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The liability limit you choose on a policy will determine how much your insurance company pays if you cause an accident, so it’s important to choose wisely. You’ll need to consider factors like your budget, your risk tolerance, and your driving history.
What Are Liability Limits?
A liability limit is an insurance term that describes how much your insurer will pay when you’re at fault in an accident. If you cause more injuries than your policy will cover, you may have to pay the rest out of pocket.
What Are the Three Parts of a Liability Limit?
Liability limits are often split up into three parts: the bodily injury limit per person, the total bodily injury limit, and the property damage limit. For example, a common insurance policy may cover up to $25,000 worth of bodily injuries per person, but it will cap the total amount of bodily injury payments at $50,000 regardless of how many people are in the accident.
How Much Bodily Injury Coverage Do You Need?
The exact liability limit you need will vary, but California requires drivers to carry bodily injury insurance with a limit of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 total. Many drivers choose to carry more insurance just in case they get into more serious accidents. Many insurers offer coverage of up to $100,000 per person and $300,000 total.
Should You Get a Larger or Smaller Bodily Injury Limit?
If you choose a higher amount of coverage, you’ll often pay a higher insurance premium. However, it’s important not to choose a bodily injury limit that’s too low because you could end up being responsible for massive medical bills if you get into a bad accident.
If you also own a motorcycle, it’s worth reviewing your policy limits separately from your car coverage, since medical costs from a motorcycle accident can quickly exceed standard limits. Many riders opt for higher bodily injury coverage to protect themselves financially, and choosing the right motorcycle insurance National City riders rely on can make all the difference if you’re ever involved in a serious accident.
The experienced team at Altra Insurance Services can help you find the right liability limits and coverage options for your needs. Whether you’re a new driver or looking to update an existing policy, our agents make it easy to compare plans and find affordable car insurance National City drivers know will be there if they need it. Contact Altra Insurance Services today for a free quote and personalized guidance on choosing the coverage that’s right for you
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 30/60/25 mean on an insurance policy?
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This is a common abbreviation that describes liability limits of $30,000 per person, $60,000 for all bodily injuries, and $25,000 for property damages.
When should you get a liability limit that’s higher than state minimums?
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If you don’t like making risky decisions or are concerned about your ability to drive safely, a higher liability limit can give you peace of mind.
How is a liability limit different from a deductible?
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The liability limit is the total amount your insurance will pay for a claim, while a deductible refers to the amount you pay yourself before the insurance company starts to provide funds.
What happens if your accident costs more than your liability limit?
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If you’re in an accident and cause bodily injury to another party that exceeds your liability limit, the injured person can sue you. If you lose the lawsuit, the court may require you to pay from your own savings or assets.