Auto Insurance Claims: ins. question, lump sum settlement, personal injury protection

Question
QUESTION: My son has had his license a little over a month.We were camping and getting ready to leave, we let our son drive our car out first and let his friend ride with him. They left a few minutes before us - there was asoft gravel and my son tried to slow in the gravel and hit a tree. Will our insurance cover his passenger if his parents want him to see a chiopractor or do we pay for it? He has no not had his license the 6 months. There were not other cars involved and the boys are sore - we are thankful no serious injuries.

ANSWER: Hi Beth,

Depending on the state in which you live, there are a few alternatives.

If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP)coverage it will pay for both your sons treatment as well as his friend up to a certain limit. If you have Medical Payments (MEDPAY) coverage there may also be some coverage available there. If none of the above apply then the friends medical bills will be paid under your Bodiliy Injury Liability coverage. This however will be paid as a lump sum settlement once all treatment is completed. They will not pay medical bills as they are incurred. If there is no PIP or MEDPAY coverage on your policy then your sons medical bills would have to be paid by your regular medical insurance or out of pocket.

So at this point you will have to contact your auto insurance compay to determine which coverage you have and how they would be applied.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We live in WA State

Answer
Hi Beth,

In the state of Washington you have both MedPay and PIP coverage available. You will have to refer to your policy or your insurance company to see how much coverage you purchased and how it applies.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh