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Fact Sheet
Washington State
Office of the
Insurance Commissioner
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
PIP is insurance coverage for medical and other expenses, such as wage loss and funeral expenses, which result from an auto accident—no matter who is at fault.
The law does not require you to have PIP coverage, but your insurance company must offer it to you. If you don’t want the coverage, you must reject it in writing. If you don’t reject it in writing, your company must add the coverage and will charge you for it.
Who PIP covers
PIP covers the person who is named on the policy, the residents of their household who are related by blood, marriage or adoption, and their step or foster children. It also covers non-family passengers and pedestrians involved in the accident.
What PIP covers
Pip coverage provides the following minimum benefits:
• Up to $10,000 for reasonable and necessary medical expenses for each individual injured in an auto accident. This is available for up to three years from the date of the accident.
• Up to $200 per week for income replacement coverage. This is limited to one year after a person has been disabled for 14 days after the accident.
• Up to $2,000 for funeral expenses.
• Up to $5,000 for loss of services (payment to others for work you can’t do).
You can buy higher limits of coverage. Check with your insurance company or agent.
What PIP does NOT cover
PIP doesn’t cover injuries caused by using:
• farm equipment
• recreational or off-road vehicles
• mopeds
• motorcycles (PIP coverage is available on motorcycle policies)
It also doesn’t cover intentional injuries to the insured person, or if the person is injured in organized racing activities, or while committing a felony.
PIP coverage costs
The cost for PIP coverage varies with each company. Keep in mind, if you choose to buy PIP coverage, you must cover all of the vehicles listed on your policy. The more vehicles on your policy, the more you’ll pay.
PIP coverage may not be right for you
It’s your choice. If you and your family have health insurance, it may pay most of your medical bills, depending on your plan’s limits and copayments. Also, if passengers who don’t live with you rarely ride with you, you may not need the added protection. Discuss your needs with your insurance agent or company representative.
Other options for coverage
Some companies offer coverage for basic medical payments, such as $5,000 for medical treatment only. This coverage is also available no matter who is at fault.
2088-OIC-Web Fact-PIP-01/07 Fact Sheet
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner can help you!
If you have any questions or need additional information about your rights as an insurance consumer, call our Insurance Consumer Hotline at
1-800-562-6900
or visit our Web site at
http://www.insurance.wa.gov/
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