What Is Bodily Injury Liability Coverage in a Car Insurance Policy?
Bodily Injury (BI) Liability Coverage is a key part of every car insurance policy. It protects other people if you are at fault in a car accident that causes injury or death. This coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and even pain and suffering for the injured parties. Importantly, it does not cover your own injuries — it is designed to protect the other driver, passengers, or pedestrians harmed in an accident you caused.
Texas Minimum Liability Requirements
In Texas, the law requires that drivers carry at least $30,000 in coverage per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury. This means your insurance company will pay up to $30,000 for any one injured person, with a total maximum of $60,000 per accident, no matter how many people are hurt.
While these minimums satisfy the law, they are often far below the costs of serious injuries. A single car crash with multiple hospitalizations, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation can easily exceed these limits, leaving you personally responsible for the difference.
Why You Might Want Higher Coverage
Many drivers choose higher BI limits to protect themselves and their assets. Policies often offer escalating levels such as $50,000/$100,000, $100,000/$300,000, $250,000/$500,000, or more. In cases involving serious injuries, long-term disability, or multiple victims, higher limits can mean the difference between insurance covering the full cost and being personally sued for damages.
Higher coverage also helps protect your savings, home, and other assets if an accident results in catastrophic injury. In certain cases, like crashes with commercial vehicles or trucking accidents, even these higher limits may be exceeded, which is why personal umbrella policies are sometimes recommended for extra protection.
How BI Coverage Works
If you are at fault in an accident, the injured party or their attorney files a claim with your insurance company. Your policy limits determine the maximum amount your insurance will pay for all injuries resulting from the accident. For example, a policy with $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident would pay up to $100,000 for one injured person and a total of $300,000 for all injured parties combined. Any damages exceeding those limits could become your personal responsibility.
