If you were hurt in a car accident in New Jersey and went to the doctor, your medical treatment is usually paid through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — the medical coverage built into your auto insurance policy.
But one of the most common questions we hear is:
“If I use my PIP benefits, will my insurance rates go up — even though the accident wasn’t my fault?”
Here’s the short answer: No — using your PIP benefits after a crash that wasn’t your fault should not cause your premiums to increase.
Let’s look at why.
Understanding What PIP Is
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory part of every standard New Jersey auto insurance policy. It’s part of the state’s no-fault system, meaning your own insurance pays for your medical care after a crash, no matter who caused it.
PIP exists to make sure injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can get medical treatment right away — without waiting for fault to be decided or lawsuits to be filed.
So if you go to the doctor, urgent care, or hospital after an accident, your PIP coverage is what pays those bills first.
Why Using PIP Doesn’t Mean You Did Anything Wrong
When you file a PIP claim, you’re not making a claim against another driver, and you’re not admitting fault.
You’re simply using the benefits that are part of your own policy — benefits that New Jersey law requires your insurer to provide.
That’s why your insurance company can’t penalize you just for using PIP to cover your medical treatment.
Think of it this way:
- You paid for PIP coverage with your premiums.
- You were injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault.
- The coverage did exactly what it’s supposed to do — pay your medical bills.
There’s nothing “negative” about that from a rating standpoint.
What New Jersey Law Says About Rate Increases
Under regulations from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI), insurance companies are not allowed to raise your premiums just because you used your PIP coverage.
Insurers can only raise rates for chargeable accidents — situations where you were at fault or where your driving record shows risky behavior.
If you were rear-ended, hit while stopped, or otherwise blameless, your PIP claim is not chargeable and should not affect your renewal premium.
When Rates Might Go Up
While PIP alone shouldn’t raise your rates, insurers can review your record if the crash was your fault. You might see a rate increase if:
- You were ticketed for causing the accident,
- You hit another car, or
- You’ve had multiple accidents in a short time.
In those situations, it’s the fault finding, not the PIP usage, that affects premiums.
Why You Should Still Get Medical Care
Too many people avoid seeing a doctor because they’re worried about insurance costs. That’s a mistake that can hurt both your health and your case.
If you’re injured, you need documentation and treatment — not only to heal properly, but to prove your injuries later if you pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
Your PIP coverage was designed for exactly this reason: to remove the fear of medical bills so you can focus on recovery.
What If Your Insurer Raises Your Rates Anyway?
If your insurance company tries to raise your premiums after a no-fault accident, you can:
- Request a written explanation for the rate change.
- File a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI).
- Speak with an attorney who handles PIP and insurance-dispute cases — they can contact the insurer on your behalf and make sure your record reflects that you were not at fault.
Bottom Line
Using your PIP benefits to see a doctor after a crash you didn’t cause will not make your rates go up.
That’s what the coverage is for — to protect you and get you the medical care you need.
So don’t hesitate to get treated, follow your doctor’s advice, and use your PIP coverage confidently.
If your insurance company unfairly blames you or raises your rates, a personal injury lawyer can step in and protect your rights.
Need Help Understanding PIP or Your Claim?
If you were hurt in an accident and are unsure about using your PIP coverage, contact our office for a free consultation.
We’ll review your policy, explain your rights, and make sure your insurer treats you fairly while you focus on getting better.
