In North Dakota, auto insurance requirements include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. To legally drive on public roads, all drivers in the state must have a minimum of $30,000 in PIP insurance as part of their policy. As with most no-fault states, this PIP requirement ensures that drivers and their passengers can promptly access funds for lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs following an accident.

What is PIP insurance?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a type of coverage found in “no-fault” accident states like North Dakota. In these states, PIP insurance helps cover injury-related expenses regardless of who caused the accident. While PIP is optional in some states, it is mandatory in North Dakota.

A typical car insurance policy includes three main components: liability coverage for damage to others when you are at fault, physical damage coverage for your own vehicle, and coverage for your own injuries. Bodily Injury Liability insurance is required in North Dakota and covers the costs associated with injuries to others if you or someone driving your vehicle causes an accident. Collision and Comprehensive coverages handle repairs to your vehicle.

PIP insurance specifically protects you and your passengers from medical expenses. It offers more extensive coverage than Medical Payments (MedPay) insurance available in other states, which will be explored further in a later section.

How does North Dakota PIP work?

In North Dakota, vehicle owners must purchase a car insurance policy to legally drive on public roads. This policy will include both liability coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, with a minimum requirement of $30,000 per person. After an accident, policyholders can file a PIP claim to cover injuries and other related costs, regardless of who caused the accident.

PIP claims are typically processed quickly, providing timely financial support for the driver and passengers. In addition to medical expenses, PIP coverage can also pay for lost wages, childcare, or house cleaning services resulting from the accident. Unlike Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, which only handles medical costs, PIP offers broader protection.

PIP insurance can cover a wide range of medical expenses, including ambulance and emergency services, imaging, diagnostic care, surgery, hospital stays, prescriptions, and rehabilitation services.

Is PIP required in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory for all drivers. When requesting an insurance quote, ensure that PIP coverage is included, as it is a standard requirement in no-fault states. This means that your insurance will cover immediate costs after an accident, regardless of fault, which helps to minimize lengthy legal disputes except in exceptional cases.

North Dakota also mandates liability coverage for all drivers. According to the North Dakota Insurance Department, you must have at least:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage liability

Additionally, the state requires the same levels of uninsured motorist coverage as well as $30,000 in PIP coverage per person.

While PIP may increase your insurance premium, it is a crucial component of a comprehensive auto insurance policy. It ensures that funds are available promptly to cover medical expenses and other related costs following an accident.

How much does PIP cost in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the cost of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance varies by insurer, as each company uses its own proprietary algorithms to set premiums. Factors influencing your premium include your credit-based insurance score, driving record, age, location, and details about your vehicle, such as make, model, and age.

On average, North Dakota drivers enjoy lower insurance costs compared to the national averages. For minimum coverage, North Dakota drivers pay about $364 per year, compared to the national average of $644. For full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance, the North Dakota average is $1,722, while the national average is $2,314.

To find the most affordable rate for your policy, it’s advisable to request quotes from multiple insurers using the same coverage limits and types. Additionally, exploring available discounts with your chosen carrier can help you save significantly on your premium.