Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Personal injury protection insurance (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. PIP adds cost to your auto premium. If you have health insurance, consider whether or not you need this extra coverage.


Who PIP covers

PIP covers the person who is named on the policy, household residents related by blood, marriage or adoption, and step- or foster children. It also covers non-family passengers and pedestrians involved in the accident.

back to top.

What it 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 more coverage. Check with your insurance company or agent.

back to top.


What's NOT covered

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.

back to top.


PIP coverage costs

The cost for PIP coverage varies with each company. Keep in mind, if you choose to buy PIP coverage, the insurance company may require you cover all of the vehicles listed on your policy. The more vehicles on your policy, the more you’ll pay.

back to top.


Do you need it?

It’s your choice. If you and your family have health insurance, that coverage 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.


back to top.

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.

back to top.


| More


Some files on this website require a free reader. Download a free reader.