Jastiger posted:

Let's start with Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This is only available in some states, so if you're in a state that has this, PIP is different than simply medical because it also can cover things like lost wages in addition to medical expenses. The value there is that you get that extra coverage. In a lot of those states that offer it, its also often mandatory since it puts some of the risk of an unemployed insured onto an insurance company rather than the state for income during times you can't work.

Medical is pretty straight forward, it covers medical costs. The reason this is helpful is because in the event of an accident, the medical coverage from your car insurance will cover you. Your health insurance plan through work will too, absolutely, but think of it as kind of a "line of defense". It'll go through your car insurance first more often than not and then it will go onto your health plan. Depending on the amount of coverage this can be pretty helpful if you're severely injured. It can keep your health insurance costs down by not having to make a claim if you're laid up for a few weeks and there isn't a deductible on auto health coverage.

The other part of this is medical can be applied to other people in your vehicle as well while your health insurance can't necessarily.

They both cover the same thing, though, you're right. Usually medical is cheap for the amount of coverage you get so its worthwhile to pick it up in a car insurance policy.

The UI/UIM is useful if there is an accident and they do not have insurance or not enough insurance. If a car hits you and they have no insurance, and you don't have UI/UIM, then you're more or less screwed and will fork over whatever it is plus your deductible. Remember, the liability limits are to cover the other persons car, not your own, so if they have no liability limits, then you're out whatever it costs to fix your car. With UIM/UI there is no deductible and it covers everything, not just your vehicle. This one is optional of course, but it can be quite useful if you are ever in that situation.