So what is automobile liability insurance? Well, having Liability coverage on your auto insurance policy is required by law in pretty much every state. The only exception is Massachusetts, where you don’t technically have to have auto insurance, just proof you can pay in the event that you cause an accident. This type of coverage insures that, if you are deemed at fault in an accident, you (or your insurance provider) can pay for damages caused by your negligent driving.
What Does Liability Automobile Insurance Coverage Do for You?
Liability insurance can be divided into two sub-groups:
- Liability Bodily Injury: Covers medical expenses, pain & suffering, lost wages, and other special damages.
- Liability Property Damage: Covers damaged property, possibly including loss of use.
For example, if you hit another driver and they sustain a physical injury, your Liability Bodily Injury coverage would pay for that claim. Or if you hit another vehicle from behind and damage their rear bumper, your Liability Property Damage coverage would take care of it. Liability coverage can also be put toward covering your legal defense fees and court fees in the event that you are sued.
Just remember that your Liability Coverage limits are the maximum dollar amounts that your insurance company will pay out on a claim. And if all you get are the state mandatory minimums and you are found at fault in a significant accident, you could be held financially liable for the difference. For example, if you total a $35,000 car but your Liability limits are set at $25,000, you might end up forking out that remaining $10,000 out of pocket.
Choosing the Amount of Coverage that Is Right for Me
Different states have different mandatory minimum limits for Liability insurance. Some requirements are so low that you won’t be required to carry any Liability Bodily Injury, and a mere $10,000 in Liability Property Damage. Most states, however, have a 25/50/25 requirement (as in $25,000/$50,000) in order to drive legally.
But the best way to know how much Liability coverage you need is to sit down with your insurance agent and discuss the details of your policy. However, you should not be surprised if your agent suggests you protect yourself with 100/300/100 Liability coverage, since that is a pretty universal amount of coverage which most drivers choose to purchase (assuming they can afford it, that is).
Specifically, a 100/300/100 Liability policy covers the following:
- Up to $100,000 for bodily injury per person
- Up to $300,000 for bodily injury per accident
- Up to $100,000 for property damage per accident
While purchasing the minimum for liability insurance can be cheaper, take into consideration the intangible cost of peace of mind. With hospital fees, lawyer fees, and court fees being as expensive as they are, you’ll be less nervous behind the wheel if you can drive with the confidence that your insurance policy has you covered.
Lastly, there are special high-limit policies called “Umbrella” insurance policies which go above and beyond the 100/300/100 suggestions made by most insurance companies. Some of these umbrella policies can cover you for as much as $5 million if you are somehow found liable for the damage or destruction of your home, your automobile, or your watercraft vehicle. If you happen to exceed the coverage limits on your regular Liability coverage, then having an umbrella policy could save you from financial ruin.