Understanding Auto Liability Insurance

In most states, auto liability insurance is the minimum requirement for driving.  Financed vehicles may require additional coverage, but most everyone has to have liability insurance if they drive a car.  There are exceptions.  Drivers in New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are not required to carry insurance, but every other state mandates a minimum requirement for both of the two primary types of liability insurance, bodily injury and property damage.

The legal minimums are extremely low in most states, meaning that the bare essential insurance coverage will, more than likely, not actually cover the worth of your car or the costs associated with injuries from an accident.  It’s a good idea to opt for higher coverage whenever possible and you should also consider the deductible that will work best for your budget.

Types of Liability Insurance

Liability coverage is generally referred to as either bodily injury liability or property damage liability coverage.  Bodily injury covers the cost of medical treatment for other drivers involved in an accident you were at fault in.  This number is usually divided into two separate figures, the first representing the amount provided per individual and the second is the limit for all of those involved.

Property damage coverage pays the repair costs of property involved in an accident that is your fault.  Other cars, buildings, and other physical property that must be repaired falls under this coverage.  The average driver usually carries around $100,000 of property damage liability insurance, but many experts recommend a higher limit of $300,000.

Besides auto liability insurance, there are many other types of coverage that can protect you and your property.  Liability insurance covers damages resulting from an accident that you have caused, but what about an accident that is not your fault but the other driver‘s liability insurance doesn‘t cover it?  Some states require uninsured motorist insurance or personal injury coverage in addition to liability for the driver’s personal protection.

Even if these types of auto insurance are not required in your state, it is a good idea to carry them in case you are involved in an accident.

 Uninsured motorist coverage will pay repair costs to your vehicle in the case of a hit-and-run or if the driver at fault is not carrying insurance, saving you out of pocket expenses and the headache of personally collecting monies from those at fault.  You can also select under insured motorist protection to cover additional costs not included in the faulted driver’s policy.  Personal injury insurance is very similar and covers medical treatment following an accident. 

The best rates on liability insurance, as well as full coverage, are typically found through local insurance agents. 

Instead of scouring the phonebook for the agencies that appear to be the most reputable and spending several hours on the phone requesting rate information, why not use one easy form to get multiple quotes?

Just click the "Start the competition for Lowest Quote" button below and complete a short form to establish the liability limits you need.  Your request will be sent to the best local agents in your area and you will get back four to six insurance quotes for the lowest rates possible. 

Stop wasting time and money on your auto liability insurance and let your local agents work for you! Remember when local insurance agents compete for your busiiness you win!