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Glossary

Bodily injury liability

The part of a driver's auto policy that pays for injuries they cause to other people.

Last reviewed By the Editorial team 2 min read

General information, not legal advice. Talk to a licensed attorney in your state.

Quick answer

Bodily injury liability is the part of a driver's auto insurance that pays for injuries the driver causes to other people: their medical bills, lost income and other losses, up to the policy limits. It does not pay for the at-fault driver's own injuries.

In a car accident claim#

When another driver causes your injuries, their bodily injury liability coverage is usually the main source of payment, through a Third-party claim. A claim you make against the other driver's insurance because their driver caused your losses. Glossary. Most states set a minimum. Texas, for example, requires at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Those two numbers are caps: the most the insurer pays for one injured person, and the most for everyone hurt in one crash.

This coverage pays you, not your doctors, and usually only once: when you sign a Release. The document you sign when you settle. It usually ends your right to claim more for the same crash, so read it carefully. Glossary at settlement or win a judgment. It does not cover bills as they arrive. Our guide to who pays medical bills explains what fills the gap in the meantime. If the driver's limits are too low, your own underinsured motorist coverage may help; see uninsured driver accidents and the claim process.

Example#

Questions people ask

Does bodily injury liability cover the at-fault driver's own injuries?

No. It pays for injuries to other people. The at-fault driver's own medical bills usually go through their personal injury protection, medical payments coverage or health insurance.

What happens if my losses are more than the other driver's limits?

Other sources may apply, such as your own underinsured motorist coverage. Texas sets this rule for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: Must be included (combined UM/UIM) unless you reject it in writing. A licensed attorney in your state can explain the options.

Sources

  1. Texas Department of Insurance, Auto insurance guide — liability coverage and Texas minimum limits
  2. Texas Legislature, Insurance Code chapter 1952 — uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

Last reviewed October 29, 2026 by the Accident Claim Facts editorial team. Found an error? Tell us.

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