In Washington state, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. The question that often arises is whether using your own PIP coverage after an accident, even when it's not your fault, will increase your auto insurance rate. The short answer is no, it shouldn't.
PIP coverage is designed to be a no-fault insurance, meaning that it is intended to cover your expenses regardless of who caused the accident. As such, using your PIP coverage should not increase your insurance rate. However, it is important to note that if you file a claim through your PIP coverage, your insurance company may review your driving history and other factors to determine your overall risk level. This could potentially affect your insurance rate in the future, but it would not be a direct result of using your PIP coverage.
It is also important to understand that PIP coverage has its limits. In Washington state, the minimum PIP coverage limit is $10,000, but you can opt for higher limits if you wish. If your expenses exceed your PIP coverage limit, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover your damages.
In summary, using your own PIP coverage after an accident in Washington state, even when it's not your fault, should not increase your auto insurance rate. PIP coverage is intended to be a no-fault insurance, and using it should not have a negative impact on your insurance premiums. However, it is important to understand the limits of your coverage and seek additional compensation if your expenses exceed your PIP coverage limit.