NYC PIP Costs Rising

Personal injury protection (PIP) claims closed in 2010 show that claimed losses for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses from auto accident injuries in New York City rose 70 percent over the past decade, surpassing the 49 percent hike in medical care inflation over the same period. The average claimed loss per PIP claimant in New York City was more than double the average loss among claimants from the rest of the state, $15,086 compared to $6,870. New York City claimants were more likely to visit physical therapists, report durable medical equipment expenses and hire attorneys. Statewide, one in four claims in the study showed the appearance of claims abuse, said Insurance Research Council.