Bodily injury liability
The coverage that runs out fastest in a serious accident.
Bodily injury liability pays for harm you cause to other people — their medical treatment, their lost income, and related claims arising from an accident you're responsible for.
It is the coverage most likely to be exhausted in a serious crash, because medical costs escalate in a way vehicle repair costs generally don't.
What it typically pays for
- Emergency treatment and hospital care
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income while the injured person can't work
- Pain and suffering claims, where applicable
- Legal defence costs if you're sued, usually in addition to the limit
How the two numbers interact
The first figure is the most payable for any one injured person. The second is the most payable for everyone injured in a single accident, combined.
That second number matters more than people realise. A single vehicle can carry four passengers, and an accident with multiple injured parties reaches the per-accident cap quickly — after which the shortfall is yours.
Why it's the limit worth raising first
Increasing bodily injury limits is usually less expensive than people expect, because severe claims are rare relative to minor ones. The premium curve is not linear with the coverage.
If you're choosing where to spend on a policy, this is generally the highest-value place to do it — and lowering it is generally the most expensive saving available.
Legal defence is usually on top
Most policies provide legal defence in addition to the liability limit rather than deducted from it. That's worth confirming on your own policy, since it materially affects what the limit actually buys you.
Common questions
Up to $25,000 for any one injured person, and up to $50,000 for all injuries in a single accident combined. If three people are injured, the $50,000 is shared between them.
No. Your own injuries are covered by medical payments coverage or personal injury protection, depending on your state and policy.
Most policies provide defence costs in addition to the limit rather than within it, but confirm this on your own policy — it changes what the coverage is worth.
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This page is general information, not advice about your specific circumstances. A licensed insurance professional can tell you what’s actually available to you.
General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage, availability, and terms vary by insurer and by state, and are subject to underwriting. Quote My Policy LLC is a licensed insurance producer. Nothing here binds coverage.