What Does PIP Insurance Cover After a Car Accident in Maryland?

 Posted on August 23, 2026 in Car & Truck Accidents

After a car accident, medical bills can start adding up before an injury claim is resolved. This is why many Maryland drivers look to personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP helps cover certain medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who caused the crash.

If you've been injured in an accident in 2026, a Bowie, MD personal injury attorney can help you understand your PIP and other insurance coverage.

What Does Maryland PIP Insurance Actually Cover?

PIP can help with certain costs after a crash without waiting for an insurance company to decide who caused it.

Under Maryland Code, Insurance § 19-505, insurers must generally provide at least $2,500 in PIP benefits unless coverage is waived or rejected. PIP can be used to pay for:

• Hospital care, doctor visits, surgery, X-rays, dental care, and nursing services.
• Up to 85 percent of income lost when an injury keeps you from working.
• Certain household or family services you cannot perform because of your injuries.

These benefits can apply to covered expenses and income losses within three years of the accident. However, be aware that PIP does not cover damage to your vehicle or other property.

Who Is Covered by PIP After a Maryland Car Accident?

PIP can protect more than just the person who bought the auto insurance policy. Full PIP generally covers the policyholder and certain family members who live in the same household.

It can also cover passengers and people using the insured vehicle with permission. Certain pedestrians injured in a crash involving the vehicle may also qualify.

Who receives benefits can change if the policyholder has limited or rejected PIP coverage. So it’s important to review your policy to see who is covered and how much coverage is available.

Does Fault Affect Your PIP Benefits in Maryland?

Maryland Code, Insurance § 19-507 states that PIP benefits are paid without regard to fault. This means that PIP does not require an insurance company to decide who caused a crash before paying benefits.

This can help while insurance companies are still investigating the crash. If an injured driver may need medical care or miss work during the time of an investigation, PIP can help cover eligible losses while the claim moves forward.

However, some exclusions apply. An insurer may deny PIP benefits if someone intentionally caused the crash, knowingly rode in a stolen vehicle, or was injured while committing certain crimes.

What Is the Difference Between Full and Limited PIP Coverage in Maryland?

Maryland drivers can limit PIP coverage for certain people. With limited PIP, the policyholder and some household members may not receive benefits after a crash.

Limited PIP may lower the cost of an insurance premium, but it also reduces financial protection. Health insurance may cover medical care, for example, but it generally does not replace lost wages. PIP can help with both.

Some policyholders may also reject PIP entirely. If you are unsure what coverage you chose, check your policy and PIP paperwork.

What Happens When Your PIP Benefits Run Out in Maryland?

Maryland insurers must generally provide at least $2,500 in PIP benefits unless coverage is waived or rejected. Higher limits may also be available. Even so, medical treatment can quickly use up the available coverage.

If you’re looking for more options, PIP is not the only possible source of compensation after a crash. When another driver caused the collision, you may have a personal injury claim for losses that PIP did not cover. This could include additional medical bills or lost income.

Talk to a Bowie, MD Personal Injury Attorney About Your Car Accident Claim

PIP can help with immediate expenses after a crash, but it may not be the only source of compensation available to you. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your insurance claims and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. The Annapolis, MD personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett bring more than 50 years of combined experience to every case and do not back down from a challenge. Call 301-262-5500 today to schedule your consultation