Does Liability Insurance Cover my Car if I hit someone? Understanding Fault Coverage

Liability insurance is a source of confusion for many drivers. Many drivers are familiar with this term but aren’t sure when it applies. As a result, one of the questions we get the most is, Does liability insurance cover my car if I hit someone? 

The short answer is no. Liability insurance does not cover damage to your vehicle. To help you understand what liability insurance covers, here’s an overview of liability insurance and what it includes.

For specific questions about the car insurance coverage you need, contact our team of insurance experts at GoAuto Insurance. 

What Is Liability Insurance? 

Liability insurance pays for the damages of other drivers in an accident when you’re at fault. In most states, the driver responsible for an accident must pay for the damages of other drivers or passengers injured in the accident. Ohio, Louisiana, Nevada, and Texas are all at-fault states, which means the at-fault driver is responsible for all damages. 

Liability insurance provides compensation for injured parties after an accident. There are usually two categories of liability insurance: 

• Bodily injury liability insurance: This type of insurance covers injuries to third parties in an accident you caused. For example, it would cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.   
• Property damage liability insurance: Property damage liability insurance covers property damage to other drivers or property owners after an accident. For example, damage to cars, rental car expenses, or damage to buildings. 

That said, a driver’s liability insurance does not cover damage to their car or property. It is intended to cover damages to third parties in an accident caused by the policyholder. Other insurance coverage is necessary to pay for the responsible driver’s expenses. 

What Insurance Coverage Is Necessary to Pay for Vehicle Repair? 

While liability insurance won’t pay for repairs to your car, other types of insurance coverage will. Specifically, comprehensive insurance and collision insurance will cover your vehicle. 

• Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car caused by:
  • weather-related events; 
  • fire;
  • theft; 
  • vandalism; or
  • collision with an animal. 

For example, if a tree branch falls on your car or you hit a deer, comprehensive insurance would pay for the repairs to your vehicle.

• Collision Insurance: Collision insurance covers damage to your car caused by a collision with another driver or a physical object. For example, if you hit an object or another car, collision insurance will pay for repairs to your vehicle. 

So, to answer the question of “Does liability insurance cover my car if I hit someone?”, If your car is damaged in an accident caused by another driver, in most states that driver’s insurance will cover all of your damages. That said, it’s always a good idea to have uninsured motorist coverage. This way your expenses will be covered even if another driver does not carry the required insurance. 

Having comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, and uninsured motorist insurance will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle’s repair will be covered in almost all circumstances. 

Contact Car Insurance Experts at GoAuto to Learn More

Car insurance can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s important to understand what your policy covers and ensure you have the coverage you need. Many states have specific coverage requirements, which impact the policies that drivers need. 

Regardless of applicable requirements, you need car insurance coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle after an accident. And, you should ensure you’re protected whether the accident is caused by you, another driver, or a natural event. 
At GoAuto Insurance, we work directly with customers to offer affordable insurance that gives drivers the protection they need. Contact our team to learn more or create the policy you need.