Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. Insurance Disclosure Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Advertiser Disclosure
How We Make Money
Written by Jessie See Jessie See
Edited by Mariah Posey Mariah Posey
Reviewed by Mark Friedlander Mark Friedlander
Edited by Mariah Posey Mariah Posey
Reviewed by Mark Friedlander Mark Friedlander
Updated Mar 25, 2024
Liability-only insurance tends to be cheaper, but you could end up with higher out-of-pocket claims after an accident.
Explore offers from trusted carriers
+ MORE
+ MORE
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Advertising Disclosure
This advertisem*nt is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisem*nt are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisem*nt. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.
Insurance Disclosure
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The Bankrate Promise
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here’s an explanation of. Our content is backed byCoverage.com LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our
On this page
Liability-only car insurance policy is intended to cover the damages caused to another party if you are deemed responsible for a car accident. For drivers looking for cheap car insurance, a liability-only policy can be an attractive option, as it is typically more affordable than full coverage and still satisfies state minimum insurance requirements. However, it does not offer coverage for damage to your own vehicle. If you’re considering a liability-only car insurance policy, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team analyzed proprietary rate data to bring you some of the cheapest liability-only car insurance options. You’ll also learn what you can expect from a liability-only policy to decide if this coverage could be the right choice for your financial needs.
Insurance Disclosure
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Insurance Disclosure
This content is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate.com. HomeInsurance.com LLC services are only available in states where it is licensed and insurance coverage through HomeInsurance.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Editorial integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU — the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.
How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a stricteditorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
On This Page
On This Page
- What is liability-only car insurance?
- Cheapest liability-only car insurance
- How much does liability-only car insurance cost?
- How much cheaper is liability vs. full coverage?
- Is liability-only auto insurance right for me?
- How does liability insurance cost vary by car model?
- Frequently asked questions
- Methodology
What is liability-only car insurance?
Liability-only car insurance covers the damage to other vehicles, people or property you are responsible for in the event of a covered accident. This can include repairs to the body of the other driver’s vehicle and their medical expenses. What this type of policy does not cover, however, are the damages that you incur in an at-fault accident or a non-collision loss, such as a vehicle fire or theft. While carrying the cheapest liability car insurance can help you keep premiums down, you will likely have to pay out of pocket for your own car repairs if you are at fault for the damage.
The same goes for other drivers; in the event that the other driver is at fault for an accident, their insurance would typically kick in to pay towards your medical expenses and vehicle repairs.
What is PLPD insurance?
Property liability property damage (PLPD) insurance is one-half of a standard liability-only car insurance policy. The PLPD insurance portion of liability coverage is specifically for property damage caused by your vehicle. For instance, if you hit another car and damage its door, this portion of your liability policy may pay out toward those damages. The other portion of liability policies is called bodily injury liability, and it pays out toward medical costs for those injured in an accident where you are at fault.
What is minimum coverage?
Minimum coverage refers to carrying only the minimum amount of car insurance coverage required by your state. This required coverage can vary, but almost always includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage, which make up liability-only insurance.
In some states, minimum coverage car insurance also requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Note that liability-only coverage is likely only an option if you own your vehicle outright. If you have a loan or lease, your lender will typically require you to have full coverage. It is also worth noting that, like “full coverage,” “liability-only coverage” is not an industry-standard term. Some companies may consider medical payments or PIP to be a part of a liability-only policy, especially if your state requires them.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance
Based on our research, the companies that offer some of the cheapest minimum coverage insurance are Auto-Owners and USAA, followed closely by Geico, Travelers and Progressive. All five of these companies offer average liability-only car insurance rates below the national average cost of $741, according to Bankrate’s research. While these average rates are for cheap liability car insurance, based on 2024 rates from Quadrant Information Services, keep in mind that minimum coverage requirements and costs will vary based on the state where you live, since each state sets its own minimums for liability coverage.
Car insurance company | Average annual minimum coverage premium |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $377 |
USAA | $435 |
Geico | $464 |
Amica | $647 |
State Farm | $668 |
Auto insurance rates are known to fluctuate frequently, but you can rely on Bankrate to offer you the latest options available.
Rates refreshed as of Feb 2024
Read our full methodology
Finding cheap car insurance is a priority for many drivers. Getting quotes from several carriers may be helpful, as it allows you to compare rates for the same coverage from multiple companies. Although minimum coverage is often one of the cheapest liability-only insurance policies available, due to its low limits, most insurance experts recommend that you purchase more than the minimum limits if you can afford to. If you cause an accident and the damages and injuries exceed your liability coverage limit, you will be responsible for paying the overage out of pocket.
When choosing an insurance company, there are other factors to consider in addition to price. You may also want to review a company’s customer satisfaction scores, financial strength ratings, coverage options, discounts and digital tools. Everyone has different wants and needs when it comes to insurance, so getting quotes from several carriers might help you find the right policy for you.
How much does liability-only car insurance cost?
Each state has unique laws and risk levels that affect the cost of liability car insurance. Because of this, buying only minimum coverage may be significantly less expensive in some states than in others when compared to buying full coverage. For example, the average cost of car insurance for minimum coverage in Vermont is $311 per year, which is 77 percent less than the average cost of full coverage in the state. But the average cost of minimum car insurance coverage in Louisiana is $953 per year, 74 percent less than the average cost of full coverage in the state.
While full coverage insurance does usually cost more than minimum coverage, it provides a greater level of financial protection. Full coverage includes comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, which cover damage to your vehicle regardless of fault — something that is not included in minimum coverage.
Average annual cost of car insurance by state
State | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Full coverage $2,207 | Minimum coverage $541 |
Alaska | Full coverage $2,330 | Minimum coverage $498 |
Arizona | Full coverage $2,515 | Minimum coverage $795 |
Arkansas | Full coverage $2,193 | Minimum coverage $457 |
California | Full coverage $2,692 | Minimum coverage $653 |
Colorado | Full coverage $3,200 | Minimum coverage $650 |
Connecticut | Full coverage $2,187 | Minimum coverage $826 |
Delaware | Full coverage $2,636 | Minimum coverage $998 |
Florida | Full coverage $3,950 | Minimum coverage $1,308 |
Georgia | Full coverage $2,610 | Minimum coverage $813 |
Hawaii | Full coverage $1,652 | Minimum coverage $415 |
Idaho | Full coverage $1,425 | Minimum coverage $343 |
Illinois | Full coverage $2,316 | Minimum coverage $682 |
Indiana | Full coverage $1,639 | Minimum coverage $424 |
Iowa | Full coverage $1,683 | Minimum coverage $317 |
Kansas | Full coverage $2,630 | Minimum coverage $631 |
Kentucky | Full coverage $2,558 | Minimum coverage $771 |
Louisiana | Full coverage $3,626 | Minimum coverage $953 |
Maine | Full coverage $1,517 | Minimum coverage $398 |
Maryland | Full coverage $2,496 | Minimum coverage $984 |
Massachusetts | Full coverage $1,646 | Minimum coverage $416 |
Michigan | Full coverage $3,375 | Minimum coverage $1,210 |
Minnesota | Full coverage $2,044 | Minimum coverage $650 |
Mississippi | Full coverage $2,061 | Minimum coverage $514 |
Missouri | Full coverage $2,437 | Minimum coverage $610 |
Montana | Full coverage $2,228 | Minimum coverage $380 |
Nebraska | Full coverage $1,994 | Minimum coverage $516 |
Nevada | Full coverage $3,564 | Minimum coverage $1,142 |
New Hampshire | Full coverage $1,646 | Minimum coverage $419 |
New Jersey | Full coverage $2,563 | Minimum coverage $1,030 |
New Mexico | Full coverage $2,216 | Minimum coverage $523 |
New York | Full coverage $3,848 | Minimum coverage $1,661 |
North Carolina | Full coverage $1,702 | Minimum coverage $491 |
North Dakota | Full coverage $1,655 | Minimum coverage $362 |
Ohio | Full coverage $1,530 | Minimum coverage $404 |
Oklahoma | Full coverage $2,560 | Minimum coverage $510 |
Oregon | Full coverage $1,956 | Minimum coverage $789 |
Pennsylvania | Full coverage $2,791 | Minimum coverage $522 |
Rhode Island | Full coverage $2,683 | Minimum coverage $800 |
South Carolina | Full coverage $1,886 | Minimum coverage $657 |
South Dakota | Full coverage $1,939 | Minimum coverage $334 |
Tennessee | Full coverage $1,807 | Minimum coverage $459 |
Texas | Full coverage $2,627 | Minimum coverage $697 |
Utah | Full coverage $1,942 | Minimum coverage $700 |
Vermont | Full coverage $1,359 | Minimum coverage $311 |
Virginia | Full coverage $1,990 | Minimum coverage $677 |
Washington | Full coverage $1,674 | Minimum coverage $563 |
West Virginia | Full coverage $1,904 | Minimum coverage $488 |
Wisconsin | Full coverage $1,739 | Minimum coverage $425 |
Wyoming | Full coverage $1,581 | Minimum coverage $270 |
District of Columbia | Full coverage $2,437 | Minimum coverage $762 |
*Based on full coverage policies for 2024.
Caret DownCaret Up
Auto insurance rates are known to fluctuate frequently, but you can rely on Bankrate to offer you the latest options available.
Rates refreshed as of Feb 2024
Read our full methodology
Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers
Your information is kept secure
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Insurance Disclosure
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Advertising Disclosure
This advertisem*nt is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisem*nt are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisem*nt. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.
How much cheaper is liability vs. full coverage?
The price difference between liability and full coverage insurance will depend partly on how much liability coverage you buy. Liability auto insurance is not one-size-fits-all. You can purchase different levels of coverage that provide you with more or less financial protection. State minimum policies provide very minimal financial protection, while a policy with higher limits gives you more. If you cause an accident, a liability-only policy will only pay up to your policy’s limited allowance for the injuries and damages you cause to the other car and its driver and passengers. The higher your limits, the more coverage you have and the more your insurance will likely cost.
You might pay around $1,000 more for full coverage than a minimum coverage policy, depending on the insurance company you choose. However, a liability-only policy with limits higher than the state minimum may also cost more than a minimum coverage policy. In that case, the price difference between full coverage and a liability-only policy with higher limits may not be as significant.
Average annual cost of minimum coverage insurance vs. full coverage
Car insurance company | Average annual min coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
---|---|---|
Auto-Owners | $377 | $1,646 |
USAA | $435 | $1,683 |
Geico | $464 | $1,735 |
Amica | $647 | $2,530 |
State Farm | $668 | $2,248 |
Auto insurance rates are known to fluctuate frequently, but you can rely on Bankrate to offer you the latest options available.
Rates refreshed as of Feb 2024
Read our full methodology
Even if your budget is tight, you might want to get an insurance quote for a few different levels of liability coverage. You may discover that higher limits don’t always cost much more, and you might even be able to afford full coverage. Depending on the state you live in and the insurance carrier you choose, you have the option to add just comprehensive coverage, which would provide protection in the event that your vehicle is damaged by something other than a collision. Choosing a higher deductible on a full coverage car insurance policy can also lower the cost of your car insurance, but will require you to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Why is liability-only so much cheaper?
Liability-only car insurance is usually cheaper because it offers less financial protection than a full coverage policy, and there are fewer instances where you could file a claim with your insurer. If you have liability-only car insurance, you would not be able to file a claim if:
- Your car is stolen
- You hit a deer or other animal
- Your car is damaged from extreme weather, such as hail or fallen tree limbs
- Your vehicle is damaged in an accident you caused
A full coverage car insurance provides protection for a wider variety of claims, even ones where you are not at-fault for the damage. And when it comes to car insurance, higher protection levels typically translate to higher premiums.
Is liability-only auto insurance right for me?
Liability-only coverage might be a good fit for you if:
- You own your car outright: If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you will very likely be required to carry full coverage, so liability-only coverage is probably only an option if you own your car in full.
- Budget is your primary concern: Because full coverage provides greater financial protection in the form of coverage for damage to your car, it is more expensive than minimum coverage or liability-only coverage. But keep in mind that paying for less financial protection means that your budget will likely take a bigger hit if you cause an accident.
- Your vehicle is not worth much: If your vehicle is older and does not have a high market value, it may not make financial sense to pay for full coverage, since the cost of repairing the car might be more than the car is worth. Be sure to evaluate the car’s replacement value to see if the value of the totaled vehicle justifies the higher cost of comprehensive and collision coverage.
- You are not concerned about vehicle damage: If you are not worried about damage to your vehicle and do not think you would repair damages to your vehicle, liability-only might be a good choice.
- You have the finances to repair or replace your car: If you own your car outright and have the finances to repair or replace it if it is damaged, without putting a significant strain on your financial health, liability-only coverage could be a viable option.
If you are unsure if liability-only coverage is right for you, working with an agent could be helpful. An agent can assess your situation and help you choose coverage that is appropriate.
What happens if my car is totaled and I only have liability insurance?
If your vehicle is totaled and you only have liability insurance, the claim payout would depend on how fault is determined after the accident. If you were not at fault for the accident and your vehicle was totaled, you may be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. But, if you were found at fault for the accident, you would need to pay to replace the vehicle yourself. In order for your insurance company to replace or pay for your totaled vehicle, you would likely need a full coverage policy. Depending on your insurer, new car replacement may also come in handy in this instance.
What are the primary risks for liability-only car insurance?
Carrying a liability-only car insurance policy exposes you to more financial risk than a full coverage policy would. With full coverage car insurance, your policy includes comprehensive and collision insurance. This means you are protected from the damage done to your vehicle in a wider variety of circ*mstances.
With a liability-only policy, your insurance provider can only help cover the damage you cause, like if you run a red light and T-bone another vehicle. In that case, insurance may pay for the other driver’s repairs — but you would be on the hook for the damage to your own car.
How does liability insurance cost vary by car model?
Put simply, the higher the potential your car has for causing damage, the higher the liability insurance cost. Remember, liability insurance only pays for the damage you cause, and repair estimates for your vehicle do not factor in. If you drive a larger truck, your liability insurance premium would likely be higher than a smaller compact vehicle.
For example, our data from Quadrant Information Services shows that the average cost of a liability-only policy for a Honda Odyssey is $683 per year. Meanwhile, a Ford F-150 costs more, an average of $705 per year.
Because full coverage car insurance policies do consider your vehicle’s repair costs (among other factors) when calculating your rate, the variation make and model tends to be more drastic. Our research shows that, on average, it costs 8 percent more for a Ford F-150 full coverage policy compared to an Odyssey.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2024 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Read more from Jessie
Jessie See has a year of experience writing for Bankrate, Reviews.com and other insurance domains. She has covered topics ranging from auto and homeowner’s insurance to life insurance. She has been writing professionally for over a decade with experience in a variety of different topics and industries. Prior to becoming an insurance writer, she worked as a legal assistant in the field of personal injury law and as a licensed sales producer at various insurance agencies.