What is liability coverage?
Liability coverage pays for property damage or injuries caused to another person by an accident you are responsible for. Most states require this coverage to drive your vehicle legally.
Liability coverage is divided into property damage and bodily injury/damage.
- Property damage coverage pays for damage to someone else’s property.
- Bodily injury/damage coverage covers payment to others injured in an accident.
We can help you get the coverage you need.
What does auto liability insurance include?
Liability coverage includes coverages for property damage and bodily injury.
Property damage covers damage to third-party property. This could include damage to vehicles, a yard, a utility pole, or other property damaged from the accident. Other things may include:
- A rental vehicle while the other person’s car is being repaired.
- Diminished value, the difference between the value of the vehicle if it had never been damaged and the value after repairs have been completed
Bodily injury covers injuries to another person as a result of the accident. This may include:
- medical bills
- Recipes
- lost wages
- Pain and suffering
States may have different requirements about who can file a bodily injury claim against you.
What is not covered by liability coverage for a car accident?
Liability coverage helps cover third-party damages you are responsible for due to an accident. That means it doesn’t cover damage to your property or your injuries. Damage to your property and your injuries are protected by other coverage such as:
- Collision
- Integral
- medical payments
- Personal Injury Protection
How much does liability insurance coverage cost?
The cost of liability insurance coverage as part of your auto insurance policy depends on many factors. This may include things like how much coverage you select. For example, higher coverage limits may be more expensive.
Do I need liability insurance?
Yes. Most (but not all) states require liability insurance to drive your vehicle legally. Required limits vary by state. Check your status on the information pages by state.
Liability insurance also helps protect you, up to your limits, by paying for covered damages and injuries in accidents for which you are responsible. These are amounts you’ll have to pay out of pocket if you don’t have enough liability coverage.
How much liability coverage do I need?
Liability coverage should be customized to fit your needs. It is not the same for everyone. Our coverage calculator can walk you through a few questions and recommendations.
You might also consider a supplemental policy that provides additional coverage for more severe accidents and claims.
