Let’s say you’ve just read about 6 Reasons To Shop Around For Car Insurance Every 6 Months and are now filing for coverage with a new carrier. You input your make, model, and year, choose a sensible deductible, and are now asked about something called “liability coverage.”
What is liability coverage, how much do you really need, and how much does it cost? Read on to find out!
What is liability coverage?
Imagine a very real scenario where you change lanes during traffic without realizing that the lane next to you is all backed up. You smash into the car ahead, which plows into a lamp post. You and the other driver emerge OK from the smoky accordion of Plexiglass and steel, but his passenger is holding the back of her neck in pain.
Your insurance will cover your car, but who covers the damage to the other car? How about the lamppost? And who will pay the passenger’s chiropractor?
This is all what liability insurance is for. When you cause an accident, your liability insurance covers all of the expenses outside the damage of your own car.
Liability insurance covers two types of damages:
- Bodily injury. As the name suggests, this type covers the medical bills and emergency aid expenses of the others involved in the accident. It also covers their lost income due to time spent in medical treatment.
- Property damage. This type covers damage to cars and property such as fences, walls, lampposts, and Spider Man gorilla statues.
How much liability insurance do you need?
The answer, by law, is “some.” Most states require you to have minimum liability limits, which most vendors will make clear at the time of coverage purchase. However, these legal minimums typically aren’t enough to cover lawsuits or personal lost wages. Thankfully, some carriers like Allstate also offer personal umbrella insurance to cover these expenses as well.
Limits are generally expressed using three numbers. For example, 25/50/25 liability coverage means it will pay up to:
- $25,000 in injuries per person
- $50,000 in injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
25/50/25 coverage is also a common state minimum, while maximums are around 250/500/250. You may think you don’t need maximum liability insurance, but many in the auto industry recommend you simply max out your liability coverage. After all, do you really want to be financially liable for a multi-car pileup? Or rear-ending a CEO who claims $763,894 in lost wages? Or replacing Spider Man Gorilla?
Plus, liability insurance is so cheap, it may just be worth getting the maximum anyhow.
How much does liability insurance cost?
On average, auto liability insurance costs around $450 per year. State minimums can be around $200, while maximums can be $700.
If you hate the idea of paying an extra $500 for something you may never use, consider re-reading our article 6 Reasons To Shop Around For Car Insurance Every 6 Months, where you’ll learn how a simple phone call to a carrier can save you at least that much on your annual premiums.
Where should I buy auto insurance?
While it’s absolutely worth shopping around to find the best rate, some carriers offer unique perks which may suit your lifestyle and save you hundreds.
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual’s Deductible Fund allows you to contribute funds to reduce your deductible.
For example, if each year you contribute $30, Liberty Mutual will contribute $70, so after 5 years, your $500 deductible will become a $0 deductible (for life).
Read our full Liberty Mutual review to learn more.
Allstate
Allstate offers a wealth of discounts for good grades, good driving, new cars, and more.
And of course, don’t forget to max out your liability insurance coverage. When you accordion Paris Hilton’s $500,000 Lexus LFA, you’ll be glad you did.
Read our full Allstate review to learn more.
Metromile
Metromile is a unique insurer – they’ll charge you based on miles driven.
If you don’t drive often and you find your car sits in the driveway for most of the year, this might be the insurer for you.
Read our full Metromile review to learn more.
Summary
Auto insurance liability limits vary by state. State minimums can be around $200, while maximums can be $700. Since liability insurance is cheap (compared to other insurance), you should max out your liability insurance. It’ll cost you way less than having to pay out-of-pocket for an accident you cause.