As we ring in a new year, there’s one legal resolution every Washington driver should make: check your car insurance coverage. Specifically, take a close look at your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage—two options that can dramatically impact your recovery if you’re injured in a crash.
What Is PIP Coverage in Washington?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault coverage that helps pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and certain household services after a collision—regardless of who caused the crash.
Under RCW 48.22.085, auto insurers in Washington must offer PIP with every policy unless the coverage is specifically rejected in writing by the policyholder. If you never signed a waiver, you likely have it.
Standard PIP Minimums in Washington
- Up to $10,000 for medical expenses
- Up to $200 per week for lost income (up to one year)
- $2,000 for funeral expenses
- Up to $200 per week for household services
While these minimums provide a safety net, they may not be enough if you suffer serious injuries. Many Washington drivers opt for increased limits to better protect themselves and their families.
What Is UIM Coverage and Why Does It Matter?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when the driver who caused your accident has no insurance or insufficient insurance to pay for your losses.
Under RCW 48.22.030, insurers must offer UIM coverage in every auto policy issued in Washington, and drivers can only decline it in writing. If you don’t remember rejecting UIM, you probably have at least the minimum.
Why UIM Is Critical in Washington:
- About 1 in 5 Washington drivers are uninsured or underinsured
- UIM covers medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and more
- You can “stack” UIM with other coverages for greater compensation
Without UIM, you could end up bearing the financial burden of a crash caused by someone else who lacks sufficient insurance. Don’t start the new year with that kind of risk.
How to Review and Improve Your Coverage
Checking your policy doesn’t take long—and doing so could save you tens of thousands of dollars after a crash. Here’s how:
✅ Request your policy declarations page from your insurer
✅ Look for PIP and UIM limits and confirm whether you’ve signed any waivers
✅ Evaluate whether the minimum limits are realistic for your situation
✅ Talk to your agent about increasing your coverage
Even a modest increase in coverage may make a huge difference if you’re in a serious accident.
If You’ve Been Injured, Blanford Law Can Help
Even with solid coverage, dealing with an insurance company after a crash can be stressful and confusing—especially if PIP or UIM benefits are delayed or denied.
Blanford Law helps injured Washington drivers understand their rights, negotiate with insurers, and get the compensation they’re owed under the law.
Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253‑720‑9304 for help with your personal injury needs.
Additional Resources
- Washington Car Accident Claim Basics – What to do after a crash and how claims are handled.
https://blanfordlaw.com/washington-car-accident-claims/ - Comparative Negligence in Washington – How fault percentages affect your compensation.
https://blanfordlaw.com/comparative-negligence-washington/ - Filing Claims Against Government Entities in WA – Step‑by‑step on notice requirements and deadlines.
https://blanfordlaw.com/government-claims-washington/ - Washington State Car Accident Laws – Overview of reporting and insurance requirements after accidents.
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/washington-car-accident-laws.html - Liability for Dangerous Roads in Washington – Explanation of government responsibility for unsafe road conditions.
https://www.stlaw.com/city-county-and-state-liability-for-unsafe-roads-washington-law/