Best Liability Auto Insurance Coverage for 2026

Liability car insurance covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to other people in accidents. This essential liability insurance pays for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and legal costs up to your basic liability policy limits, but doesn't cover your own vehicle or injuries.

Basic liability coverage meets legal requirements but may not provide adequate financial protection. While liability only insurance costs less, experts recommend higher liability auto insurance limits than state minimums to protect personal assets from potential liability car insurance claims.

Insurance experts typically recommend at least 100/300/100 liability auto insurance coverage (100k per person, 300k per accident, 100k property damage) for adequate protection. Consider your assets and income when determining appropriate liability insurance limits beyond basic liability minimums.

Penalties for lacking required liability auto insurance vary by state but may include fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, or jail time. Maintaining continuous liability car insurance coverage is essential for legal driving and avoiding costly basic liability violations.

Yes, many drivers switch to liability car insurance only to reduce costs, especially for older vehicles. However, consider that liability auto insurance doesn't cover your own vehicle damage, making this basic liability approach suitable primarily for low-value cars.