Choosing auto insurance coverage involves many considerations, such as the cost of the premium, deductibles and potential to receive discounts. Liability car insurance coverage is one type of car insurance that everyone should have. This article gives an overview of liability car insurance coverage, explains what it does and what you might want to consider when making your decision on whether to get it and how much to buy.
Liability Coverage
This is the most basic type of car insurance, and it’s required by law in most states. Liability coverage protects you financially if you’re found at fault for an accident that injures someone or damages their property. If you cause an accident, your liability insurance will pay for the other driver’s medical bills, repair costs, and legal fees up to the limits of your policy.
Property Damage Liability
This type of liability coverage pays for damage you cause to another person’s property. It can pay for repairs to their vehicle, home, or other personal property. Property damage liability is usually required by law if you own a vehicle. In some states, it may be referred to as damage to property or financial responsibility.
In most states, the minimum amount of property damage liability coverage is $5,000.
Bodily Injury Liability
There are two types of bodily injury liability: per person and per accident. Per person coverage limits the amount of money that will be paid out for each person injured in an accident. Per accident limits the total amount that will be paid out for all injuries combined.
If you are at fault in an accident, bodily injury liability covers injuries to those people injured, regardless of whether they were passengers or pedestrians. If you have your own health insurance, your policy may cover you and a few others involved if there is excess insurance on your policy.
Medical Payments Coverage
One of the most important types of car insurance is medical payments coverage. This type of coverage can help pay for your medical bills if you’re injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. If you have health insurance, you may not need this type of coverage, but it’s still a good idea to have. Here’s what you need to know about medical payments coverage.
Motorist Coverage
In most states, motorist coverage is required by law. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea to have it because accidents can happen anytime, anywhere.
There are two types of motorist coverage: bodily injury and property damage.
Collision Coverage
This type of coverage will pay for damages to your vehicle if you are involved in a collision with another vehicle or object. It is important to know that collision coverage does not cover damage that occurs as a result of weather, theft, or vandalism.
If you are involved in an accident where you are at fault, your liability insurance policy will pay for damages to other vehicles. However, it may not cover damages to your own vehicle if it is damaged beyond repair or stolen. Additional features include
Comprehensive Coverage
This type of car insurance covers damages to your vehicle that are not caused by collision, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. It also covers you if your car is damaged by weather events, such as a hurricane or tornado. If you have comprehensive coverage, it is important to remember that your deductible will apply to any claims you make.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Reimbursement for reasonable medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident, up to the limit of your policy. However, if you have no other insurance and are hit by another driver with no auto liability coverage then you may not be able to recover any costs related to your injuries or damages sustained in the accident. If you are injured while driving someone else’s vehicle and they have PIP coverage on their own policy then you will be covered but only when driving that particular vehicle.