Jack lives in a modified no-fault state which has a monetary threshold of $50,000 for noneconomic losses. His personal auto policy carries the state's minimum PIP medical coverage limit of $15,000. Jack was injured in an accident when Katie ran through a red light and struck Jack's vehicle. He incurred $20,000 in economic losses and $10,000 in noneconomic losses. How much, if any, can Jack collect from his personal auto insurer under PIP coverage?
Correct Answer: C
CPCU 500 explains thatno-fault auto systemsare designed so that, after an auto accident, an injured person's own insurer pays certain losses promptly underPersonal Injury Protectionregardless of fault. The question specifies that Jack's policy carries aPIP medical coverage limit of $15,000, which is the maximum the insurer will pay under that specific PIP medical benefit.
Jack's total losses include$20,000 in economic lossesand$10,000 in noneconomic losses. Under no-fault concepts,noneconomic losses(pain and suffering) are not paid by PIP medical coverage; they are typically recoverable only through a liability claim if the injured party meets the state's tort threshold. The state' s$50,000 monetary threshold for noneconomic lossesaffects whether Jack can pursue Katie for pain and suffering, but it does not increase what PIP medical will pay.
Because the only PIP benefit described ismedicaland its limit is$15,000, Jack can collectup to $15,000from his own insurer under PIP medical coverage, even though his total economic losses are $20,000. The remaining economic losses may or may not be recoverable under other coverages (such as additional PIP benefits if purchased, Med Pay, health insurance, or the at-fault driver's liability), but under the stated PIP medical limit, the insurer's obligation caps at$15,000.
