Liability Car Insurance: What It Covers and What It Doesn't
Liability coverage is the baseline nearly every state requires drivers to carry. Here's what it actually protects — and what it leaves out.
The two pieces of liability coverage
- Bodily injury liability — medical costs, lost wages, and legal defense for people you injure in an accident you caused
- Property damage liability — the cost to repair or replace someone else's vehicle or property
It never covers your own injuries or your own car's damage — that's a separate part of the policy.
Reading the limit numbers
Limits are typically written as three figures, such as 100/300/50 — per-person injury coverage, per-accident injury coverage, and property damage coverage, each in thousands of dollars.
Why the minimum can fall short
Minimum requirements differ by state and change over time — confirm the current figure with your insurer rather than relying on a fixed number. What stays constant: a serious accident can exceed a minimum policy's limits quickly, leaving the driver to cover the rest.
Want to see what coverage above the minimum actually adds? Check our full coverage guide.
Compare Coverage Options This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Confirm current terms and pricing with a licensed insurance provider.