# What is liability coverage?

> Liability coverage pays covered costs when you are legally responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property with a vehicle.

Glossary date: January 12, 2026.

## How it works

Auto liability usually has separate bodily injury and property damage limits. It does not pay to repair your own car or cover your own injuries.

## Example

You cause a crash that damages another car. Property damage liability may pay the covered repair bill up to your policy limit.

## Why it matters

State minimum limits may be lower than the cost of a serious crash. You can be responsible for amounts above your limit.

## What to check on your policy

Read all liability limits on the declarations page and compare them with your assets and driving risks.

Coverage, definitions, limits, and legal requirements vary by policy and state. Your declarations page and policy forms control your coverage.

## Related terms

- [Bodily injury liability](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-glossary/bodily-injury-liability.md)
- [Property damage liability](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-glossary/property-damage-liability.md)
- [State minimum coverage](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-glossary/state-minimum-coverage.md)

- [Car insurance guide](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-guide.md)
- [Complete glossary](https://locations.goautoinsurance.com/car-insurance-glossary.md)