Liability car insurance provides essential coverage for damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident. If you're searching for cheap liability car insurance coverage, understanding what liability coverage for car insurance is crucial - it includes bodily injury and property damage protection.

This guide explains how liability car insurance works, breaks down how much car insurance costs per month, and helps you determine if basic liability coverage meets your needs based on state requirements and personal circumstances. Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to see how much car insurance costs in your area.

What You Should Know

• Liability car insurance covers bodily injury and property damage
• Auto-Owners offers the lowest monthly rates at $48 for minimum coverage
• Liability insurance excludes personal vehicle damage, medical costs, theft, & vandalism

Compare the Cheapest Liability Car Insurance Rates by Provider

Liability car insurance coverage cost varies by provider, but understanding the rates can help you make an informed decision. A liability car insurance coverage quote typically depends on factors like location, driving history, and the type of coverage you choose. Compare the top ten companies below to see which offers the cheapest monthly liability car insurance rates.

Insurance Company	Minimum Coverage	Full Coverage
	$53	$150
	$48	$143
	$60	$170
	$57	$155
	$54	$152
	$51	$148
	$52	$145
	$49	$139
	$55	$160
	$56	$149

When looking to save on car insurance, it's essential to explore top ways customers have saved money on car insurance rates, such as adjusting coverage levels or comparing multiple insurers.

Distracted driving causing everyone's auto #insurance rates to go up — here's why https://t.co/NNBy3W21Uf #AOAcademy #autoinsurance pic.twitter.com/Xi2nXqHcNV

— Auto-Owners (@AutoOwnersIns) April 13, 2017

Of course, this number can easily increase if you don’t maintain a good driving record. For example, a speeding ticket or an at-fault accident can increase your premium by hundreds of dollars.

Another way to potentially lower your liability rates is through usage-based insurance programs, where providers track your driving habits through a mobile app or plug-in device. Safe drivers who demonstrate good driving patterns can save up to 30% on their liability premiums, making already competitive rates even more affordable.

Liability Car Insurance: Coverage, Limits, & Protection

Liability car insurance consists of two separate coverages that work together to cover expenses related to a car accident you cause.

Below are the two liability coverages:

• Bodily Injury/Death. Bodily injury covers medical and funeral costs for the injury or death of anyone involved in the accident except you.
• Property Damage. Property damage covers damages you cause to someone’s vehicle or property.

Your liability policy comes with three numbers, each representing the coverage limit. For example, if you see 15/20/10, your bodily injury/death coverage is $15,000 for one person per accident, $20,000 for bodily injury/death coverage for more than one person per accident, and $10,000 for property damage coverage per accident. Compare different car insurance coverages at a glance. The table below breaks down each type:

While liability covers injuries and property damage to others, other options offer broader protection, including theft, accidents, and non-accident damage. Under some circumstances, liability insurance also covers legal fees if you get sued by anyone involved in the accident.

Read More: How much bodily injury liability coverage do I need?

Why Liability Car Insurance Isn't Enough & What You Need

Liability car insurance coverage doesn’t protect against vehicle damage, medical expenses for you or your passengers, or costs beyond the policy limit. Since liability doesn’t cover these expenses, it’s wise to consider additional coverage options.

Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision damage, such as vandalism or hail, while collision covers accident-related vehicle damage. Personal injury protection pays for medical bills and lost wages for you and your passengers, and Medical Payments (MedPay) covers medical costs, even if you’re a pedestrian.

For complete protection, it's essential to pair liability on car insurance with 10/20/10 insurance or full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision.

State-by-State Liability Insurance Requirements

Liability insurance is required in 49 states, though the coverage limits vary depending on your location. Drivers can meet state requirements with just liability car insurance, typically with a combined single limit or a standard policy of 10/10/5.

Liability car insurance coverage in TN and other areas will pay for damages and injuries caused in an at-fault accident, but drivers are responsible for out-of-pocket costs if damages exceed their liability car insurance coverage.

It's recommended to carry more than the minimum liability car insurance coverage near you to avoid potential financial strain and to shop around for affordable options, as rates vary based on the insurer and individual driving history.

Read More: What is a driving record and what does it track?

Making the Right Choice: Balancing Cost and Coverage

Understanding what liability car insurance coverage is helps you make informed decisions about car insurance liabilities. It is an essential protection that covers injuries and damages you cause to others in accidents.

This practical guide for understanding car insurance explains how liability car insurance coverage meaning extends beyond state minimums, protecting you from financial risks. While Auto-Owners, Safeco, and Nationwide offer competitive rates starting at $48, $49, and $51 monthly respectively, remember that state minimum coverage may not be enough.

Consider that, if your $15,000 of liability coverage is not enough to cover an $18,000 accident, you are personally responsible for the remaining $3,000. Always check your state's minimum requirements with your insurer or DMV, and consider higher coverage limits based on your assets and ability to handle out-of-pocket costs.

Ultimately, choosing the right coverage is about balancing affordable rates with sufficient protection for your financial security. Don't just focus on meeting minimum requirements - ensure your policy provides adequate coverage for your specific situation. Take the first step toward cheaper car insurance rates. Enter your ZIP code to see how much you could save.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liability Car Insurance

What is liability auto insurance, and what does it cover?

Liability auto insurance protects you financially by covering injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. The definition of liability car insurance coverage includes two main components: bodily injury protection and property damage protection.

Read More: What is property damage liability insurance and what does it cover?

How much liability car insurance coverage do drivers need?

Check your state's minimum requirements with your insurer or DMV, but consider higher coverage limits since minimum coverage often isn't enough. For example, with a $15,000 policy limit, you'd be personally responsible for $3,000 if accident damages reach $18,000.

Should I get liability-only car insurance?

Liability-only insurance doesn’t always offer drivers the protection they need, so considering additional coverage is beneficial.

If you have a newer, expensive vehicle and don’t have the money to pay out of pocket for repairs, you should consider full coverage.

What are the minimum requirements for liability car insurance coverage in GA?

Like most states, liability car insurance coverage in GA requires minimum limits of 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 for one person's injuries, $50,000 total for all injuries in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Get the right car insurance at the best price — enter your ZIP code to shop for coverage from the top insurers.

How do liable insurance policies work in accident claims?

When you're found liable for an accident, your insurance covers the other party's medical bills and property repairs up to your policy limits. Any costs exceeding your coverage limits become your personal responsibility.

What factors affect liability insurance rates?

Several factors influence your rates, including driving history, location, and vehicle type. You can explore ways to lower your auto insurance rates through usage-based programs, maintaining a clean driving record, or buying auto insurance online through comparison tools.

When to increase my liability coverage limits?

Consider increasing limits if you have significant assets to protect or if you live in a high-cost area. The standard minimum coverage may not provide adequate protection against major accidents.

What happens if liability coverage isn't enough after an accident?

If damages exceed your coverage limits (for example, $18,000 in damages with only $15,000 coverage), you're personally responsible for the difference and could face legal action for the remaining amount.

Ready to find affordable car insurance? Get started today by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.

Does liability insurance cover the policyholder's own vehicle's damage?

No, liability only covers damage you cause to others. For the protection of your own vehicle, you'll need additional coverages like collision and comprehensive insurance.

How does usage-based insurance affect my liability rates?

When getting a liability auto insurance quote, you can save significantly through the best usage-based car insurance programs. These programs monitor your driving habits through a mobile app or plug-in device, tracking factors like braking patterns, speed, and time of day.