Is mileage really a workers' comp benefit?
Yes. Under California Labor Code section 4600 and related DWC regulations, your employer is responsible for providing medical treatment "reasonably required to cure or relieve" your work injury — and that includes the reasonable cost of getting to and from that treatment. This means round-trip mileage for:
- Doctor and specialist appointments
- Physical therapy or chiropractic sessions
- Diagnostic tests, X-rays, and MRIs
- Independent medical exams (QME/AME appointments)
- Pharmacy trips to pick up prescribed medication for your injury
Many injured workers don't realize this small benefit exists, so they never ask for it. Over months of treatment, mileage reimbursement can add up to real money — especially if your approved doctor or therapist is far from home. It's your right, not a favor from the insurance company.
What is the current mileage rate?
The DWC sets an official mileage reimbursement rate each year, tied to the IRS standard mileage rate. This rate changes periodically, so always confirm the current figure on the DWC's mileage rate page before submitting a request — don't assume last year's rate still applies. The rate is applied per mile driven round-trip, not per appointment, so a longer drive means a larger reimbursement. Keep in mind this covers only mileage, not gas receipts or parking directly, though some adjusters will reimburse reasonable parking fees separately if you ask and provide proof.
How do I keep a mileage log the insurance company will accept?
Insurance adjusters are more likely to pay quickly when your log is clear and consistent. For every trip, write down:
- The date of the appointment
- The name and address of the provider
- The purpose of the visit (doctor, PT, pharmacy, QME exam)
- The total round-trip mileage from your home
- Your odometer reading, if you want extra backup
Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or a mileage app — whatever you'll actually keep up with. Take a photo of your appointment confirmation or sign-in sheet as proof you were there. Submit your log regularly (monthly is common) rather than waiting a year, since delayed requests are easier for adjusters to question or lose track of.
How do I actually submit a mileage reimbursement request?
You can request mileage reimbursement directly from the claims administrator handling your workers' comp case. There is no single mandatory statewide form, but many adjusters accept a simple written request or a mileage log attached to your treatment records. If you're also requesting authorization for treatment, your doctor's Request for Authorization (RFA) paperwork is a good place to reference upcoming appointments. Send your mileage request by mail or email, keep a copy for yourself, and follow up in writing if you don't hear back within a few weeks. If reimbursement is denied or ignored, that's often a sign your claim needs closer attention.
What if the insurance company denies or ignores my mileage requests?
Unfortunately, some adjusters delay or lowball mileage reimbursement, especially if your file already has other disputes going on — like disputed treatment, missed temporary disability payments, or a fight over your permanent disability rating. If your requests keep getting ignored, it may not just be about the mileage. It can signal a broader pattern of your claim being mishandled, and it's worth having someone review your entire file, not just the reimbursement issue.
When should you talk to a workers' comp lawyer?
Talk to a lawyer if mileage reimbursement is consistently delayed, denied, or if it's just one of several problems with your claim — like disputed medical treatment, a denied claim, or disagreements about your disability rating. A denied mileage request is sometimes the easiest thing to spot, but it can point to bigger issues with how the insurance company is handling your case. An experienced applicant-side attorney can review your whole file at once, not just one benefit.
Get help with your workers' comp claim
You shouldn't have to fight for gas money on top of recovering from an injury. If mileage, medical treatment, or any other part of your workers' comp claim feels like a battle, get a free, no-obligation case evaluation from our team today.
*This article is general information about California workers' compensation, not legal advice about your situation. Every case is different.*
Yazdchi Law, P.C. — Eman Yazdchi, responsible attorney. Office: Palmdale, California. Attorney advertising.