hampshire. However, it’s important to understand the potential consequences of not having this type of insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Let’s dive deeper into the topic to understand why PIP can be beneficial for drivers in the Granite State.

No, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not required in New Hampshire. Unlike most other states, New Hampshire does not have a minimum car insurance requirement. However, drivers are still financially responsible for any damages or injuries they cause in an accident. It’s recommended that drivers carry liability coverage to protect themselves in case of an accident.

Personal Injury Protection in New Hampshire: Is it Required?

What is Personal Injury Protection?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of auto insurance that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses if you are injured in a car accident. PIP is designed to provide immediate coverage for medical expenses and other costs related to the accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP coverage is mandatory in some states, but is it required in New Hampshire?

PIP in New Hampshire

Unlike many other states, New Hampshire does not require drivers to carry PIP coverage. In fact, New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not require drivers to carry any type of auto insurance. However, drivers are still financially responsible for any damages or injuries they cause in an accident, and may be sued for damages if they are found to be at fault.

Benefits of PIP Coverage

While PIP coverage is not required in New Hampshire, it can still be beneficial for drivers to carry this type of insurance. PIP coverage can provide immediate coverage for medical expenses and other costs related to an accident, which can be especially helpful if you do not have health insurance. PIP coverage can also provide coverage for lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries.

PIP vs. Health Insurance

Some drivers may wonder if they need PIP coverage if they already have health insurance. While health insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses related to an accident, it may not cover all of the costs associated with an accident, such as lost wages. PIP coverage can provide more comprehensive coverage for accident-related expenses.

PIP vs. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is another type of auto insurance that is required in most states, including New Hampshire. Liability insurance covers damages and injuries that you may cause to other drivers or their property in an accident. While liability insurance is important, it does not provide coverage for your own medical expenses or other costs related to an accident. PIP coverage can provide more comprehensive coverage for accident-related expenses.

Optional PIP Coverage in New Hampshire

While PIP coverage is not required in New Hampshire, some insurance companies may offer optional PIP coverage for drivers who are interested in this type of insurance. Optional PIP coverage may provide additional coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses if you are injured in an accident.

Cost of PIP Coverage

The cost of PIP coverage can vary depending on the insurance company and your individual circumstances. Factors that can affect the cost of PIP coverage include your age, driving history, and the amount of coverage you choose. While PIP coverage can be an added expense, it can provide valuable coverage in the event of an accident.

Conclusion

While PIP coverage is not required in New Hampshire, it can still be a valuable type of insurance for drivers to carry. PIP coverage can provide immediate coverage for medical expenses and other related costs if you are injured in an accident, which can be especially beneficial if you do not have health insurance. Optional PIP coverage may also be available from some insurance companies for drivers who are interested in this type of insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding personal injury protection in New Hampshire:

1) What is personal injury protection (PIP) insurance?

Personal injury protection insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. It is also known as no-fault insurance.

However, New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not require PIP insurance. It is optional and drivers can choose to purchase it or not.

2) What are the benefits of having PIP insurance?

One benefit of having PIP insurance is that it provides immediate coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This can be especially helpful in situations where the other driver’s insurance company is delaying or denying coverage.

Additionally, PIP insurance can provide coverage for services such as household and childcare assistance, which can help ease the financial burden on those who are injured and unable to perform these tasks themselves.

3) How much PIP coverage should I purchase?

If you choose to purchase PIP insurance in New Hampshire, the state requires a minimum coverage of $1,000. However, it is recommended that drivers purchase higher limits to ensure adequate coverage in the event of an accident.

It is important to note that PIP insurance only covers medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limit, so it is important to choose a coverage amount that will adequately protect you and your passengers.

4) Are there any exceptions to the PIP requirement in other states?

Yes, some states have exceptions to the PIP requirement. For example, in Florida, drivers who carry health insurance with a minimum coverage of $10,000 are exempt from the PIP requirement.

It is important to check the specific requirements and exemptions for PIP insurance in your state if you are unsure whether it is required or not.

5) Can I use my health insurance instead of PIP insurance?

Yes, you can use your health insurance to cover medical expenses related to a car accident if you do not have PIP insurance. However, health insurance may not cover all of the expenses that PIP insurance does, such as lost wages and household assistance.

Additionally, using your health insurance for car accident-related injuries may result in higher premiums or deductibles, whereas PIP insurance is specifically designed to cover these expenses without affecting your health insurance coverage.

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

In conclusion, while Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not legally required in New Hampshire, it is strongly recommended that drivers have this coverage. PIP can provide crucial financial support to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Given the high costs of medical care in the United States, having PIP can provide peace of mind and help prevent financial devastation in the event of an accident.

Additionally, even though New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not require PIP, it is important to note that other types of car insurance are mandatory. Drivers in the state must carry liability insurance at minimum levels of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Failing to carry this insurance can result in fines, license suspension, and other penalties.

In sum, while PIP is not a legal requirement in New Hampshire, it is highly recommended that drivers have this coverage in order to protect themselves and their families from the financial fallout of a car accident. And while liability insurance is mandatory in the state, it is also important to consider adding other types of coverage, such as collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, in order to have a comprehensive car insurance policy that provides full protection on the road.