Liability Auto Insurance in 2026 (See Rates & Exclusions Here!)

Liability auto insurance covers bodily injuries and property damage if you're at fault in an accident. The cheapest liability auto insurance rates start at $75 per month. Comparing quotes can help you find affordable coverage against expensive liability claims.

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Travis Thompson

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Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...

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Liability auto insurance coverage covers property damage and personal injuries to others. This type of auto insurance coverage is important because it helps all drivers stay adequately insured before they get behind the wheel.

Liability Auto Insurance Featured Image

In the U.S., if you drive a car, most states require you to have liability insurance by law. Your life can change in a second if you are involved in a car accident.

Even if the accident was not your fault, a court might not agree. That means that you will have to pay out of pocket for all the damages and injuries. If you do not want to get caught up in a nasty settlement that you cannot afford, you need to have liability insurance.

What You Should Know

  • Liability auto insurance covers damages if you’re at fault in an accident
  • Comparing quotes can get you affordable liability coverage
  • The right liability auto insurance can protect your assets

Find the best auto insurance company for liability coverage near you by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool.

Liability Auto Insurance Explained

Liability auto insurance is something every driver in the United States needs, as it protects you financially if you’re at fault in an accident that damages someone else’s property or injures someone.

Imagine this. You’re driving on a busy street, and you hit a parked vehicle or knock into a fence. Liability auto insurance can help pay for repairs if the property owner asks for compensation for the damages.

Liability Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider
Insurance CompanyMonthly Rates
Allstate: Liability Auto Insurance$85
American Family: Liability Auto Insurance$79
Farmers: Liability Auto Insurance$83
Geico: Liability Auto Insurance$75
Liberty Mutual: Liability Auto Insurance$87
Nationwide: Liability Auto Insurance$81
Progressive: Liability Auto Insurance$80
State Farm: Liability Auto Insurance$82
Travelers: Liability Auto Insurance$84
USAA: Liability Auto Insurance$78
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Most states require drivers to have liability auto insurance coverage, and each state has its own rules about the minimum amount you need. Liability auto coverage covers damage to other people’s property and bodily injuries.

Liability auto insurance is crucial for protecting your finances if you're at fault in an accident, as it covers the costs of damage to others' property and their injuries.

Maria Hanson Insurance and Finance Writer

When you’re shopping for car insurance, it’s important to compare liability auto insurance quotes from different companies to find the best price. Many people want the cheapest liability car insurance, but it’s important to make sure the policy still gives you enough protection.

You can find affordable liability coverage but don’t skimp too much, or you might end up being underinsured if something serious happens. Be sure to choose a policy that meets your state’s legal requirements and protects your assets at the same time.

Explore auto insurance quotes by vehicle to see how your car type impacts your insurance rates and find the best coverage that fits your budget.

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Different Types of Liability Insurance Coverage

Liability insurance helps pay for damages if you cause an accident. It includes different types of coverage for injuries and property damage. Knowing what liability insurance is most likely to cover can help you choose the right protection so you’re not stuck with big expenses.

Also, following mandatory liability insurance compliance is important to meet state laws and avoid fines or other penalties. Understanding these options will help you get the right coverage for your needs. In this section, we’ll explain the most common types of liability insurance and how they protect you on the road.

Read more: Affordable Monthly Auto Insurance

Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily injury liability (BIL) helps cover costs if you’re responsible for an accident. It can pay for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and even legal fees. Medical and legal costs can get expensive, so having enough coverage is important.

If you’re looking for coverage, make sure to get the right liability car insurance quotes to match your needs. Companies like Allstate offer liability insurance coverage to protect you from high costs in case of an accident.

Here is a list of some of the things that are covered by bodily injury liability:

  • Medical expenses for injuries sustained in an accident
  • Post-accident medical expenses for sickness or diseases resulting from the crash
  • Emergency aid at the scene of the accident
  • Loss of income compensation
  • Funeral expenses
  • Legal defense fees, bail bonds, and any other type of legal fees

Having bodily injury liability coverage helps protect you from expensive medical and legal costs if you cause an accident. While mandatory liability insurance is required by law, you might also want to look into full coverage car insurance for extra protection. Picking the right coverage can help you avoid big out-of-pocket expenses and keep you financially secure.

Read more: Allstate Auto Insurance Review: Can you get affordable quotes?

Property Damage Liability

Property damage liability (PDL) covers the cost of damage you cause to someone else’s property in an accident, like a car or a building. This helps prevent you from paying out of pocket if you’re at fault.

When looking for the cheapest liability insurance, it’s important to compare liability car insurance rates in your state, as some states require a minimum amount of coverage. Having the right coverage can protect you financially if you cause damage in an accident.

Here are some things covered by property damage liability:

  • Structural damages to homes, buildings, storefronts, government property, etc.
  • Repair or replacement costs for other stationary objects like fences
  • Vehicle repair and replacement costs for cars involved in the accident
  • Vehicle repair and replacement costs for properly parked vehicles

Knowing the different types of liability insurance coverage is key to being protected on the road. Whether it’s bodily injury liability for medical bills and legal fees or property damage liability for car repairs, having the right coverage can help avoid big expenses.

Property Damage Liability Definition Card: Liability Auto Insurance

Be sure to check out liability car insurance quotes to find the best options for your needs. With the right coverage, you’ll drive confidently, knowing you’re protected. Find the most affordable property damage liability (PDL) auto insurance coverage.

Liability Auto Insurance Exclusions You Should Know

Liability auto insurance offers protection in several ways, including what is covered and what isn’t. However, there are a few general liability auto insurance exclusions that may impact coverage.

Allstate Screenshot: Liability Auto Insurance

For example, if an accident occurs and you were driving the vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, your insurance probably won’t be able to provide coverage for those damages or injuries. Another important exclusion is when you’re driving a car that isn’t listed in your policy, such as a rental or someone else’s car—coverage might not apply.

It’s also important to know that damages caused by intentional actions are usually not covered by liability auto insurance. Additionally, some policies might exclude coverage if you’re using the car for business purposes instead of personal use.

Liability auto insurance rates can change based on your driving history and the car you drive. If you’re looking for a better deal, you can find affordable liability auto insurance, but always ensure it covers everything you need. Comparing liability insurance quotes from the best auto insurance companies helps you make sure you’re getting the right coverage at the best price.

Understanding Liability Auto Insurance Limits

Auto liability insurance policies have limits. These limits represent the total amount of money that the policy will pay out to you in the event of an accident. There are two types of limit policies you can get when purchasing liability insurance:

  • Combined Single Limit: This type of policy covers both bodily injury and property damage in one plan.
  • Split Limit: This type of policy has separate amounts of coverage for bodily injury and property damage.

Usually, the higher the limits on your liability policy, the higher your premiums will be. Work with your insurance agent to determine how much coverage you need and how much coverage you can afford.

Additionally, knowing your liability auto insurance limits helps you choose the right coverage. A combined single limit covers everything under one amount, while a split limit sets separate limits for injuries and damage. Comparing liability car insurance vs. full coverage helps you decide what fits your budget and protection needs.

Understanding how auto insurance works will help you see how policy limits impact your coverage and find the right balance between protection and cost.

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The Right Amount of Liability Auto Insurance Coverage

Many people try to lower their car insurance costs by cutting down on coverage. They might raise their deductibles or go for cheap liability auto insurance with lower limits. But before you do this, think about what could happen in a bad accident.

State Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Requirements
StateCoveragesLimits
AlabamaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/25
AlaskaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability50/100/25
ArizonaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability15/30/10
ArkansasBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability &Personal Injury Protection25/50/25
CaliforniaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability15/30/5
ColoradoBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/15
ConnecticutBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/20
DelawareBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection25/50/10
FloridaProperty Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection10/20/10
GeorgiaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/25
HawaiiBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection20/40/10
IdahoBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/15
IllinoisBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/20
IndianaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/25
IowaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability20/40/15
KansasBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection25/50/25
KentuckyBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/25
LouisianaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability15/30/25
MaineBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist, & Medical Payments50/100/25
MarylandBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist30/60/15
MassachusettsBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection20/40/5
MichiganBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection20/40/10
MinnesotaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist30/60/10
MississippiBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/25
MissouriBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist25/50/25
MontanaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/20
NebraskaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/25
NevadaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/20
New HampshireFinancial Responsibility Only25/50/25
New JerseyBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist15/30/5
New MexicoBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/10
New YorkBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/10
North CarolinaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist30/60/25
North DakotaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/25
OhioBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/25
OklahomaBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/25
OregonBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/20
PennsylvaniaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection15/30/5
Rhode IslandBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/25
South CarolinaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/25
South DakotaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/25
TennesseeBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/15
TexasBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection30/60/25
UtahBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Personal Injury Protection25/65/15
VermontBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/10
VirginiaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/20
WashingtonBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/10
Washington, D.C.Bodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, & Uninsured Motorist25/50/10
West VirginiaBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Underinsured Motorist25/50/25
WisconsinBodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, & Medical Payments25/50/10
WyomingBodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability25/50/20
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If you’re found at fault, you could end up paying a lot more than your liability auto insurance covers. This could mean losing your savings, your car, or even your house. Knowing how to choose the right coverage is important for every driver.

It’s not worth the risk. Even though higher coverage might make your rates go up, it’s money well spent if you’re ever in a serious accident and have to file liability auto insurance claims. The amount of coverage you need depends on what you own.

If you make $30,000 a year and rent, around $50,000/$100,000 in coverage could be enough. But if you make $90,000 a year, own a home, and have savings, you should think about at least $100,000/$300,000 in coverage.

Make sure to compare vehicle liability insurance quotes and learn about different liability auto insurance types to get the best deal for your needs.

Read more: Does auto insurance cover your bail?

Getting Cheap Liability Auto Insurance Coverage

If you’re looking for cheap liability auto insurance, it’s important to make sure you have the right amount of coverage. After checking your current policy, ask yourself if it will fully protect you if you’re in an accident. If it’s not enough, you should talk to your insurance agent about adjusting your rates or adding more coverage.

If you don’t have auto insurance yet, you can use the quote box above to connect with an agent who can help you compare liability auto insurance rates. This will help you find affordable liability coverage that works for you.

While it’s good to save money, it’s also important to make sure you meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements and avoid big costs if an accident happens. Familiarize yourself with the auto insurance requirements by state to ensure you meet your state’s coverage rules and find a policy that fits your budget.

If you’re on a tight budget, looking for the cheapest liability-only car insurance can be a good option, but make sure it still provides enough coverage to protect you in case of an accident.

The History of Liability Auto Insurance

Auto insurance started a long time ago with Chinese traders protecting their cargo ships. The first liability insurance policy for cars was written in England in 1895, and the first one in the U.S. was in 1898 for Dr. Truman J. Martin. Massachusetts made car insurance mandatory in 1927.

Liability insurance is not only required by law in most states, but it provides peace of mind knowing you're covered in the event of an accident.

Tonya Sisler Insurance Content Team Lead

Today, almost every state requires liability coverage to protect people in accidents. But rules are different in every state, and not everyone follows them. Many people look for inexpensive liability insurance to stay legal without spending too much. (Read more: Does my auto insurance cover damage caused by a collision with an animal if I only have liability coverage?)

Shopping around for liability insurance quotes for cars can help you find the best coverage at a good price. Having low-cost liability auto insurance makes it easier to afford the required protection. It’s important to know your state’s insurance rules because not having the right coverage could lead to a big ticket, getting your car taken away, or even a lawsuit.

Explore your auto insurance options by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is liability auto insurance coverage?

Liability auto insurance coverage is a type of insurance that helps protect you financially if you cause an accident and are held responsible for injuries or property damage to others. It typically consists of two main components: bodily injury liability and property damage liability.

Why is liability auto insurance coverage important?

Liability auto insurance coverage is important because it helps protect your assets and financial well-being in the event of an accident. Without liability coverage, you may be personally responsible for paying for medical bills, legal fees, and property damage resulting from an accident you caused. Start saving on your auto insurance by entering your ZIP code and comparing quotes.

What does bodily injury liability cover?

Bodily injury liability coverage helps cover the costs associated with injuries or death to others caused by an accident for which you are at fault. This coverage may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and legal expenses if a lawsuit is filed against you.

Read more: What an Auto Insurance Policy Looks Like

What does property damage liability cover?

Property damage liability coverage helps cover the costs of damage to someone else’s property caused by an accident where you are at fault. This can include damage to vehicles, buildings, fences, or other types of property.

How much liability auto insurance coverage do I need?

The amount of liability auto insurance coverage you need may vary depending on your state’s minimum requirements and your individual circumstances. It’s generally recommended to have liability coverage limits that are sufficient to protect your assets in case of a lawsuit. Discussing your specific needs with an insurance agent can help determine an appropriate coverage amount.

What are some examples of liability auto insurance?

Examples of liability auto insurance include bodily injury liability, which covers medical expenses and legal fees if you’re at fault for injuring someone, and property damage liability, which covers the cost of damage to someone else’s property. Both are essential for protecting you financially in case of an accident.

Read more: What is the minimum auto insurance coverage that I have to sign up for?

Do I need liability insurance if I already have full coverage?

Yes, full coverage insurance typically includes liability, but it’s important to understand the limits. Make sure your full coverage policy provides sufficient protection to meet your state’s minimum requirements and adequately protect your assets.

Can liability insurance be purchased alone?

Yes, you can purchase liability insurance on its own, especially if you’re looking for affordable basic coverage. However, it may not cover all your needs, so consider adding additional coverage for more protection.

What happens if I don’t have liability insurance?

If you don’t have liability insurance and are at fault in an accident, you may be personally responsible for the damage. You could face legal consequences, including fines, lawsuits, and potentially losing your driving privileges.

Read more: Can I switch auto insurance companies after an accident where I was at fault?

How can I get cheap liability auto insurance?

To get affordable liability insurance, compare quotes from multiple providers, maintain a clean driving record, choose a higher deductible, and consider bundling with other insurance policies. Also, check for discounts you may qualify for.

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