Choose the right auto liability limits

Auto insurance can seem boring. For many, it’s just something you need to be a legal driver on the road. But when the time comes that you actually need your auto insurance, you’ll want to be sure you have the right coverage limits. Let’s take a look at some auto insurance basics for liability limits.

Don’t settle for minimum liability limits

In most states, there is a minimum amount of liability coverage that you need to stay legal on the road. In Texas, the minimum liability limits for bodily injury are $30,000 per person up to $60,000 per accident for all occupants of a vehicle. But what does this really mean? Liability coverage for bodily injury protects other people if you are the cause of an accident. The bodily injury coverage will pay for medical expenses an injured driver or passenger may need due to an accident. Though if someone is seriously injured, the minimum coverage amounts can be reached quickly. Once the insurance coverage is exhausted, you could be personally responsible for any remaining costs.

Higher limits are recommended for better liability protection

That’s why higher coverage limits are recommended. The next common limits with most carriers are $50,000 / $100,000, $100,000 / $300,000, or $250,000 / $500,000. Often, these higher liability limits are not much more expensive, and may cost as little as $5 to $15 more a month. This can be a small price to pay to obtain much better protection in the event of an unexpected accident.

Consider the right liability limit for property damage

The same goes for liability for property damage, which is also a required coverage in most states. In Texas, the minimum limit is $25,000 for property damage. Liability coverage for property damage will pay to repair or replace the other drivers vehicle if you are the cause of an accident. But if you’ve driven around lately, you’ll be sure to notice some really high priced cars on the road. Over time the average cost of a new car has risen, and it is more common to see large SUVs or sports cars that can approach costs of $100,000 or more. That’s why higher limits of $50,000, $100,000, or $250,000 are recommended for property damage liability. If you happen to be in an accident with another driver of an expensive auto, you’ll want to be sure to have enough liability coverage to repair or replace their vehicle. Or you could be responsible for any damage that exceeds your coverage limits.

Get good advice from a local agent

These are only a few of the important liability coverage options you’ll want to consider for your auto insurance. This is why it’s important to speak with an experienced local agent to help guide you to the right coverage for your unique situation. A good agent can help you craft a solid insurance strategy to protect all of your important assets, including your autos. In the end, you want to make sure you have the right auto coverage limits to protect you when you need it, even if it costs a few more dollars a month.