Liability insurance is a crucial aspect of financial protection for drivers, covering the costs of damages you may cause to others in an accident. It consists of three main components:
- bodily injury coverage per person
- bodily injury coverage per accident
- property damage coverage per accident
These limits are typically represented as a series of numbers, such as 15/30/5, indicating the maximum amounts the insurance will pay: $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage (i.e., 15/30/5).
For instance, in the event of an accident where you are at fault and injure multiple people in another vehicle, with 15/30/5 limits, your liability coverage would pay up to $15,000 per person for bodily injuries, not exceeding a total of $30,000 for all bodily injury costs combined. Additionally, you would be covered for up to $5,000 for any property damage caused. However, any expenses beyond these limits would have to be covered out of your own pocket!
This means that state minimum requirements for liability insurance may not provide adequate coverage in serious accidents, leaving you personally responsible for additional costs. Therefore, we highly recommend our customers consider purchasing liability insurance coverage beyond the state minimum.
The industry standard recommendation for a comprehensive coverage policy is 100/300/50, indicating coverage of up to $100,000 per person for bodily injuries, $300,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $50,000 for property damage. While this level of coverage may require higher premiums, it offers greater financial protection and peace of mind.
At BMC Insurance, we understand that everyone’s financial situation and insurance needs are different. That’s why we offer quotes with various coverage options, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances. Investing in adequate liability insurance coverage can help safeguard your finances and protect you from potential liabilities in the unfortunate event of an accident.
What is the state minimum required in my state?
Every state has a minimum requirement for liability coverage. You’ll find yours listed below:
| State | Liability Limit |
| Maryland | 30/60/15 |
| Pennsylvania | 15/30/5 |
| North Carolina | 30/60/25 |
| Virginia | 25/50/20 |
| Washington, DC | 25/50/10 |
| West Virginia | 25/50/25 |