This article focuses on the differences between PIP coverage in the State of Washington versus the State of Oregon.

What does PIP cover?

The Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in an automobile insurance policy includes provisions for:

• Medical expenses
• Wage loss
• Essential services

PIP availability in Washington vs. Oregon

In Washington, PIP coverage must be offered with any auto insurance policy. If you choose not to buy PIP coverage, though, you must sign a form to specifically decline that coverage. Read on to better understand the benefits you might receive before you reject that coverage.

In Oregon, PIP coverage is mandatory in all auto insurance policies.

Differences in medical expense coverage

In Washington, medical expenses are covered up to three (3) years from the date of the accident. The amount of medical expenses covered depends on the policy that you buy:

• Standard PIP coverage – up to $10,000 in medical expenses
• Enhanced PIP coverage – up to $35,000 medical expenses

In Oregon, medical expenses are covered up to $15,000 and for one (1) year from the date of the accident.

Differences in Income Continuation Benefits

There is a difference between the PIP “income continuation benefits” in each state. However,

• Both states have a waiting period of 14 days (the first two weeks)
• Both states cover wage loss up to 52 weeks

In Washington, the amount of income continuation benefit depends on the policy that you buy:

• Standard PIP coverage – 70% of the injured person,s weekly salary, but no more than $200 per week.
• Enhanced PIP coverage – 70% of the injured person,s weekly salary but no more than $700 per week.

In Oregon, the income continuation benefit is 80% of the injured person,s weekly salary but no more than $1250 per week.However, the maximum benefit increases to $3000.00 for any policy issued or renewed after January 1st 2010

Differences in coverage for essential services

In addition to lost income or benefits, you can claim expenses to hire someone to perform essential services that you could not do because of your injuries. That can range from child care, transportation assistance, to hiring a house-cleaning service.

Remember, though, that you cannot expect reimbursement if you simply hire someone to clean your house or mow your lawn because you were feeling discomfort after an accident. To make a claim, your doctor must make a determination (and provide documentation) that injuries resulted in restrictions that impact tasks you are able to perform.

In Washington, the PIP coverage for essential services is up to $40/day.

In Oregon, the PIP coverage for essential services is up to $30/day

Both states cover up to 52 weeks.

Using PIP coverage to pay bills

Expenses can add up quickly, and service providers need to be paid. That is why it’s important to use your PIP benefits right away.

Documentation is the same for both Washington and Oregon when making a PIP claim for income continuation benefits.

Let us help. We have years of experience working with insurance companies, doctors, lawyers, employers, state offices, and others to sort out the process and paperwork. Give us a call today with any questions you might have.