What Does Liability Insurance Cover?

While some car insurance is optional, such as gap insurance, liability insurance is required by law in most states. Auto liability insurance is a two-fold plan that covers bodily injury and property damage. So, what does liability coverage pay for? This insurance covers expenses from property damage or injuries to others if you’re at fault. Let’s take a closer look at this required form of insurance when you purchase a new Mercedes-Benz.

What Does Liability Insurance Pay For?

How does liability insurance work? While it covers both bodily injury and property damage, each can have their own set limits. Though many states set minimum limits to the coverage drivers are required to carry, you can choose to extend your coverage beyond those limits to a level you are comfortable with. Liability insurance covers the following:

• Bodily Injury
  • Medical and hospital bills
  • Any long-term nursing care that may be needed
  • Funeral expenses in the event of a fatal accident
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehab
  • Lost earnings

• Property Damage
  • Repair expenses
  • Necessary part replacement
  • Vehicle damage
  • Pets
  • General property damage (house, personal property, etc.)

One key point worth emphasizing is that liability insurance is for covering the victim of the accident, not the driver at fault. With that in mind, you’ll want to set limits that align with your finances in case injuries or damage go beyond your insurance coverage.

Setting Liability Coverage Limits

When it’s time to sign up for liability coverage, you’ll need to discuss setting your limits. When setting your limits, you can either choose to split them or housed as a single limit. Here’s how that works:

• With a single limit, there’s no total limit per person; the lump sum will simply be spread across all those injured and all property damaged.
• If you choose a split limit, you’ll be allowed to select individual maximums for bodily injury payments per person, for all people injured, and all property damaged.

Find Out More About Insurance Coverage at Mercedes-Benz of Des Moines

When purchasing a used or new vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you understand all of your available financing and auto insurance options. To make sure you’re following state guidelines, and also selecting the coverage that’s appropriate for your needs, speak with the members of the Mercedes-Benz of Des Moines finance department. If you have any questions, or want to learn more about our AMG® models, visit us in Urbandale or simply contact us online.

More from Mercedes-Benz of Des Moines