Being able to drive your own car whenever you want is a liberating experience. It not only provides you with a sense of autonomy but also builds up your confidence. However, it is important to note that road independence also comes with responsibility.
For instance, if you are injured in a car accident, your insurance will pay your medical bills. Also known as personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, this ‘no fault’ system helps ensure that crash victims like yourself can receive financial support for your injuries, regardless of fault.
Is PIP insurance mandatory in Delaware?
Under Delaware car insurance laws, all registered motor vehicle owners must have a minimum PIP insurance coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per crash. Policyholders can also purchase higher PIP coverage limits to cover all their medical costs.
What does PIP insurance cover?
Your Delaware PIP benefits can pay for your ambulance fees and crash-related medical expenses, including:
- Doctor’s fees
- Surgery costs
- Hospital bills
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Personal services (e.g., housecleaning, lawn mowing)
If you are absent from work because of your injuries, PIP insurance can pay a portion of your lost wages. Once your medical costs exceed your PIP limits, you may file a claim against the other driver to recover the difference.
How do I file a PIP claim?
Delaware has a two-year statute of limitations for filing PIP claims. To start the process, you must call your insurance provider to inform them about the accident. They will then issue you a claim number and mail you a PIP application.
Fill out the form and send it back to them. After your insurer receives your documentation, they will review it and inform you about the approval or rejection of your PIP benefit claim. If it is the former, you will start receiving your PIP payments. If it is the latter, you can challenge the decision by appealing your case.
Staying informed can lead to better decisions
By understanding how PIP insurance works in Delaware, you can become more familiar with its legal procedures. Learning this beforehand can help you if you become involved in a crash in the future.
Since you already know what PIP benefits cover, you will no longer feel burdened by your medical bills and instead, you can proceed with your claims process with ease and confidence.