Oregon PIP Coverage

Oregon PIP Coverage



Many people who have insurance do not know that they have PIP coverage. PIP coverage, or “Personal injury protection” is required in Oregon. If you have insurance on an automobile, and the policy is for use in Oregon, you have a minimum of $15,000 in PIP coverage.



PIP coverage is akin to “no-fault” insurance. Even if the accident is not your fault, your insurance pays for a portion of your medical bills. The Oregon minimum for PIP coverage is $15,000. Thus, up to $15,000 worth of medical expenses that your care provider states are related to your accident can be covered by your PIP coverage. Medical expenses can include dental work, chiropractor visits, emergency room visits, ambulance bills, medicines, doctor bills, and physical therapy bills.





Often, your care provider may order you off of work due to injuries you sustained in the accident. Your PIP coverage provides wage loss coverage as well. You must be off of work for at least 14 days before the coverage is triggered. You can receive up to 70% of your normal pay, up to the limit of $1250.00 per month. Beginning in January of 2010, the PIP wage limit increases to $3,000 per month.



PIP coverage will also pay for someone who does not live with you, or is not a relative, to come into your home and assist you with daily care tasks if you are unable to do so. This can be items like cleaning, cooking, laundry help, and shopping. This coverage is called “essential services.” You qualify for essential services if you do not have a job and normally take care of the above tasks in the home. You cannot receive both wage loss and essential services.



You can purchase higher PIP limits and often this is a good idea. If you do not have health insurance, PIP coverage with higher limits, is a good way to ensure your medical bills, or those of your loved ones, will get paid if you, or they, are in an accident. Your PIP coverage may also have a deductible, but this is rare. Ask your insurance ...