What is Auto Liability Insurance Anyway?
**always read your policy as coverages vary**
Auto Liability Insurance. If you have a car you need auto liability insurance. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it is a very important coverage to have. So what does Auto Liability Insurance cover and why is it necessary?
Auto Liability insurance is for those times when you are liable - or at fault - in an auto related accident. This means that you made a mistake, and now there is damage or injuries to the other party's passengers, car, and property.
This is the exact scenario that Auto Liability insurance is designed to take care of. As long as the accident itself is covered under your policy then your Insurance Carrier jumps in to save the day.
The Insurance Company will then determine whether you are at fault in the situation, and whether the accident is covered by your policy. If it is, and you are at fault, then they will pay up to the limits of your policy in order to cover injuries to others, damage to others cars or property, and for any legal proceedings that arise out of the claims.
So as you can see, liability is very important. It pays for the most expensive things that can happen in the case of an accident - the injuries and damages.
As a rule, we recommend that you look at your auto liability limit carefully because personal liability policies are often low. The state minimum liability insurance limit for personal automobiles in Washington for example is:
$25,000 for any one person in any one accident
And $50,000 for any 2 people in any 1 accident
With $10,000 for property in any 1 accident.
This means that you have a total of $50,000 for any given accident, to be split amongst the individuals who are injured, with no more than $25,000 to any given person, and only $10,000 to cover the other car and any other property damage. As an agent, if we didn't suggest that you look into getting more insurance than that, we would feel very bad indeed. Any injury that requires surgery, or extended hospital time is going to cost more than that $25,000.
So take a close look at your Auto Liability limits with your agent, get a few quotes, and see what the best option is for your protection and your budget.
We would love to review your auto insurance and make suggestions as well as offer a quote. Give us a call at 800-843-2430 and we'd love to help you out!