Bodily injury liability car insurance offers you financial protection in the event someone driving your car causes an automobile accident and someone is injured. Bodily injury liability car insurance only covers people not listed on the policy of the insured vehicle.

Required By Law

Bodily injury liability car insurance is required by law in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The law requires liability car insurance coverage because it is necessary for an automobile owner to be capable of fulfilling financial responsibility if he is found to be liable for damages or injury.

Medical Expenses

Bodily injury liability car insurance pays for the medical expenses of other people involved in an automobile accident. It does not cover the medical expenses of anyone named on the insurance policy.

Other Expenses

In addition to paying for the medical expenses of an injured person, bodily injury liability car insurance will also pay for pain and suffering, as well as any lost wages incurred by those who are injured.

Lawsuits

If someone files a lawsuit against you as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident, bodily injury liability car insurance will pay for your legal defense. If a judgment is made against you in such a crash, the policy will pay the judgment.

Limits

All coverage of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and legal costs are subject to the coverage limits. The amount of coverage will determine how much, if any, the car owner will have to pay out of his own pocket.

Source:

National Association of Insurance Commissioners: Understanding Your Auto Insurance Policy

CarInsurance.com: Car Insurance Coverage Definitions

Resource:

National Association of Insurance Commissioners