Bodily injury car insurance is a type of liability coverage that pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees of other people injured or killed in a car accident you are found responsible for. It does not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage. This coverage is a core component of auto insurance policies in most states, many of which have minimum required coverage limits, such as $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Think of it as financial protection for your assets. If you cause a serious accident, the injured party could sue you for a significant amount of money. Bodily injury liability steps in to cover these costs up to the limits you selected on your policy, shielding your personal savings, home, and future earnings from a lawsuit.
A typical policy lists the coverage limits as three numbers (e.g., 25/50/25). The first two numbers refer to bodily injury liability:
- Per-person limit: The maximum your insurer will pay for one injured person's expenses.
- Per-accident limit: The total maximum paid for all injuries in a single accident.
It's crucial to purchase limits higher than your state's minimums, as medical bills can easily exceed $25,000. Experts often recommend carrying at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
| State Minimum BI Liability Requirements (Examples) | Per-Person Limit | Per-Accident Limit |
|---|
| California | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Texas | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| New York | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Florida | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Illinois | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $15,000 | $30,000 |
