Liability coverage is insurance that helps pay for damages or injuries to others in an at-fault accident. It’s important because accidents happen and can be expensive. If you cause a car crash or someone gets hurt on your property, liability coverage can protect you from having to pay for those costs out of your own pocket. It can also cover legal expenses if you are sued. Having liability coverage can give you peace of mind and protect your finances in case of an unexpected accident.
What does liability coverage mean for auto insurance?
Personal liability insurance provides coverage for your financial responsibilities when you cause an accident. Here’s what is covered under a basic liability insurance policy:
- Bodily injury liability: If you cause an accident and the other driver gets injured, your bodily injury liability insurance will pay for their medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. If you get sued, it will also help cover your legal fees.
- Property damage liability: If you hit another driver and their vehicle gets damaged, or if you damage private property, like a fence or storefront, property damage liability insurance will help cover the cost of repairs, plus your legal expenses if you get sued.
Like all types of car insurance, liability insurance has a policy limit, which is the amount your insurance company will pay for a claim. There’s a minimum amount of coverage you are required to carry per your state’s laws, but there’s no guarantee that the minimum coverage limit will be sufficient to cover all costs if you get into an accident.
If you cause an accident and the other driver’s losses exceed your liability policy limit, you could be responsible for paying the difference out-of-pocket. Because of that, most insurance agents advise drivers to purchase more coverage than what’s required by the state for more financial protection.