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Guide · Medical bills and money · New Jersey

How PIP works in New Jersey

Updated By Spencer, editorEvery fact cites a source

PIP, personal injury protection, is the part of every standard New Jersey auto policy that pays medical bills after a crash, whoever caused it. Unless a lower amount was chosen in writing, it covers up to $250,000 per person per accident. You pay a deductible, then a 20% copayment on bills up to $5,000. Checked October 9, 2026.

Sources: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g); New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Auto Insurance New Jersey Buyer's Guide

Who caused the crash doesn't matter

Every standard New Jersey auto policy includes PIP, and it pays without regard to who was at fault. It's part of your own policy.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

How much it covers

Unless a lower amount was chosen in writing, PIP pays medical bills up to $250,000 per person per accident. Policies can choose $150,000, $75,000, $50,000 or $15,000 instead.

  1. A lower amount isn't always the limitEven with a lower amount, PIP pays up to $250,000 for permanent or significant brain injury, spinal cord injury or disfigurement.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)
  2. Trauma care right after the crashThe same goes for treating other permanent or significant injuries at a trauma center or acute care hospital right after the crash.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)
Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

What you pay first

PIP bills carry a deductible and a copayment, set by the policy.

  1. The deductiblePolicies offer medical deductibles of $500, $1,000, $2,000 or $2,500 for each accident.Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)
  2. The copaymentOn bills between the deductible and $5,000, you pay 20%, according to the state's auto insurance buyer's guide.Source: New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Auto Insurance New Jersey Buyer's Guide; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)
Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g); New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Auto Insurance New Jersey Buyer's Guide

How fast the insurer must pay

A PIP payment is overdue if it isn't paid within 60 days after the insurer gets written notice of the loss and its amount. Send your bills and keep copies.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.3; N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5(g)

PIP and an injury lawsuit

In an injury lawsuit, the amounts PIP paid or could pay can't be used as evidence.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:6A-12

Sources

General information, not legal advice. We don't know the facts of your claim. A lawyer can review them, and most injury lawyers offer a free consultation.

Questions people ask

Does PIP pay if the accident was my fault in New Jersey?

Yes. PIP pays without regard to who was at fault.

How much PIP coverage do I have in New Jersey?

Up to $250,000 per person per accident, unless a lower amount was chosen in writing. Your policy's declarations page shows yours.

What is the PIP copay in New Jersey?

The state's auto insurance buyer's guide says you pay 20% of medical bills between your deductible and $5,000.

How long does my insurer have to pay a PIP claim?

A PIP payment is overdue if it isn't paid within 60 days after the insurer gets written notice of the loss and its amount.

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