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What Is Bodily Injury Liability Coverage in Auto Insurance, and Why Is It Important to Have?

Part of being a responsible car owner and driver is ensuring you have the right auto insurance coverage. Various components may make up an auto insurance policy, such as bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, medical payment coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. While each of these coverages is critical to a robust auto insurance policy, let’s take a closer look at what bodily injury liability insurance covers and why this specific coverage is essential.

What Does Bodily Injury Liability Insurance Cover?
If you are in an accident that injures a third party and you are found at fault, bodily injury liability may help pay for the following:

• Medical expenses—Bodily injury liability may help pay for a third party’s emergency medical services and hospital care if you are responsible for an accident. It may also help cover their associated doctor visits and health care costs, such as crutches or a wheelchair.
  
• Compensation for lost wages and income—Bodily injury liability may help cover a third party’s lost wages and income if they cannot perform the normal functions of their job due to injuries incurred because of the accident. It may also cover lost wages associated with needing to spend time at physical therapy as part of their recovery process.
  
• Legal fees—Bodily injury liability may help pay for legal costs associated with an accident-related lawsuit.

Why Is It Important to Have Bodily Injury Liability Insurance?
Bodily injury liability insurance is a critical component of an auto insurance policy. Without it, a driver at fault for an accident would have to pay for associated costs out of pocket. Additionally, bodily injury liability coverage is legally required in many states. For example, in Georgia as of April 2023, drivers are generally required to have a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident. If you cannot prove you have auto insurance that meets state requirements, you may be subject to a fine and other penalties.

Auto Insurance in Atlanta  
If you want to learn more about auto insurance and bodily injury liability coverage, contact Peachstate Insurance. Our agents will be able to help you navigate your insurance options and help ensure that you have the coverage you need.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.

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