- What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?
- Is PIP Required in Utah?
- What Are Utah’s Minimum PIP Benefits?
- What Does PIP Cover?
- How Is PIP Different From Other Coverage?
- Who Is Covered by Your PIP?
- When Can You Go Beyond PIP and Sue the At-Fault Driver?
- How Do You File a PIP Claim?
- Does PIP Work With Health Insurance?
- Can You Reject PIP in Utah?
- How Much PIP Should You Carry?
- What Happens When Bills Exceed Your PIP Limits?
- Common PIP Mistakes
- Quick Answers
- Talk to London Harker Injury Law
Key takeaways
If you drive in Utah, personal injury protection (PIP) is part of your auto insurance, and it is the first coverage you turn to after most car crashes. Many people do not know exactly what PIP pays for, how much it covers, or when they can go beyond it and bring a claim against the at-fault driver.
This FAQ answers the most common questions about PIP in Utah. For a broader overview, see our guide to understanding PIP insurance coverage.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?
PIP is auto insurance coverage that pays certain expenses after a crash regardless of who caused it. That is why it is often called no-fault coverage. The goal is quick access to medical care and income support without waiting for a fault investigation.
Utah uses a modified no-fault system. Your own PIP pays first, but you can still bring a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet a legal threshold.
Is PIP Required in Utah?
Yes. Utah requires PIP on auto insurance policies for most passenger vehicles. Motorcycles are an exception: Utah Code § 31A-22-302 does not require PIP on motorcycle policies. The Utah Insurance Department has more information on minimum coverage requirements.
What Are Utah’s Minimum PIP Benefits?
Utah Code § 31A-22-307 sets the minimum benefits. They are separate categories, not one combined $3,000 pool:
- Medical expenses: At least $3,000 per person for necessary medical services
- Lost income: The lesser of $250 per week or 85% of lost gross income, for up to 52 weeks (the first three days are not paid unless the disability lasts more than two weeks)
- Household services: Up to $20 per day for up to 365 days for services you cannot perform yourself because of your injuries
- Funeral benefits: Up to $1,500 per person
- Death benefit: $3,000 payable to the person’s heirs
Many drivers buy higher medical limits for extra protection.
What Does PIP Cover?
Medical Expenses
PIP pays reasonable and necessary medical expenses from a crash, such as hospital care, doctor visits, imaging, prescriptions, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, up to your medical limit.
Lost Income
If your injuries keep you from working, PIP replaces part of your income under the formula above. You may need pay stubs, tax returns, or an employer letter.
Household Services
If you cannot do household tasks like cleaning, yard work, or childcare, PIP’s daily allowance can help pay someone to do them.
Funeral and Death Benefits
If someone dies in a crash, PIP provides funeral benefits and a death benefit to the heirs.
How Is PIP Different From Other Coverage?
PIP vs. Bodily Injury Liability
PIP pays for your own injuries and your passengers’ injuries regardless of fault. Bodily injury liability pays for injuries you cause to others. Utah requires both.
PIP vs. MedPay
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) is optional coverage that also pays crash-related medical bills. Unlike PIP, it is not required in Utah.
Who Is Covered by Your PIP?
PIP generally covers you and household members, passengers in your vehicle, and in some situations pedestrians. The exact rules depend on Utah law and your policy. Each injured person has their own benefits, so three injured passengers would each have access to their own medical benefit, not a share of one.
When Can You Go Beyond PIP and Sue the At-Fault Driver?
You can bring a claim for general damages such as pain and suffering only if your injuries meet the threshold in Utah Code § 31A-22-309:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Permanent disability or impairment based on objective findings
- Permanent disfigurement
- A bone fracture
- More than $3,000 in medical expenses
Once the threshold is met, you can pursue the at-fault driver for damages PIP does not cover, including pain and suffering and the rest of your lost income. See compensatory vs. punitive damages in Utah. Property damage claims are not subject to the threshold.
How Do You File a PIP Claim?
Notify your insurer as soon as possible after the crash. Your insurer will ask for a claim form and documentation such as medical bills, receipts, and proof of lost income. Keep copies of everything. Policies set their own notice requirements, so report promptly and check your policy.
Does PIP Work With Health Insurance?
Yes, though coordination can be complicated. PIP usually pays first for crash-related medical bills, and health insurance may cover remaining costs under your plan’s terms. Some health plans can seek reimbursement if you later recover from the at-fault driver.
Can You Reject PIP in Utah?
Generally, no. Utah requires PIP on auto policies. There is one narrow option: the named insured may waive the lost income benefit for themselves and their spouse in writing if neither has earned income from regular employment, such as some retirees. Medical and other PIP benefits still apply.
How Much PIP Should You Carry?
The $3,000 medical minimum can be used up quickly after an emergency room visit, imaging, or surgery. Higher limits reduce out-of-pocket costs. Consider your health insurance, savings, and risk tolerance. For how coverages fit together, see our guide to auto insurance claims in Utah.
What Happens When Bills Exceed Your PIP Limits?
Your health insurance may cover additional medical bills. If your injuries meet the threshold, you can bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. If that driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help. If the other insurer refuses to pay, see what to do if the other driver’s insurance won’t pay.
Common PIP Mistakes
- Delaying treatment: Insurers may argue your injuries are unrelated to the crash.
- Poor records: Missing bills or wage documentation can delay payment.
- Assuming PIP covers everything: PIP does not pay for pain and suffering and only partly replaces income.
If a PIP dispute escalates or your case heads toward litigation, talk to an attorney.
Quick Answers
Is PIP mandatory in Utah?
Yes, for most auto policies. Motorcycle policies are not required to include PIP.
What is the minimum PIP medical coverage in Utah?
$3,000 per person for medical expenses, plus separate lost income, household services, funeral, and death benefits.
Can I use PIP if the crash was my fault?
Yes. PIP pays regardless of fault.
Does PIP cover my passengers?
Generally, yes. Each injured passenger has their own benefits.
Can I sue the other driver if I have PIP?
Yes, for general damages, if your injuries meet the threshold: death, dismemberment, permanent disability or impairment, permanent disfigurement, a bone fracture, or more than $3,000 in medical expenses.
Does PIP cover chiropractic care?
Yes, when medically necessary, up to your medical limit.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
Your PIP still pays its benefits, and your uninsured motorist coverage may cover additional losses.
Talk to London Harker Injury Law
PIP gets you started, but it rarely covers everything after a serious crash. If your injuries meet Utah’s threshold or your PIP claim is being delayed or denied, London Harker Injury Law can review your options. Learn more on our Utah car accident lawyer page.
