How much auto liability coverage should I carry?

100/300/100 (in $thousands) is the consensus floor for most drivers. State minimums (e.g., 25/50/25) are often too low to cover a moderately serious accident — a single ER visit + ambulance can exceed $50,000.

What does 100/300/100 mean on a liability policy?

$100,000 per person for bodily injury, $300,000 total per accident for bodily injury, and $100,000 per accident for property damage. The higher the numbers, the more your insurer pays before the at-fault driver (you) is personally on the hook.

All terms

Auto InsuranceGlossary

Liability Insurance

Coverage that pays for injury and property damage you cause to others.

Required in nearly every state. Has two parts: bodily injury liability (covers people you hurt) and property damage liability (covers things you damage). State minimums are typically too low — most experts recommend 100/300/100 (in $thousands) as a safer baseline.

Should you care?

When you need it

Required by law in every state except New Hampshire (and even there, you must prove ability to pay damages). The question isn't WHETHER but HOW MUCH — state minimums are dangerously low.

What it costs you

Going from state minimums to 100/300/100 limits typically costs $80-$200/yr more — and protects you from a $50,000+ lawsuit that could empty your savings. Cheapest insurance you'll buy.

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