Is Personal Injury Protection Required In New Hampshire?

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Brenton Armour
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases...Read more

New Hampshire is known for its scenic drives, but accidents can happen even on the most beautiful roads. If you’re a driver in New Hampshire, you may be wondering if you’re required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP coverage can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages if you’re injured in a car accident, but is it mandatory in the Granite State? Let’s explore.

In this article, we’ll break down the laws surrounding PIP insurance in New Hampshire, including what it covers and who is required to have it. We’ll also discuss some of the pros and cons of PIP insurance, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to add it to your policy. So, buckle up and let’s dive in.

Is Personal Injury Protection Required in New Hampshire?
No, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not required in New Hampshire. However, car insurance policies in New Hampshire must include at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage. These minimum coverage requirements ensure that drivers are financially responsible for any injuries or damages they may cause in an accident.

Is Personal Injury Protection Required in New Hampshire?

Is Personal Injury Protection Required in New Hampshire?

What is Personal Injury Protection?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of car insurance coverage that provides benefits to drivers and passengers who are injured in a car accident. PIP coverage typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses. PIP coverage is often referred to as “no-fault” coverage because it pays benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Is Personal Injury Protection Required in New Hampshire?

Unlike many other states, New Hampshire does not require drivers to carry PIP coverage. However, drivers in New Hampshire are required to carry liability insurance, which covers damages and injuries that the driver may cause to other people in an accident. Drivers in New Hampshire may also choose to purchase additional types of insurance coverage, such as collision coverage or uninsured motorist coverage.

The Benefits of Personal Injury Protection

While PIP coverage is not required in New Hampshire, it can be a valuable addition to your insurance policy. PIP coverage provides benefits to you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This means that you can receive benefits even if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured.

In addition to providing coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, PIP coverage may also provide benefits for other costs related to the accident, such as transportation expenses or home care services. PIP coverage can also help to cover expenses that are not covered by health insurance or other types of insurance.

The Drawbacks of Personal Injury Protection

While PIP coverage can be beneficial, it can also be expensive. PIP coverage can add to the cost of your car insurance policy, especially if you choose to purchase a comprehensive policy that includes PIP coverage. Additionally, PIP coverage may duplicate coverage that you already have through health insurance or other types of insurance.

Another potential drawback of PIP coverage is that it may limit your ability to sue another driver for damages. In some states, drivers who have PIP coverage are required to seek benefits through their own insurance policy first, before they can pursue a lawsuit against the other driver. This can limit your ability to recover damages for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.

PIP Coverage vs. Medical Payments Coverage

In addition to PIP coverage, car insurance policies may also offer medical payments coverage. Medical payments coverage is similar to PIP coverage in that it provides benefits for medical expenses incurred as a result of a car accident. However, medical payments coverage does not typically provide benefits for lost wages or other related expenses.

One advantage of medical payments coverage is that it is often less expensive than PIP coverage. Medical payments coverage may also be less restrictive than PIP coverage, allowing you to seek benefits from your own insurance policy as well as from another driver’s insurance policy.

Conclusion

While Personal Injury Protection is not required in New Hampshire, it can be a valuable addition to your car insurance policy. PIP coverage provides benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident, which can be especially helpful if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. However, PIP coverage can be expensive and may limit your ability to recover damages through a lawsuit. Before deciding whether to purchase PIP coverage or another type of insurance coverage, it is important to carefully consider your needs and your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Personal Injury Protection Required in New Hampshire?

Yes and no. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not required in New Hampshire, but if you choose not to have it, you must sign a waiver indicating your decision. PIP is an optional coverage that provides medical payment coverage for injuries sustained in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

However, it is important to note that New Hampshire is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages and injuries caused. Without PIP coverage, you may be responsible for paying your own medical bills and other expenses if you are injured in a car accident.

In summary, while PIP is not required in New Hampshire, it can provide important financial protection in the event of a car accident. If you decide not to carry PIP coverage, make sure you understand the potential risks and consequences of doing so.

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

In conclusion, while New Hampshire does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, it is still highly recommended for drivers to consider this coverage. PIP insurance can provide crucial financial assistance in the event of an accident, helping to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Additionally, some insurance companies may offer incentives or discounts for drivers who choose to purchase PIP coverage.

It’s important to note that even if PIP coverage is not required, all drivers in New Hampshire are still required to carry liability insurance. This coverage helps to protect drivers from financial responsibility in the event that they cause an accident resulting in bodily injury or property damage to another party.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase PIP coverage is up to each individual driver. However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential benefits and weigh them against the cost of the coverage. With the right insurance plan in place, drivers can have peace of mind knowing that they are protected in the event of an accident.

Brenton ArmourUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases from minor injuries to devastating accidents, earning him a sterling reputation as a trusted and passionate advocate for justice. Brenton's unwavering dedication to his clients has cemented his position as a sought-after personal injury attorney.

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