Mandatory Insurance law does not require PIP coverage on automobile policies. An insurance company is required to offer you the coverage when you buy an automobile policy. If you don’t want it you can reject it in writing. If you haven't signed the rejection the company must add the coverage and charge you a premium for it. (RCW 48.22.085 through RCW 48.22.100 and WAC 284-30-395)

The person named in the policy as the 'named insured', and residents of the named insured's household related by blood, marriage or adoption, step or foster children are covered for injuries incurred in an accident. Also passengers or pedestrians are covered. These people will be eligible for payments no matter who is at fault in the accident.

PIP covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses for injuries sustained in an automobile accident, up to three years from the date of the accident. PIP also offers income replacement coverage limited to a maximum per week for one year, after a person has been disabled for 14 days after the accident. Funeral expenses of and loss of services (payment to others for work you can't do) of up to $5,000 are also included in the coverage. Payments are made for costs that are actually incurred by the injured person.

The rising cost of medical care has made PIP coverage more expensive in recent years. If you carry PIP on your automobile it applies to all autos you insure, and companies charge a premium for every auto. PIP doesn't cover injuries caused by using farm equipment, recreational or off road vehicles, mopeds or motor cycles (PIP coverage is available on motorcycle policies). It won't cover intentional injuries to the insured person or if the person is injured in organized racing activities or committing a felony.

If you are retired, have other medical and disability coverage, PIP may be duplicate coverage. If you and your family have health care coverage, most of your medical bills may be paid, subject to the plan's limits and co payments. If you seldom transport passengers who aren't residents of your household, you may not need the added protection.

Are there other choices? Some companies offer basic medical payments coverage, usually with some level of modest coverage, such as $5,000 for medical treatment only. This coverage is also available regardless of who is at fault. You can also request higher limits for PIP coverage if you feel you need more protection than the basic limits offer.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) An extension of car insurance available in some states which covers medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages. PIP pays off regardless of who is at fault and is mandatory in some states, especially those with "no-fault" laws.

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, coverage is a set of coverages available in certain states. In these states, it's often a required part of your auto insurance policy. If you or another individual is injured in an accident, PIP plans generally help pay for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses. PIP coverages vary widely from state to state. Make sure to check what is available and required in your state. In states where it's optional, you will want to consider whether you need this coverage. If you and your passengers are already covered by existing health plans and disability insurance, you may find this to be redundant.