What does bodily injury cover?

Bodily injury coverage is a liability protection commonly included in auto, home, or business insurance policies. It helps cover costs incurred when someone is physically harmed on your property or because of your actions.

1. What Is Bodily Injury Coverage?

This coverage pays for expenses related to someone else’s physical injuries if you’re legally responsible. It includes protection for:

• Medical bills (emergency care, hospitalization, physical therapy)

• Legal expenses (attorney fees, court costs)

• Settlements or judgments if the injured party sues

• Lost wages or compensation for pain and suffering (depending on policy terms)

2. Where You See Bodily Injury Coverage

• Auto insurance: Covers injuries to others when you’re at fault in an accident

• Homeowners insurance: Protects against third-party injuries on your property, like slips in your home

• Business liability insurance: Covers injuries to customers or clients in your business premises

Most policies offer these protections in pairs—bodily injury plus property damage liability.

3. Common Limits and How They Work

Insurance limits are usually displayed as:
per person / per accident / aggregate
For example: $100,000 / $300,000 / $500,000 means:

• Up to $100K per injured individual

• Up to $300K total per accident

• Up to $500K total coverage per year
  If claims exceed these, you’re responsible for the balance.

4. What Bodily Injury Does Not Cover

Even with liability insurance, there are exclusions:

• Your own injuries

• Intentional wrongful acts (e.g., assault)

• Employee injuries covered under worker’s compensation

• Injuries to insured residents under homeowners or auto policies

• Injuries resulting from excluded perils (e.g., uninsured business operations)

5. Why It Matters & How to Maximize It

• Legal protection: Helps avoid personal lawsuits and financial ruin

• Peace of mind knowing you’re covered for injury-related claims

• Confirm that your policy limits are sufficient based on your assets and risk exposure

• Consider umbrella insurance to expand coverage beyond standard limits

Summary Table

Final Takeaway

Bodily injury coverage protects you when someone is hurt due to your actions or property conditions. It covers medical costs, legal defense, and settlements—up to the policy’s limits. Properly selected liability insurance helps safeguard your assets and future.

Need help verifying if your bodily injury coverage is sufficient or finding better liability limits?
With over 30 years in insurance and access to nearly 100 reputable carriers, THAgency can help customize the coverage you need—fast, reliable, and no obligation. Request a quote today.