--- title: 'Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: What It Is, What It Covers and How Much You Need (2026 Guide)' date: '2026-04-23' permalink: 'https://jerry.ai/car-insurance/bodily-injury-liability/' author: 'Ben Moore' description: 'Bodily injury liability insurance, along with property damage liability, is required insurance that helps pay for others’ medical bills after an accident you cause.' image: 'https://jerry.ai/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bodily-Injury-Liability1.png' --- Updated April 23, 2026 Who is Jerry? Jerry is your proactive car insurance assistant. We help you compare personalized quotes side-by-side from 100+ top insurers, explain coverage in plain English, and switch policies in minutes. No bouncing between sites. No pressure to buy. Just clear options, expert guidance when you want it, and a seamless way to get covered. - Read about our editorial standards [here](https://jerry.ai/editorial-standards/). # Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: What It Is, What It Covers and How Much You Need (2026 Guide) ![Bodily Injury Liability Insurance 3D Header](/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bodily-Injury-Liability1.png) # Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: What It Is, What It Covers and How Much You Need (2026 Guide) ![](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ben-Moore-150x150.png) Author Ben Moore Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist at NerdWallet, and has bylines in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University. Credentials: - 6 years covering auto insurance Insurance Writer ![Carlos Lopez headshot](/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carlos-Lopez-150x150.png) Reviewer Carlos Lopez Carlos is a licensed insurance agent at Jerry with over two decades of experience across insurance, marketing, sales management, and customer service. Originally from Costa Rica and raised in Los Angeles, he has called Las Vegas home since 2004. Passionate about helping people protect what matters most, Carlos holds licenses in Life, Health, Property, and Casualty insurance. His background in entrepreneurship and consulting has shaped his customer-first approach, ensuring every client interaction is informed, transparent, and personal. Outside of work, Carlos is a devoted husband who enjoys road trips and traveling abroad with his wife and two children. Credentials: - General Lines Agent, Property & Casualty (2016) - 4 times P&C Platinum Agent Licensed Agent --- Bodily injury liability pays for other people’s medical bills, lost income and related expenses when you injure them in a crash. **It’s required in almost all states**as part of standard liability coverage. Jerry has helped **241,946 drivers**get affordable bodily injury liability coverage and **we encourage drivers to consider higher limits than the state minimum**to protect your finances. ![Honda1](/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Honda1.png)**Jerry pulls up to 20 quotes from top rated carriers.** [Compare quotes](/signup) ## What bodily injury liability does and doesn’t cover Bodily injury liability, sometimes abbreviated as BI or BIL on your declarations page, covers expenses you owe to other people when you’re at fault in a crash. It does not cover your own injuries, your passengers, or damage to vehicles or property. | Covered | Not covered | |---|---| | Other people’s medical bills. | Your medical expenses. | | Lost income for injured parties. | Your passengers’ medical bills. | | Other people’s pain and suffering payments. | Medical costs over your limits. | | Other people’s funeral costs. | Your lost wages. | | Legal defense if you’re sued. | Damage to cars or property. | **Jerry recommends:**Always carry bodily injury liability insurance. It’s illegal to drive without it in most states, and if you cause a crash, you’ll pay all damages out of pocket. Compare quotes with bodily injury liability in the Jerry app to find personalized options in minutes. [Compare quotes with Jerry](/signup) ## How bodily injury coverage works Bodily injury liability has **two limits that work together**to protect you from medical claims, commonly expressed as the first two numbers in your liability policy, such as**25/50/25**. Those first two numbers represent: - **Per-person limit (25):**The most your insurer will pay for any single injured person; in this example, $25,000. This is sometimes called the “each person” limit. - **Per-accident limit (50):**The most your insurer will pay for all injuries combined in one accident; in this example, $50,000. No individual can receive more than the per-person limit, even if the per-accident limit has not been reached. That third number in the liability limits (15) is for [property damage liability](/car-insurance/property-damage-liability-car-insurance/), which is a separate coverage that pays to repair or replace other people’s vehicles or property you damage in an at-fault accident. **Key takeaway:**Bodily injury liability has no [deductible](/car-insurance/car-insurance-deductible/). Your insurance pays covered medical costs up to your limits, and you’re responsible for anything beyond that amount. ## How much bodily injury coverage you need Every state except New Hampshire sets a minimum amount of bodily injury liability you must carry. Florida is unique in that it requires property damage liability and [personal injury protection (PIP)](/car-insurance/personal-injury-protection-insurance/)but does not require bodily injury liability, though drivers there can still be held personally responsible for injuries they cause. **Why minimums often aren’t enough:** The average bodily injury claim has risen to $29,900 per injured person as of mid-2025, according to [CCC Intelligent Solutions](https://www.cccis.com/reports/crash-course-2025/q4). That’s a 32% increase since 2021. If your state only requires $25,000 per person, a single average claim already exceeds your coverage. When multiple people are injured, your per-accident limit can be exhausted in a moment. ### State minimum bodily injury liability requirements The table below shows the minimum BI limits for several states. | State | Per person minimum | Per accident minimum | |---|---|---| | [California](/car-insurance/california/) | $30,000 | $60,000 | | [Florida](/car-insurance/florida/) | Not required. | Not required. | | [Georgia](/car-insurance/georgia/) | $25,000 | $50,000 | | [Michigan](/car-insurance/michigan/) | $250,000 | $500,000 | | [New York](/car-insurance/new-york/) | $25,000 | $50,000 | | [North Carolina](/car-insurance/north-carolina/) | $50,000 | $100,000 | | [Pennsylvania](/car-insurance/pennsylvania/) | $15,000 | $30,000 | | [Tennessee](/car-insurance/tennessee/) | $25,000 | $50,000 | | [Texas](/car-insurance/texas/) | $30,000 | $60,000 | | [Virginia](/car-insurance/virginia/) | $50,000 | $100,000 | [California](/car-insurance/california/) Per person minimum $30,000 Per accident minimum $60,000 [Florida](/car-insurance/florida/) Per person minimum Not required. Per accident minimum Not required. [Georgia](/car-insurance/georgia/) Per person minimum $25,000 Per accident minimum $50,000 [Michigan](/car-insurance/michigan/) Per person minimum $250,000 Per accident minimum $500,000 [New York](/car-insurance/new-york/) Per person minimum $25,000 Per accident minimum $50,000 [North Carolina](/car-insurance/north-carolina/) Per person minimum $50,000 Per accident minimum $100,000 [Pennsylvania](/car-insurance/pennsylvania/) Per person minimum $15,000 Per accident minimum $30,000 [Tennessee](/car-insurance/tennessee/) Per person minimum $25,000 Per accident minimum $50,000 [Texas](/car-insurance/texas/) Per person minimum $30,000 Per accident minimum $60,000 [Virginia](/car-insurance/virginia/) Per person minimum $50,000 Per accident minimum $100,000 Use the map below to see your state’s bodily injury liability minimum requirements. **Why it matters:** The average bodily injury claim is **$26,500**(Insurance Information Institute). Minimum coverage can leave you with a **$1,500–$11,500**gap for just one person. If several people are injured, your per-accident limit can be exhausted quickly. --- **Learn more:** [How much car insurance do I need?](/car-insurance/car-insurance/how-much-car-insurance-do-i-need/) --- **Jerry recommends:**Choose limits high enough to cover a serious crash. Jerry recommends that you **consider limits of at least 100/300**to protect your finances in case of an accident. [Compare quotes with Jerry](/signup) ## How much it costs for higher bodily injury limits Curious how much more coverage really costs? Here’s what **Jerry users paid**for the most common state minimum limit (25/50) compared to a 100/300 limit over the past six months. | **Coverage level** | **Monthly cost** | |---|---| | 25/50 liability | $95 – $243 | | 100/300 liability | $136 – $304 | | **Difference** | **+$41 – $61** | *Based on drivers with no accidents or violations who saved with Jerry over the past 6 months. Quotes and coverage not available for all customers.* **For as little as $41 more per month, you get protection that’s 4 – 6 times higher**than the most common state minimum. **Key takeaway:**The extra cost of higher bodily injury limits may seem significant until you consider that **one serious injury claim could leave you owing tens of thousands**out of pocket if you only have minimum coverage. ## How a bodily injury claim works: step by step Understanding the claims process can help you know what to expect if you’re ever involved in an at-fault accident. Here’s how a bodily injury liability claim typically works. | Step | What happens | |---|---| | 1 | You cause an accident and someone else is injured. | | 2 | The injured person (or their insurer) files a claim against your liability policy. | | 3 | Your insurance company investigates the claim, reviews medical records, and determines fault. | | 4 | Your insurer pays the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages, and other covered expenses up to your per-person and per-accident limits. | | 5 | If the injured person sues you, your insurer provides and pays for your legal defense. | | 6 | If damages exceed your limits, you are personally responsible for the remaining amount. This can lead to wage garnishment or asset seizure. | ## Compare bodily injury coverage with Jerry When shopping for car insurance, it’s important to **compare bodily injury limits**to find the right balance of protection and cost. Jerry quickly shows you quotes from multiple carriers so you can see how different limits affect your premium. [Let Jerry do the legwork. Get competitive quotes in minutes.](/signup) ### Find insurance in your state ## Factors that affect your bodily injury costs Several factors influence your bodily injury liability rates. | Factor | How it affects your rate. | |---|---| | Driving record | Accidents and traffic violations increase premiums. An at-fault accident can raise rates anywhere from 20% to 50%, depending on your state and insurer. | | Location | Urban areas with more traffic, higher medical costs, and more lawsuits typically cost more than rural areas. | | Coverage limits | Higher limits cost more but provide significantly better protection. The cost increase is often modest compared to the additional coverage. | | Insurance history | Continuous coverage (no gaps) helps keep rates lower. A lapse in coverage can raise your premium. | | Credit score | Used in most states (except California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan) as a factor in rate calculation. | | Age and gender | Younger drivers and male drivers statistically file more claims, so they often pay higher premiums. | ## Who needs higher bodily injury limits Consider higher limits if you: - Have significant **financial assets**(home, savings, retirement accounts) to protect. - **Drive frequently**or in high-traffic areas. - **Have teenagers** on your policy. - Work in a profession that makes you a **lawsuit target**. Lower limits may work if you: - **Have few financial assets** and low income. - **Drive infrequently**. - **Live in rural areas**with minimal traffic. - **Need the cheapest coverage**you can get, as some coverage is better than none at all. **Why higher limits matter:**Even if you think you won’t get in a wreck, consider your future earning potential. Lawsuits can follow you for years, and wage garnishment can affect future income. ## Bodily injury liability vs. PIP vs. medical payments coverage These three coverages all relate to medical expenses after an accident, but they work very differently. Here’s how they compare. | | BI liability | [PIP](/car-insurance/personal-injury-protection-insurance/) | [MedPay](/car-insurance/what-is-medical-payments-coverage/) | |---|---|---|---| | **Who it covers** | Other people you injure. | You and your passengers. | You and your passengers. | | **Fault required?** | Yes, you must be at fault. | No, it pays regardless of fault. | No, it pays regardless of fault. | | **What it pays for** | Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, funeral costs and legal defense. | Medical bills, lost wages, rehab and essential services. | Medical and funeral expenses only. | **Who it covers** BI liability Other people you injure. [PIP](/car-insurance/personal-injury-protection-insurance/) You and your passengers. [MedPay](/car-insurance/what-is-medical-payments-coverage/) You and your passengers. **Fault required?** BI liability Yes, you must be at fault. [PIP](/car-insurance/personal-injury-protection-insurance/) No, it pays regardless of fault. [MedPay](/car-insurance/what-is-medical-payments-coverage/) No, it pays regardless of fault. **What it pays for** BI liability Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, funeral costs and legal defense. [PIP](/car-insurance/personal-injury-protection-insurance/) Medical bills, lost wages, rehab and essential services. [MedPay](/car-insurance/what-is-medical-payments-coverage/) Medical and funeral expenses only. ## What to know about bodily injury claims **Bodily injury activates whenever you’re [at fault](/car-insurance/at-fault-accident/)**and someone gets hurt, including: 💥 Rear-ending another car and injuring the driver. 🚦 Running a red light and hitting pedestrians. 🚙 Losing control and hitting multiple vehicles. ⚠️ Any accident where you’re at fault and people are injured. The coverage also pays for legal defense if injured parties sue you for additional compensation. According to the [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-estimates-39345-traffic-fatalities-2024), an estimated 39,345 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2024, and approximately 2.44 million were injured in 2023. These numbers show why adequate bodily injury coverage is essential for every driver. ![lifestyle3](/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/lifestyle3.png)**It only takes 2 minutes to sign up at Jerry.** [Compare quotes](/signup) ## FAQ - **Will bodily injury liability cover you or your passengers?** No, BI liability only covers people in other vehicles or pedestrians you injure. You need [medical payments](/car-insurance/what-is-medical-payments-coverage/), [PIP](/car-insurance/personal-injury-protection-insurance/), or health insurance for your own medical expenses. - **Does bodily injury insurance coverage have a deductible?** No, bodily injury liability has no deductible. Your insurance pays covered claims up to your limits without any out-of-pocket cost to activate coverage. - **Can health insurance replace your auto policy for medical bills?** Health insurance might cover your medical bills, but it won’t cover the other driver’s expenses, lost wages, or protect you from lawsuits. You still need BI liability. - **How much bodily injury liability do I need?** At least 100/300, but higher limits are better if you have assets to protect. Consider your net worth and future earning potential when choosing limits. - **What happens if my BI limits aren’t enough?** You’re personally liable for costs above your limits. This can mean wage garnishment, asset seizure, or bankruptcy in severe cases. - **Do I need umbrella insurance with high BI limits?** If you have significant wealth, an [umbrella policy](/home-insurance/umbrella-insurance/)provides additional liability protection beyond your auto policy limits. Consult with an insurance agent about your specific needs. - **What is the average bodily injury claim worth?** As of mid-2025, the average third-party bodily injury payout is approximately $29,900 per injured person, according to CCC Intelligent Solutions. This figure has increased 32% since 2021. Claims involving multiple injured parties, severe injuries, or lawsuits can cost significantly more. - **Is bodily injury liability the same as liability insurance?** Not exactly. Liability insurance includes two parts: bodily injury liability (which pays for other people’s injuries) and property damage liability (which pays to repair or replace other people’s vehicles or property). When you buy liability insurance, you typically get both. - **What states don’t require bodily injury liability insurance?** Florida does not require bodily injury liability coverage, it only mandates property damage liability and personal injury protection (PIP). New Hampshire does not require any car insurance, but drivers must be able to prove financial responsibility if they want to go without coverage. In Virginia, drivers can pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee instead of carrying insurance. - **Does bodily injury liability cover hit-and-run accidents?** If you are the at-fault driver who leaves the scene, your BI liability would still technically apply to the injured person’s claim. However, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you would need [uninsured motorist coverage](/car-insurance/uninsured-motorist-coverage/)to cover your own injuries. - **Can I be sued for more than my bodily injury limits?** Yes. Your BI liability policy sets the maximum your insurer will pay, but the injured person can sue you for any amount. If a court awards damages above your policy limits, you are personally responsible for the difference. This is why Jerry recommends BI limits of at least 100/300. ## Methodology Statistics, rates and conclusions in this article are based on Jerry’s proprietary database of real-world car insurance quotes, not third-party models or estimates. As a [licensed insurance broker ](/insurance-licenses/)in all 50 states, Jerry has firsthand visibility into how quotes are generated and validated, and all data is aggregated and anonymized to protect privacy. With millions of quotes delivered each year (often multiple offers per driver), our datasets are large enough to avoid bias toward any one region, insurer or driver type. Unless otherwise indicated, quotes shown are from drivers with clean records in the last 12 months. Quotes involving accidents, violations or credit use the last 18 months to ensure a reliable sample. ### Editorial integrity We’re all about balanced, unbiased and helpful content at Jerry. None of our articles are sponsored by advertisers or insurance companies, so you can trust the information we provide. As a comparison platform that works with 100+ insurers, Jerry has no reason to favor one insurer over another. Our job is to help you find the best fit for your situation. Read [Jerry’s car insurance data methodology](/car-insurance-data-methodology/)to learn more about how we collect, verify and share real-world insurance data. Expert-driven. Built for you. Why you can count on Jerry’s articles Why you can count on Jerry’s articles Our goal is clear, trustworthy information. Our content is created, edited and fact checked by a team of licensed insurance agents, automotive pros and experienced journalists who know the industry inside and out. Facts are thoroughly researched, verified and kept current, and our editorial team is separate from our business partners, so our opinions & tips are unbiased. All insights drawn from Jerry’s proprietary, aggregated customer auto insurance quotes data provide unique, real-world guidance. Our experts ![meet-experts-thumbnail](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ben-Moore.png)Ben Moore Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine. Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University. See more --- ## KEEP READING Explore more articles you'll find useful. [![cover](/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kansas.png)Stephanie Colestock, Apr 23, 2026 How to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance in Kansas Find cheap car insurance rates in Kansas from a variety of providers depending your specific driver profile. ](/car-insurance/kansas/cheap-ks/ "How to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance in Kansas")[![cover](/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Depositphotos_93805534_XL-896x256.jpg)Stephanie Colestock, Jun 26, 2025 How Much Does It Cost to Balance Tires? Tire balancing usually costs between $10 to $18 per tire, but several factors — like how many tires need service, where you live and who performs the work — can impact the final price or even make it free. ](/car-repair/estimates/tire-balancing-cost/ "How Much Does It Cost to Balance Tires?")[![cover](/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/jerry-state-of-the-american-driver-896x256.jpg)Jerry, Jan 02, 2025 Jerry 2025 State of the American Driver Report The 2025 State of the American Driver report offers insights into how this new era of higher-cost car ownership is affecting Americans, how they are reacting, their outlook for car buying in the new year, their views on electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, and their attitudes toward driving technology and data collection. ](/studies/2025-state-of-the-american-driver-report/ "Jerry 2025 State of the American Driver Report")[![cover](/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Depositphotos_393818732_XL-896x256.jpg)Amy Bobinger, Nov 09, 2024 How Can I Find Out If a Car Is on the Repo List? To find out if your car is on the repo list, reach out to your lender. They may be able to offer a payment plan so you can avoid repossession ](/car-loan/how-can-i-find-out-if-my-car-is-on-a-repo-list/ "How Can I Find Out If a Car Is on the Repo List?")[![cover](/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/kate-ibragimova-bEGTsOCnHro-unsplash-896x256.jpg)Henry Hoenig, Jan 16, 2025 Majority of Americans Are One Major Car Repair Away From Debt, Possible Job Loss Soaring costs for vehicle repairs are breaking American drivers’ budgets, forcing many to borrow money to keep their cars and trucks running and pushing some into delinquency and default on existing car loans. ](/studies/majority-of-americans-are-one-major-car-repair-away-from-debt-possible-job-loss/ "Majority of Americans Are One Major Car Repair Away From Debt, Possible Job Loss") ## SIMPLIFY CAR OWNERSHIP Shop smarter, save simpler—insurance, diagnostics, and repairs—all in one place [Sign up for free ](/signup "Sign up for free") ![Phone with Jerry app](/wp-content/themes/wp-theme/assets/images/simplify-car-ownership/image.png)