Automobile Liability Insurance Coverages

What is liability coverage?

Liability coverage pays for property damage and/or injuries to another person caused by an accident in which you're at fault. This coverage is required by most states to legally drive your vehicle.

Liability coverage is broken down into 2 parts: property damage and bodily injury.

  • Property damage coverage pays for damage to another person's property
  • Bodily injury coverage provides payment for others injured in an accident

We can help you get the coverage you need.

What does auto liability insurance include?

Liability coverage includes property damage and bodily injury coverages.

Property damage covers damage to the other party's property. This could include damage to vehicles, a yard, light pole, or other property damaged because of 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 there had never been damage and the value after repairs have been completed

Bodily injury covers injuries sustained by another person because of the accident. This can include:

  • Medical bills
  • Prescriptions
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

States may have different requirements on who can file a bodily injury claim against you.

What does liability coverage not cover for an auto accident?

Liability coverage helps cover damages you're responsible for to another party because of an accident. That means it doesn't cover damages to your property or your injuries. Your damages and injuries are protected under other coverages such as:

How much does liability coverage cost?

The cost of liability insurance coverage as part of your auto insurance policy depends on many factors. This can include things like how much coverage you select. For example, higher coverage limits may cost more.

Do I need liability insurance?

Yes. Most states (not all) require liability insurance to legally drive your vehicle. The required limits vary by state. You will check out your state on the state information pages.

Liability insurance also helps protect you, up to your limits, by paying for covered damages and injuries in at-fault accidents. These are amounts you may 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's not one-size-fits-all. Our coverage calculator can help you walk through a few questions and provide you with a recommendation.

You may also want to consider an umbrella policy which provides additional coverage for more serious accidents and lawsuits.

Please note:

The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.