Do You Need PIP Insurance? Here’s What Kentucky Drivers Need to Know

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is often required in no-fault states like Kentucky. Kentucky law deems that accidents can happen without a person being at fault. PIP insurance is an additional coverage that gives you the peace of mind that you’re covered in the event of an accident when other drivers may not be covered completely.

In The Article

Is PIP Insurance Required in Kentucky?

According to the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Insurance, “Kentucky requires basic PIP coverage on all motor vehicles except motorcycles.” Additionally, Basic PIP claims must be paid by the company that insures the vehicle in which the person who is injured is riding at the time, or, in cases of pedestrian accidents, PIP claims must be paid by the insurer of the vehicle that strikes the pedestrian.

While Basic PIP insurance is required in Kentucky, it only provides up to $10,000 per person, per accident. However, you have the option to choose insurance policies with higher benefits and deductibles.

Why Don’t Motorcycles Require PIP Insurance in Kentucky?

Kentucky does not require motorcycles to be covered by PIP insurance. However, PIP is an optional insurance that motorcycle drivers can get. Should a motorcyclist choose to insure his vehicle with PIP, both the driver and the passenger will be covered. However, neither will be able to collect basic PIP benefits from any source, including the driver of another vehicle, if the motorcycle is not insured properly.

Taking the chance to lose PIP coverage from responsible parties is on the person who chooses whether or not to insure the motorcycle.

On the other hand, should the motorcycle owner choose to include a basic PIP coverage plan, according to the Department of Insurance, “he/she is still considered to have accepted the limitations on his rights to sue and be sued for damages unless a no-fault rejection form is filed.”

How to File a PIP Claim in Kentucky

If you were injured in a car wreck as the passenger of a vehicle or as a pedestrian, you can file a claim for PIP benefits with the insurer of that vehicle. However, if you the vehicle was not insured properly, you may be able to recover basic PIP benefits from your own policy. In the event there is no other type of policy available, you may be able to file a basic PIP claim to the Kentucky Assigned Claims Plan(KRS 304.39-160 and 304.39-170).

Does PIP Cover Medical Expenses?

Yes, PIP Insurance covers medical expenses, and lost wages. Some policies even cover other expenses such as funeral expenses in cases of wrongful death. However, there is a no-fault threshold that you must meet before you can file a PIP claim with your insurance.

For medical expense coverage, PIP insurance will cover up to $10,000 in medical bills per person in the vehicle. However, the medical expenses must be over $1,000 per person before PIP coverage can be pursued.

For lost wages, PIP in Kentucky has limited coverage should you lose time at work because of your injuries. PIP will provide $200 per week per person, or 85% of your standard income, whichever is less.

Which States Require PIP Coverage?

While many states require PIP insurance, for some it is optional. States like New Mexico don’t even offer PIP insurance.

The states that offer or require PIP Coverage Include:

Has Hughes & Coleman Covered PIP Cases?

Yes! Hughes and Coleman Injury Lawyers have decades of experience handling PIP cases, giving us a full understanding of the laws, so we can help injury victims protect their rights. If you’ve been injured, and you’re unsure how to file your claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation.