car liability insurance coverage explained clearly

Liability pays for others' losses when you cause a crash. It protects your finances by funding injury treatment, repairs, and legal defense. You don't get your own car fixed here; that's different coverage.

What it covers

• Bodily injury: medical bills, lost wages, sometimes pain-and-suffering.
• Property damage: other vehicles, buildings, signs, landscaping.
• Defense costs: lawyers and court fees, up to policy terms.

Limits and structure

Policies use split limits (e.g., 100/300/100) or a combined single limit. State minimums vary and are often low; higher limits offer better cushion. Most policies have no deductible for liability, but verify.

What it won't cover

• Your injuries or your car - consider medical payments, PIP, collision, and uninsured motorist.
• Intentional damage or excluded business use.

Picking an amount

1. Estimate assets and future wages at risk.
2. Choose limits that meet or exceed that figure; consider an umbrella if affordable.
3. Confirm lender and state requirements.

Real moment

After a rainy stoplight tap, liability paid the other driver's bumper and urgent care visit; the adjuster reviewed dashcam clips, and timing depended - reasonably - on state rules and documentation.

Quick tips

• Clean record and higher deductibles elsewhere can offset higher limits.
• Bundle discounts help, though not always the cheapest path.
• Document scenes, avoid admitting fault, notify your insurer promptly.