What are the basic PIP benefits?
These are the minimum benefits allowed under Oregon law. You can purchase PIP coverage with greater benefits. Ask your insurance agent about the extent of your coverage.
- All medical expenses incurred for one year after the date of injury, up to a maximum of $15,000. The medical bills must be reasonable in amount and related to your injury from the accident.
- Wage loss benefits of $1,250 a month or 70% of the average monthly income, whichever is less.
You must be “usually engaged in remunerative occupation.” If you are out of work temporarily, wage loss benefits may still be obtainable.
You must be off work for at least 14 days consecutive days. Insurance companies will often argue that each period of disability must continue for 14 continuous days in order for you to qualify for time loss benefits. We think there just needs to be an initial 14 days of continuous disability, after which any disability is compensable.
Wage loss benefits are available for an aggregate of 52 weeks. So, you can be entitled to wage loss benefits even after one year from the date of your injury.
- If you do not “usually” work, you can receive up to $30 per day for “essential services.” This benefit applies if you are unable to take care of things like household cleaning or child care. and you need to hire someone to do those tasks.
This, like wage loss benefits, can continue for an aggregate of 52 weeks. As with wage loss, the disability must be for at least 14 days.
Typically the insurance company will want proof of payment and the name, address, phone number and social security number of the person doing the work.
- If you are a parent of a minor who is hospitalized for at least 24 hours, child care benefits can be claimed up to $15 a day, with a maximum of $450.
- Reasonable and necessary funeral expenses incurred as a result of the accident, within one year of the accident. The minimum coverage required by law is $2500.