You may have heard of PIP or MedPay coverage and wondered what it was and whether you need it.
PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection, and it’s a form of no-fault insurance coverage. While the term PIP is commonly used to refer to this type of coverage, in South Carolina the coverage is called MedPay, or medical payments coverage.
Is PIP the Same as MedPay?
PIP and MedPay are similar but not exactly the same. Both pay for medical expenses and funeral expenses resulting from an auto accident and cover you and the passengers in your car at the time of the accident, regardless of fault. However, PIP also covers lost wages and other expenses as well, while MedPay is strictly for medical and funeral expenses.
South Carolina does not require drivers to carry this kind of coverage (some states do) but insurance companies offer it as an optional add-on.
Benefits of Carrying MedPay
There are several benefits to carrying MedPay coverage.
Coverage regardless of fault.
Whether the at-fault driver was you or someone else, MedPay will cover expenses up to your policy’s limit for both you and your passengers.
May fill in gaps left by your health insurance.
Depending on the nature of your health insurance policy, MedPay may cover co-pays, deductibles, or other expenses that aren’t covered by your health insurance.
Pays out more quickly
It can take a long time to settle after an accident, and in the meantime, medical bills need to be paid. MedPay coverage is available right away, so you don’t have to rush to settle just to pay your medical bills.
May cover you outside the car.
Check your policy – your MedPay coverage may pay out if you are injured as a passenger in another person’s car or if you’re struck by a car as a pedestrian.
However, there are a couple things to watch out for. Because MedPay coverage is typically low (between $1,000-$5,000), it may not cover all your expenses, depending on the severity of the injuries and cost of medical care. Plus, because it is optional coverage, it will raise your auto insurance premiums.
Should you add MedPay coverage to your auto policy if you don’t already have it? That’s something to discuss with your family and your insurance provider.
Contact the Auto Accident Attorneys at The Carolina Law Group
If you’re reading about MedPay in South Carolina, it might be because you or a loved one has recently been in a car accident. If so, call the car accident attorneys at The Carolina Law Group to discuss your case. They can help you recover damages you’re entitled to and guide you every step of the way while you focus on getting better. To set up your free, no-obligation consultation, call one of the numbers below today.
The Carolina Law Group has three offices in upstate South Carolina for your convenience: Greenville (principal office; call 864.312.4444), Greer (principal office; call 864.757.5555), and Spartanburg (principal office; call 864.757.5555). Call today.