Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance in Utah–Call/TXT Jake Gunter (801) 373-6345
In Utah, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory feature of all auto insurance policies, designed to cover specific expenses after a car accident. Under Utah Code Ann. 31A-22-302(1), PIP provides crucial support by covering medical costs, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses, regardless of who was at fault. Note that PIP isn’t required for motorcycles, ATVs, trailers, or street-legal all-terrain vehicles (see Utah Code Ann. 31A-22-302(2)). The minimum PIP coverage in Utah is $3,000, though higher limits are available, and stacking policies can maximize your benefits.
What Does PIP Cover?
The purpose of PIP insurance is to provide immediate financial assistance in the aftermath of a car accident. PIP in Utah covers:
- Medical Expenses: PIP pays for medical costs up to $3,000, regardless of fault (Utah Code Ann. 31A-22-307(1)).
- Lost Wages: PIP can help cover income loss with a weekly cap, paying the lesser of $250 per week or 85% of gross income loss for up to 52 weeks (Utah Code Ann. 31A-22-307).
- Household Services: Up to $20 per day for services you’re unable to perform due to injury, capped at 365 days.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Up to $1,500 in the event of death.
- Death Benefits: A $3,000 payout to the deceased’s heirs.
Stacking PIP Policies for Additional Coverage
Utah allows stacking of PIP policies, which means you may use more than one PIP policy if you’re covered under multiple policies. For instance, if you’re in an accident while driving a rental or someone else’s vehicle, you may be able to apply both the vehicle owner’s and your personal PIP coverage to maximize benefits.
What Happens if Your PIP Claim is Denied?
PIP benefits are provided by your own first-party insurance carrier, not the insurer of the at-fault driver. However, sometimes PIP claims are denied if the insurer argues that your injuries aren’t accident-related or that your treatment costs are excessive. Under Utah Code Ann. 31A-22-309(5)(d), policyholders can sue their own insurance carrier to enforce PIP benefits. Winning a PIP denial claim can entitle you to overdue benefits, interest, and attorney fees.
In some cases, insurers conduct in-house reviews of medical records to justify a denial. Attorney Jacob S. Gunter has successfully handled PIP denials for clients, securing the benefits they’re entitled to under Utah law.
PIP Policy Prioritization in Utah
When multiple PIP policies apply, Utah law sets a priority for which policies pay first. For example:
- Work-Related Accidents: If injured on the job, Workers’ Compensation is primary, followed by PIP coverage.
- Primary and Secondary Policies: If you’re an innocent passenger, the driver’s PIP policy may be primary, and once it’s exhausted, you can turn to your own PIP coverage.
Get Expert Help with PIP Claims and Denials
When pursuing a PIP claim or dealing with a denial, you need a skilled attorney who understands Utah PIP law. Attorney Jacob S. Gunter of Howard Lewis & Petersen, P.C. has years of experience handling car accident injury claims and helping clients maximize their PIP benefits. Contact our office today at (385) 269-9504 for a consultation to discuss your case.