What PIP Is and Why Utah Requires It
PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection. Under Utah Code §31A-22-307, every auto insurance policy in Utah must include PIP coverage. It pays YOUR medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident — that's why Utah is called a 'no-fault' state. The minimum PIP coverage is $3,000 for medical expenses, plus $250/week in lost wages for up to 52 weeks, plus $20/day for household services you can't perform due to your injuries. PIP kicks in immediately. You don't need to prove fault. You file with your own insurance company.
The $3,000 Threshold — Your Ticket to a Full Lawsuit
Here's what most people miss about PIP: $3,000 is just the starting point. A single ER visit after a car accident averages $3,500+. PIP is exhausted before you leave the hospital. But that $3,000 threshold is actually your ticket to a full lawsuit. Under Utah Code §31A-22-309, once your medical bills exceed $3,000 — or you suffer permanent impairment, disability, or disfigurement — you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for EVERYTHING: all medical bills, lost wages, AND pain and suffering. That's where the real compensation is.
PIP vs. MedPay vs. Health Insurance — Know the Difference
PIP covers medical bills ($3,000 min) + lost wages + household services. It's mandatory in Utah. MedPay is optional additional medical coverage that stacks on top of PIP — if you have $3,000 PIP and $10,000 MedPay, that's $13,000 in immediate medical coverage. MedPay costs about $3-5/month. Your health insurance is the backstop after PIP and MedPay are exhausted. The key: PIP and MedPay have no deductible and no copay. They pay from dollar one. Your health insurance likely has a $5,000-$10,000 deductible. That's why maximizing PIP and MedPay matters.
Brad's Recommendation
Buy the maximum PIP available — usually $10,000. It costs almost nothing extra in premium. Combined with $10,000-$25,000 in MedPay, you create a cushion of $20,000-$35,000 in immediate medical coverage that kicks in from day one with no deductible. That buys you time while we build your case against the at-fault driver. And remember: PIP pays regardless of fault. Even if you caused the accident, PIP covers your medical bills. It's the single best coverage on your Utah auto policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PIP cover me if the accident was my fault?
Yes. PIP is no-fault coverage — it pays your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. That's the entire point of Utah's no-fault system (Utah Code §31A-22-307).
What happens after my PIP is exhausted?
Once PIP is used up, MedPay (if you have it) kicks in, then your health insurance. But more importantly, once your medical bills exceed $3,000, you can file a liability claim against the at-fault driver for all remaining damages including pain and suffering (§31A-22-309).
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