Reader’s Question:
I have a car policy in Washington, DC, I had a recent car accident in Maryland, can I use my PIP benefits?
Amber
Washington, DC
When you have an accident out of state, in your case in Maryland, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits should still be in effect and valid for you to use. Most car insurance policies provide extensive coverage in other states, Canada and US territories/possessions. If the financial responsibility requirements where you are traveling are higher than your insurance policy limits, your insurance company will meet the higher requirements.
So you have to contact your Washington, District of Columbia (DC) insurance company first to see about placing a claim for your injuries you sustained in your Maryland accident and make sure that your PIP coverage extended to your travels into Maryland. So that you have a concept of the different minimum insurance limits for District of Columbia and Maryland they are listed below. District of Columbia state law mandates a minimum Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $25,000 per injured person up to a total of $50,000 per accident, and Property Damage Liability coverage with a minimum limit of $10,000. This basic coverage is commonly referred to as 25/50/10 coverage.
On the other hand, Maryland’s minimum amount of liability coverage required by State law is: $20,000 for bodily injury per person; $40,000 bodily injury per accident; and $15,000 property damage. Uninsured and underinsured coverage of $20,000 for bodily injury per person; $40,000 bodily injury per accident; and $15,000 property damage. In addition, Maryland law requires insurance holders to purchase $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for each person named in the policy, however, PIP coverage may be waived.
Tags: auto insurance
