How much bodily injury liability do i need?

Bodily Injury Liability (BI) is the portion of your auto insurance that covers medical bills, lost wages, and legal expenses if you’re at fault in an accident and injure others. Choosing the right limit ensures you’re protected financially — not just meeting minimums.

🟩 Quick Definition 

Bodily Injury Liability pays for injuries you cause to others in a car accident. Experts recommend limits that match your assets, income, and risk exposure — not just the state minimums.

How to Determine the Right Coverage Amount

1. Meet Your State’s Minimum Requirement

Every state requires a minimum BI liability limit, expressed as something like “25/50” ($25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident) or “100/300”. But minimums are often not enough — serious accidents can result in medical bills, lost income, and lawsuits well above these limits.

2. Match Coverage to Your Assets & Income

To protect your financial future, consider BI limits at least equal to your net worth (assets minus debts). If you have a home, savings, or future earnings to protect, go higher.

3. Use Common Recommended Limits

Many experts suggest choosing BI limits of at least $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident or more. Higher-asset holders may choose “250/500” or even higher.

4. Consider an Umbrella Policy

If you already carry high BI limits and still want more protection, a separate umbrella liability policy adds an extra layer beyond your car insurance.

Why Picking Too Low a Limit Can Be Risky

• If you cause an accident and your BI limit is reached, you’re personally liable for the rest.

• Your assets — home equity, savings, income — can be seized or garnished to satisfy judgment.

• Lawsuits and medical costs from crashes can easily go into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• Meeting only state minimums may leave you uncovered in a major incident.

FAQs

Q1. What do the numbers like “50/100/30” mean in my policy?
They indicate your per-person limit / per-accident limit / property damage limit (if included). For example, “100/300/50” means $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, $50,000 for property damage.

Q2. Is state minimum insurance enough?
Not always. State minimums provide basic compliance but may not cover a large claim. Experts suggest higher limits to truly protect yourself.

Q3. How much more does higher BI coverage cost?
Adding higher limits often costs a modest premium compared to the extra protection it offers. Premium differences may not be large but protection stacks up.

Q4. If I have an expensive car or home, how high should I go?
If you have significant assets or income to protect, choose higher BI limits and consider umbrella coverage for added safety.

Q5. Can I change my BI limits any time?
Yes — at renewal or by contacting your insurer, you can raise your limits. It’s wise to review annually, especially after buying a home or major asset.

Final Thoughts

Choosing appropriate bodily injury liability coverage means going beyond just meeting legal minimums. Start with your state requirements, increase your limits based on assets and income, and consider higher tiers like 100/300 or more. With the right protection in place, you protect yourself — not just your car but your future.

Are you unsure how much bodily injury liability coverage you really need? Fill out the form below to get expert advice and personalised insurance options tailored to your risk profile and budget.