Detailed Answer

This section explains, step by step, how to claim medical payments (often called “MedPay”) or first‑party medical benefits after an auto accident in Minnesota. Read each step and collect the documents listed before you contact your insurer.

1. Understand what coverage you have

Minnesota’s auto insurance system requires certain first‑party medical and wage‑loss benefits under the no‑fault rules. Those first‑party benefits are set out in Minnesota’s no‑fault statutes. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.44 for statutes governing first‑party benefits in Minnesota: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65B.44. Your policy also might include optional medical payments (MedPay) that supplement or coordinate with no‑fault benefits.

2. Confirm coverage and limits

Locate your insurance declarations page and policy forms. Look for entries labeled “Personal Injury Protection,” “PIP,” “medical payments,” or “MedPay.” The declarations page lists coverage limits and whether coverage is primary or secondary. If you can’t find the policy, call your insurance company or agent and ask for the policy declaration page and a copy of the relevant coverage sections.

3. Notify your insurer promptly

Contact your insurer as soon as reasonably possible after the accident. Give a clear summary of what happened, the date, location, and any injuries. Insurers will open a claim and provide a claim number and instructions. Prompt notice helps preserve your rights—do not wait weeks to report a claim without confirming your policy’s required timing.

4. Gather documents the insurer will request

Common documents insurers require:

• Policy declaration page and proof of coverage
• Accident report (police or crash report, if available)
• Medical records and itemized medical bills
• Provider statements or treatment notes showing treatment was related to the crash
• Proof of payment or outstanding balances (if you paid out of pocket)
• Wage‑loss documentation (pay stubs, employer letters) if you claim lost earnings

5. Complete claim forms and authorizations

The insurer may ask you to sign claim forms and medical authorization releases. These allow the insurer to get records directly from medical providers. Keep copies of everything you sign. Provide accurate information and be truthful—incorrect or incomplete information can lead to delay or denial.

6. How payments typically work

MedPay and PIP can pay medical providers directly or reimburse you for out‑of‑pocket costs, depending on your insurer and what the policy says. PIP under Minnesota law generally covers reasonable medical expenses and some lost income regardless of fault. If you also have health insurance, your MedPay or PIP may coordinate with it; sometimes MedPay covers copays and deductibles that your health insurer won’t. Check your policy and the insurer’s explanation of benefits to see how payments were applied.

7. Subrogation and reimbursement

If your insurer pays your medical bills and someone else was at fault, the insurer often has subrogation rights—meaning it can pursue the at‑fault party or that party’s insurer to recover the amounts it paid. You should understand whether repayment to your insurer will be required from any recovery you obtain from the at‑fault party. The insurer’s claim correspondence will describe any subrogation or reimbursement rights.

8. If your claim is denied or delayed

If the insurer denies all or part of your claim, ask for a written explanation of the denial and the legal or factual basis. You can:

• Submit additional medical evidence or corrected documentation;
• File an internal appeal with the insurer;
• Contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce for consumer assistance at: https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-insurance/auto/claims/;
• Consult an attorney if you need help enforcing benefits or negotiating reimbursement/subrogation issues.

9. Keep good records

Retain copies of all medical bills, provider notes, claim forms, correspondence with the insurer, and a log of phone calls (date, time, person, summary). Good records speed up review and help if there is a dispute.

10. When to talk to a lawyer

Consider getting legal advice if:

• The insurer denies valid first‑party benefits;
• You face large medical bills and potential disputes over coordination or reimbursement;
• You are offered a settlement from the at‑fault party and the insurer claims subrogation or liens;
• Your claim involves complicated injury or liability facts.

For general information on Minnesota no‑fault law, see Minn. Stat. § 65B.43 (definitions) and § 65B.44 (first‑party benefits): https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65B.43 and https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/65B.44. For consumer help on auto claims, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce: https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-insurance/auto/claims/.

Helpful Hints

• Find and save your policy’s declarations page immediately after an accident. It shows coverage, limits, and contact info.
• Report the crash to your insurer promptly. “Prompt notice” protects your rights — don’t assume a few days’ delay is harmless.
• Get medical care right away and tell each provider the treatment relates to the motor vehicle crash so records tie treatment to the accident.
• Ask for itemized bills and explanation of benefits (EOBs) from any health insurer; these help show what MedPay or PIP should cover.
• When an insurer requests an authorization, limit it to the period and providers necessary for the claim.
• If the claim is complicated or denied, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce before filing suit: mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-insurance/auto/claims/.
• Keep a day‑by‑day log of symptoms and treatments. This helps prove the medical necessity of bills submitted to the insurer.
• Save all communications from the insurer. If you receive a subrogation or lien notice, act quickly — these can affect any recovery from a third party.