Liability Auto Insurance in 2025 (Coverage Explained)
Liability auto insurance offers essential coverage for damages you cause to others in an accident, including property damage and bodily injuries. It’s the best policy type for drivers seeking affordable premiums that meet state requirements. Liability auto insurance quotes start at $50 per month from Geico.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Apr 26, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Apr 26, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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This guide explores liability auto insurance essentials to ensure you meet state requirements. Liability insurance includes bodily injury and property damage coverage for those you injure in an accident or claim.
- Alaska requires $100K liability for bodily injury, while Florida requires none
- Liability auto insurance is best for older vehicles or tight budgets
- Full coverage adds more protection for your vehicle
Discover why liability policies are budget-friendly options for many drivers, with Geico offering the lowest rates at just $50 monthly. Learn the crucial differences between liability and full coverage, especially when animals or natural disasters damage your vehicle.
We’ll help you navigate provider options and state laws to ensure you’re properly protected while meeting legal requirements. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool to find the best liability auto insurance providers near you.
Liability Auto Insurance Defined
The simplest liability auto insurance meaning is a policy that covers damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident. This coverage helps pay for medical bills, property repairs, and legal fees if you’re at fault.
Choosing liability auto insurance only means you’re not covered for your own damages, just others'.
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It’s a smart choice for older cars or tight budgets. Many drivers looking for the cheapest car insurance start with liability-only policies to meet legal requirements while keeping premiums low.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Liability Auto Insurance vs. Full Coverage Comparison
Understanding the differences between liability vs. full coverage helps drivers choose the right protection. This table breaks down what is covered by liability insurance.
Liability Auto Insurance vs. Other Coverage Types| Coverage Type | Covers Your Car | Covers Others | Covers Medical Costs | Required by Law | Covers Theft/Natural Disasters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liability Insurance | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Collision Insurance | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Comprehensive Insurance | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Full Coverage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Liability auto insurance near you is legally required and pays for others’ damages and medical costs if you’re at fault, but it doesn’t protect your own vehicle. It’s often best for drivers with older cars or those seeking state-mandated coverage at a lower cost.
For broader protection, full coverage includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. In serious accidents, especially those requiring traffic collision reconstruction, liability-only may fall short.
Knowing what each coverage includes ensures policyholders aren’t underinsured when it matters most. Always evaluate your needs and risks before choosing a policy.
How State Laws Shape Auto Insurance Liability
State laws significantly impact the type and amount of liability auto insurance coverage drivers must carry. These differences often impact how easily claims are handled, especially in the worst states for filing an auto insurance claim.
Liability Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements by State
State Bodily Injury Property Damage Uninsured Motorist Personal Injury
Alabama $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
Alaska $50,000/$100,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
Arizona $25,000/$50,000 $15,000 Optional Not Required
Arkansas $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Optional Optional
California $30,000/$60,000 $15,000 Optional Not Required
Colorado $25,000/$50,000 $15,000 Optional Not Required
Connecticut $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
Delaware $25,000/$50,000 $10,000 Optional Required
Florida Not Required $10,000 Not Required Required
Georgia $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
Hawaii $20,000/$40,000 $10,000 Optional Required
Idaho $25,000/$50,000 $15,000 Optional Not Required
Illinois $25,000/$50,000 $20,000 Required Not Required
Indiana $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
Iowa $20,000/$40,000 $15,000 Optional Not Required
Kansas $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Required
Kentucky $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Required
Louisiana $15,000/$30,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
Maine $50,000/$100,000 $25,000 Required Required
Maryland $30,000/$60,000 $15,000 Required Required
Massachusetts $20,000/$40,000 $5,000 Required Required
Michigan $50,000/$100,000 $10,000 (outside MI) Required Required
Minnesota $30,000/$60,000 $10,000 Required Required
Mississippi $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
Missouri $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
Montana $25,000/$50,000 $20,000 Optional Not Required
Nebraska $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
Nevada $25,000/$50,000 $20,000 Optional Not Required
New Hampshire $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Optional
New Jersey $15,000/$30,000 $5,000 Required Required
New Mexico $25,000/$50,000 $10,000 Optional Not Required
New York $25,000/$50,000 $10,000 Required Required
North Carolina $30,000/$60,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
North Dakota $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Required
Ohio $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
Oklahoma $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
Oregon $25,000/$50,000 $20,000 Required Required
Pennsylvania $15,000/$30,000 $5,000 Optional Required
Rhode Island $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
South Carolina $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
South Dakota $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
Tennessee $25,000/$50,000 $15,000 Optional Not Required
Texas $30,000/$60,000 $25,000 Optional Not Required
Utah $25,000/$65,000 $15,000 Optional Required
Vermont $25,000/$50,000 $10,000 Required Not Required
Virginia $50,000/$100,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
Washington $25,000/$50,000 $10,000 Optional Not Required
West Virginia $25,000/$50,000 $25,000 Required Not Required
Wisconsin $25,000/$50,000 $10,000 Required Not Required
Wyoming $25,000/$50,000 $20,000 Optional Not Required
For example, liability auto insurance in Texas and liability auto insurance in Illinois require minimum bodily injury and property damage limits, but differ in optional add-ons, like uninsured motorist protection. Liability auto insurance in California is also mandatory, but the right provider can help you stay compliant without overpaying.
Best Liability Auto Insurance Quotes Compared
When comparing liability auto insurance rates, it’s clear that costs vary significantly by provider. This highlights the importance of shopping around for a competitive liability auto insurance quote.
Liability Auto Insurance Monthly Rates vs. Full Coverage by Provider| Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
 | $80 | $160 |
 | $85 | $150 |
 | $75 | $145 |
 | $50 | $120 |
 | $100 | $180 |
 | $95 | $170 |
 | $55 | $135 |
 | $60 | $130 |
 | $90 | $160 |
 | $65 | $125 |
Top-rated companies like Geico, Progressive, and USAA offer affordable options, making them strong contenders. However, remember to get multiple auto insurance quotes from different companies to ensure you get both value and adequate protection.
Drivers seeking budget-friendly coverage should compare liability auto insurance vs. full coverage, especially if they own an older vehicle. While full coverage auto insurance offers broader protection, liability-only plans are often the most cost-effective option for meeting legal requirements.
Finding Affordable Liability Auto Insurance Coverage
Liability car insurance forms the foundation of financial protection for drivers. It is the most affordable type of auto insurance, especially with Geico offering the lowest rates at $50 monthly for liability auto insurance only policies.
One of the hacks to save more money on car insurance is to compare liability auto insurance quotes regularly, bundle policies, maintain good credit, and consider usage-based options. Explore your options by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool today.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should you get liability or full coverage?
Choose liability-only for older cars worth less than $4,000 or with high mileage. Opt for full coverage with newer vehicles, leased cars, or when your state requires it.
How long does insurance have to decide liability?
Insurance companies usually determine liability within 30-45 days after an accident claim is filed, though complex cases may take longer. It’s bad to cancel car insurance during this waiting period.
What is the liability auto insurance limit in Iowa?
Iowa requires minimum liability limits of 20/40/15, meaning $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
How much will your insurance go up from liability to full coverage?
According to our data, upgrading from liability to full coverage typically doubles your premium. Geico’s rates increase from $50 to $120 monthly on average.
What is the 50/100/50 rule for liability insurance?
The 50/100/50 rule represents coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 property damage per accident. Enter your ZIP code to explore which companies have the cheapest auto insurance rates for you.
What two things should be considered when choosing an auto insurance deductible?
Consider your emergency savings capacity and vehicle value. Higher deductibles lower premiums, but they require more out-of-pocket expenses during claims, which is one of many ways you’re wasting money on your car.
Will your insurance go up if you get hit by an uninsured driver?
Your rates typically won’t increase if you’re not at fault, but this depends on your state and insurer. Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect against these situations.
What is 100k/300k liability auto insurance coverage?
The 100k/300k liability coverage means your policy pays up to $100,000 for each injured person and up to $300,000 total per accident for bodily injuries.
What if you can’t afford auto insurance?
Compare quotes from multiple providers like Geico, consider liability-only coverage, or ask about discounts. Explore what to do if you can’t afford your auto insurance instead of going without coverage.
How much should liability-only auto insurance cost?
Liability-only car insurance averages $50-$100 monthly, with Geico offering the lowest rates at $50. Costs vary by location, driving history, and coverage limits. Avoid expensive auto insurance premiums by entering your ZIP code to see the cheapest rates for you.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.