Car liability insurance benefits
Your car liability insurance needs could add up to more than you might expect. At USAA, we recommend you review your coverage at least annually.
While your bank account may not have seven figures, you don't have to be a millionaire to face a lawsuit like one.
Say you're in a traffic accident and responsible for damaging multiple cars and injuring several people. If their medical bills and vehicle damages exceed your policy's limits, could you afford to pay the difference? You may have to sell assets, use savings or even have your paychecks garnished to pay what you owe.
Video Transcript: The benefits of liability coverage
Video Duration: 1 minute 13 seconds
Transcript Date: May 29, 2023
The benefit of liability coverage: Elapsed time 0 minutes 0 seconds [00:00]
You don't have to be a millionaire to be sued like one. And while you may not be a millionaire, your liability insurance needs could add up to more than you might expect. At USAA we understand your coverage needs can change over time, which is why we recommend you review them at least annually.
Auto liability coverage helps protect you financially if you're at fault in an accident.
Say you're in a traffic accident and responsible for damaging multiple cars and injuring several people. If their medical bills and vehicle damages exceed the limits on your policy, could you afford to pay the difference?
You may have to sell assets, dip into your savings, or even have your paychecks garnished, until you have paid what you owe. The general rule of thumb is to carry enough liability coverage to protect your assets such as owned property, savings, or investments, as well as your future earnings potential. However, each person's situation is unique.
Securing protection for the future is just one of the many ways USAA is here to help you become financially prepared. When it comes to liability coverage, it costs only pennies on the dollar compared to the protection it provides.
End: Elapsed time 1 minute 13 seconds [01:13]
What is car liability insurance?
This coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering if you're at fault in a car accident. It can also help pay your legal fees if the other party files a lawsuit against you. Most states legally require you to carry a specified amount of liability insurance on your auto insurance policy.
Two types of liability insurance
Bodily injury: This helps pay for the other party's medical bills and lost income. It can also help pay your legal fees.
Property damage: This helps pay for damage to the other party's property, such as a vehicle, house, fence or guardrail.
Tips for choosing enough liability insurance
Protect your net worth. The general rule of thumb is to carry enough liability insurance to cover your net worth. When you select liability limits on your policy, consider your net worth as a starting point. To calculate your net worth, add the value of your assets and subtract your liabilities.
Assets are things like:
- The market value of real estate you own.
- Vehicles, jewelry and other valuables.
- Emergency funds.
- Retirement savings.
- Other savings and investments.
- Your future earning potential.
Liabilities are things like:
- Credit card debt.
- Bank loans for cars and mortgages.
- Student loans.
Consider your risk tolerance and budget. Every person's situation is unique. Your risk factors might include youthful drivers on your policy, how many miles you drive and where. A high-paying occupation or owning several rental properties could also be risk factors because they increase your net worth.
Review your policy. Your coverage needs can change over time. We recommend you review your policy at least once every year. Depending on the state you live in and location of your property, some assets may be protected from creditors, even if you have a legal judgment against you. This protection may reduce your liability coverage need. As you're reviewing your auto liability coverage, it's also a great time to review the limits on your other policies. Make sure your other coverage is appropriate and complements the changes you make on your auto policy.
Liability car insurance cost
Compared to the protection it provides, it costs pennies on the dollar to carry liability coverage. You can also save money on your policies when you bundle home and auto insurance. Securing protection for the future is one of the many ways we're here to help you prepare your finances.
Auto insurance claims
In many cases filing a liability claim online is easy and convenient through the USAA Claims Center. If you have questions, call 210-531-USAA(8722), or visit our auto insurance FAQ page.