Texas Insurance Code section 1952.152 requires personal injury protection in every auto liability policy unless a named insured rejects it in writing. PIP pays reasonable medical expenses and lost income from a crash without regard to fault, and the statute requires coverage up to $2,500 per person. Owsley Law Firm helps clients use PIP alongside their injury claim and charges no fee unless we win.
Texas is an at-fault state, but PIP works like no-fault coverage. It pays your own medical bills and income losses quickly, whoever caused the crash. For many people, it is the first money available after a collision.
This page explains what PIP covers, who it covers, how much is required, and how it interacts with the claim against the at-fault driver.
What does PIP cover in Texas?
Reasonable expenses from the accident for necessary medical and funeral services, lost income for income producers, and essential household services for those who were not earning income.
PIP is often overlooked because people assume it is only for their own car. Under section 1952.151, PIP covers the named insured, household members, and any authorized driver or passenger of the insured vehicle, including guest occupants. In a household with several vehicles and policies, more than one PIP coverage may be worth reviewing.
Expenses must be incurred within three years of the accident. Under section 1952.151, the services include medical, surgical, x-ray, and dental care, prosthetic devices, ambulance, hospital, nursing, and funeral services.
- Necessary medical and hospital care
- Ambulance and nursing services
- Funeral services
- Lost income for income producers
- Essential household services for non-earners
Who does PIP cover?
The named insured, household members, and any authorized driver or passenger of the insured vehicle, including guest occupants.
That means a passenger in your car can claim PIP under your policy, and you can usually claim under your own policy when riding in someone else’s car, depending on the policy terms.
How much PIP is required in Texas?
Insurers are not required to provide more than $2,500 per person, and many policies offer higher limits.
Section 1952.153 sets the $2,500 figure. PIP is required unless a named insured rejects it in writing. Check your declarations page for your actual limit.
Does PIP depend on who caused the crash?
No. Section 1952.155 makes PIP payable without regard to fault and without regard to other collateral sources.
PIP insurers generally cannot seek repayment from the at-fault driver, except when that driver had no required liability coverage. Under section 1952.159, PIP paid to a passenger by the driver’s insurer can be offset against that passenger’s liability claim against the same driver.
How does PIP work with health insurance?
PIP pays regardless of other collateral sources, so it can pay even when health insurance also covers the treatment, subject to policy terms.
Section 1952.155 makes PIP payable without regard to collateral sources of medical, hospital, or wage benefits. In practice, PIP can cover deductibles, copays, and lost income that health insurance does not.
Using PIP early can ease financial pressure while the injury claim against the at-fault driver is built.
How quickly must PIP benefits be paid?
Periodically as claims arise, and no later than 30 days after the insurer receives satisfactory proof of the claim.
Policies may require proof of loss within a set period of at least six months. Submit bills and wage documentation promptly.
How it is proven after a crash
- Your declarations page showing PIP limits
- Medical bills and records
- Employer wage verification
- Proof of household services costs
- Any written rejection form
Mistakes that cost people money
- Assuming PIP was rejected without checking
- Missing the policy’s proof of loss period
- Not claiming lost income under PIP
- Thinking PIP replaces the injury claim
Frequently asked questions
Can I use PIP if I was a pedestrian?
Section 1952.151 describes PIP for the named insured and household members as well as occupants of the insured vehicle. Whether a pedestrian injury is covered depends on the policy language, so the policy should be reviewed.
Is Texas a no-fault state?
No. Texas is an at-fault state, but PIP pays regardless of fault.
How much does PIP pay?
Up to your policy limit. The statute requires coverage up to $2,500 per person unless rejected, and many policies carry higher limits.
Does PIP cover lost wages?
Yes, for income producers, as replacement of income lost from the accident.
Will using PIP reduce my injury claim?
Generally no against the other driver, except the passenger offset in section 1952.159.
How long do I have to submit PIP bills?
Expenses must be incurred within three years, and your policy may set a proof of loss period of at least six months.
This page is general information about Texas law and is not legal or medical advice. Every case depends on its own facts. Contact the firm for a free review of yours.
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