Car Insurance Liability Limits Explained
A quote that shows 25/50/25 or 100/300/100 is listing your liability limits: the most the insurer pays for harm you cause to other people. Here is how to read the three numbers, how a combined single limit differs, and how to choose limits before you compare quotes.
Quick answer
- First number
- Bodily injury per person, in thousands of dollars.
- Second number
- Bodily injury per accident, for everyone injured.
- Third number
- Property damage per accident.
- Combined single limit
- One total amount shared by injuries and property damage.
How to read split limits
| Part | Covers | In 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | Injuries to any one person you harm | Up to 100,000 dollars |
| Bodily injury per accident | All injuries in one accident | Up to 300,000 dollars |
| Property damage per accident | Other people's cars and property | Up to 100,000 dollars |
The example only shows how to read the format. It is not a recommendation or a typical limit.
Read your own limits
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Combined single limit
Some policies show one number instead of three, for example a single limit per accident. That amount is shared between bodily injury and property damage, so one large claim type can use more of it. When one quote shows split limits and another shows a combined single limit, ask each company for the same structure before comparing prices.
State minimum vs. the limits you choose
Every state sets its own minimum liability limits, and a few use other rules. We do not copy state numbers here; see minimum car insurance requirements by state on our sister site. The minimum is the legal floor. If a claim is larger than your limits, the rest can fall on you.
How to think about choosing limits
- What you could lose: savings, home equity and future income can be at risk in a large claim.
- Umbrella policies: an umbrella insurer usually requires specific underlying auto limits; check that requirement before you quote.
- Related lines: uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments vs bodily injury are separate from your liability limits.
- Liability only or more: liability does not repair your own car; see liability vs full coverage and full coverage by company.
Looking for a low-cost liability policy? Our sister site covers cheap liability auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
These questions cover the 100/300/100 format, state minimums, and what liability does not cover.
What does 100/300/100 mean?
It means up to 100,000 dollars of bodily injury coverage per person, up to 300,000 dollars of bodily injury coverage per accident, and up to 100,000 dollars of property damage coverage per accident. The numbers are in thousands.
Is the state minimum enough?
The state minimum is what the law requires, not a recommendation. If damages exceed your limits, you can be personally responsible for the rest, so many drivers choose higher limits.
Does liability cover my own car?
No. Liability pays for injuries and damage you cause to others. Damage to your own car needs collision or comprehensive coverage.
Compare car insurance quotes by ZIP Code
Pick your limits, use them on every quote, then enter your ZIP Code. The form continues to a partner site.
Car insurance quotes
Related guides
- Car insurance quotes
- Liability vs full coverage
- Gap insurance by company
- Compare insurance companies by ZIP code
- Full coverage vs liability on our sister site AutoQuotesByZip
Sources
Checked on October 13, 2026: the Insurance Information Institute's auto liability explainer, NAIC consumer auto insurance guidance, and state insurance department minimum-coverage pages. Triple-I: auto insurance basics.
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