In August, we began our PIP Verification project by sending letters to our insureds who currently have Excess Medical on their policy.  We are asking them to verify if their health carrier coordinated coverage in the event of an auto accident.  As the project progresses, we are finding most health care providers do not offer primary coverage.   The only way to know for certain if an insured’s health care policy will respond on a primary basis is to have the health insurance carrier confirm in writing the plan is primary on auto related accidents.

In addition, while the project is helping us to properly rate our existing book, we recognize it is important to ensure new business is written correctly as well.  An agency best practice, used by many, is to quote all new business with Full Medical PIP until written proof is obtained from the health insurance carrier.   If the proof is available when the application is submitted to the company, the policy can be issued with Excess Medical.  If it becomes available at a later date, the policy can be endorsed to change the PIP classification to Excess Medical (proof submitted with the change request).  We recommend this best practice to be utilized by all our agency partners. 

Please note:   A copy of the health insurance card alone does not show what is covered under their plan.  We require a letter from the health insurance carrier or other policy information which specifically addresses auto accidents.

Thank you for your efforts in getting this information.  Please don’t hesitate to contact your Underwriting team or Field Manager with any questions.