What Does Liability Insurance Cover?

young couple looking at touchpad

In almost every state, auto liability insurance is required by law. Still, for many drivers in the St. Louis area, the auto liability insurance definition is still a confusing one! Part of the confusion arises from the fact that all liability insurance plans are comprised of two parts: one which deals with bodily injury, and another which deals with property damage.

For both parts, the important thing to note is that liability insurance protects the victim in the event of an accident. If you’re found to be at fault for damages, your liability insurance will kick in, so you don’t have to foot the bill on your own.

How Does Liability Insurance Work?

As noted above, liability coverage includes protection against both bodily injury and property damage. Although the minimum coverage limits for each will be set by the state, drivers in Illinois and Missouri will have some leeway in determining the amount of coverage that’s right for them. So, what does liability coverage pay for? In most cases, each of the following will be covered:

  • Bodily Injury
    • Medical and hospital bills
    • Any long-term nursing care that may be needed
    • Funeral expenses in the event of a fatal accident
    • Rehab
    • Pain and suffering
    • Lost earnings
  • Property Damage
    • Repair expenses
    • Necessary part replacement
    • Vehicle damage
    • General property damage (house, personal property, etc.)
    • Pets

When you’re purchasing coverage, remember that liability insurance only protects the victim in an accident. If you’re at fault, you’ll need additional coverage to protect against bodily injury or property damage which only affects you.

Understanding Liability Coverage Limits

When you’re deciding on the amount of liability coverage that you’d like to pay for, most insurers will let you choose a ‘split limit’ or a ‘single limit’. Here are the important differences:

  • Drivers who select a split limit will be able to control the payouts for individuals, multiple injured parties, and for property damage, all independent from one another.
  • With a single limit, you’ll be insured for a large lump sum. In the event of an accident where you’re at fault, this money will be split out evenly to all injured parties and damaged properties.

Learn More About Insurance and Auto Financing with Suntrup Automotive Group!

If you’re acquiring a new or a used vehicle, there’s a lot you should know going in! Luckily, the team at Suntrup Automotive Group is here to help. Contacting our team and getting the information you need is as easy as one, two, three! Still doing research? Find out how to weigh the benefits of buying vs. leasing, or learn more about used vs. certified pre-owned vehicles. We can also help you consider non-required assets, like GAP insurance. and can even help you understand if you are required to have full coverage on a financed used car. Turn to us for all of your automotive questions today!

More from Suntrup Automotive Group

  • How to Increase Your Car’s Resale Value Through Maintenance

    When you drive a brand-new vehicle off the dealership lot, you instantly participate in one of the most predictable financial realities of the automotive world: depreciation. Over the first few years of a vehicle’s life, its market value naturally decreases. However, many car owners do not realize that depreciation is not a completely fixed percentage….

  • What Vehicle Type Has the Lowest Cost of Ownership? A Smart Buyer’s Guide

    If your goal is to minimize your long-term expenses while maximizing daily driving value, choosing the right vehicle segment is paramount. This comprehensive guide breaks down how ownership costs are calculated, ranks the vehicle types with the lowest long-term operational expenses, and highlights the high-value models you can find across the local market. The Hidden…

  • Best Hybrid SUVs for Long Commutes: What St. Louis Drivers Should Know

    If you spend serious time on I-270 or I-64 every day, finding the right vehicle for your commute matters more than most buying decisions. The best hybrid SUVs for long commutes combine strong hybrid SUV MPG, comfortable cabins, and modern technology to make every mile easier on your wallet and your patience. At Suntrup Automotive…

Contact Us


5926 S. Lindbergh Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63123
Suntrup Automotive Group 38.5214964, -90.3451239.