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Definition
Bodily injury liability is the part of your auto liability coverage that pays for injuries the at-fault driver causes to other people. It's typically written as split limits, such as 25/50, which means $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for everyone injured. This coverage applies to others you hurt—not to your own injuries, which fall under separate coverages. It can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs if the injured party sues you, up to your policy limits. Once those limits are exhausted, you may be personally responsible for any remaining amounts. Bodily injury liability is required in most states as a condition of carrying a registered, insured vehicle, though minimum required limits vary by state. Carrying higher limits than the minimum is often recommended to protect your assets.
Also Known As
BI liability
BIL
auto bodily injury coverage
third-party injury liability
Used in Context
- After rear-ending another car, your bodily injury liability coverage paid the other driver's medical bills up to your per-person limit.
- A Dreamy Leads auto insurance quote showed split limits of 25/50, so we explained that meant $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Because she carried only the state-minimum bodily injury liability, the driver had to pay the remaining hospital costs out of pocket after a serious crash.
What does 25/50 bodily injury liability mean?
It refers to split limits on your policy. The first number, $25,000, is the most paid for any one person's injuries. The second, $50,000, is the most paid for all injuries in a single accident combined. If costs exceed these limits, you may owe the rest yourself.
Is bodily injury liability required?
Yes, it's required in most states as a condition of registering and insuring your vehicle. Minimum required limits vary by state. Even where minimums are low, many drivers choose higher limits to better protect their personal assets if they cause a serious accident.
Does bodily injury liability cover my own injuries?
No. Bodily injury liability only pays for injuries you cause to other people when you're at fault. Your own injuries are handled by separate coverages, which may include medical payments, personal injury protection, or your health insurance, depending on your policy and state.
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