Both of these coverages pay for injuries after a crash, no matter who caused it. The difference is how far they reach.
What medical payments coverage is
MedPay covers accident-related medical costs for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, up to its limit. It is straightforward and medical-only. It can help with the deductibles and copays your health plan leaves behind, and it covers passengers who may not have good health coverage of their own.
What personal injury protection is
PIP is broader. In addition to medical costs, it can cover lost wages, essential services like childcare or housekeeping while you recover, and certain other expenses, depending on the state and policy. In Oregon, PIP is required at a minimum of 15,000 dollars per person and pays regardless of fault.
How state rules shape it
Whether you have MedPay, PIP, or both depends on your state. Some states require PIP, some offer MedPay, and the details vary. When you compare quotes across the same state, check that the limits and any PIP deductible match, because these are easy to quietly reduce.
Why health insurance is not the whole answer
A crash creates costs health insurance does not always handle cleanly: deductibles and copays, passengers on different plans, and lost income that PIP may cover and health insurance will not. MedPay and PIP also pay quickly, which matters when bills arrive before fault is settled. They are inexpensive for what they do, which is why dropping them to shave a premium is rarely the bargain it looks like.
Continue the series
You are reading part 5 of How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Without Getting Burned.