Workers comp mileage reimbursement

Which trips count

Trips to treat the work injury count. That means doctor visits, therapy, tests and exams the insurer sends you to.

New York's form lists fares, car mileage and other costs of getting to your doctor or the hospital. In North Carolina, a trip just to buy medicine or supplies is not paid unless it is medically needed.

Some states pay only for longer trips. Texas pays for treatment or exams more than 30 miles one way. North Carolina pays for trips of 20 miles or more round trip.

Per mile rates in six states

Each of these state agencies publishes its rate. All six pay 76 cents a mile for 2026 trips from July 1 on.

Texas ties its rate to the travel rate for state employees, so it moves when that rate moves. In California, the new rate applies no matter when you were hurt.

Other states set their own rules. Ask the adjuster for the rate in writing or check with your state agency. Find it through workers comp laws by state.

How to keep a mileage log

A clean log gets paid faster. Write each trip down the day you make it.

1. The date of the visit.
2. Where you left from, such as home or work.
3. The doctor, clinic or pharmacy and its address.
4. Round trip miles, from a map app or your odometer.
5. Parking and toll receipts, kept with the log.

Use the state form if there is one. Texas uses DWC Form-048. New York uses Form C-257. Keep a copy of what you send and the date you sent it.

If the insurer will not pay

Send the log again with a short letter asking for payment or a written reason. Keep the reply.

Unpaid mileage is often a sign of a bigger fight over the claim. If your checks are also late, read what to do when payments stop. Trips to the insurer's doctor count too, so learn about the independent medical exam.