See If You Qualify for Lower Rates
If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, you may have considered going for a liability-only car insurance policy. Liability-only insurance covers the costs of the other party when you’re involved in an at-fault accident. However, it doesn’t cover bodily injuries to you and your passengers or damage to your vehicle.
Before you acquire liability-only coverage, it’s worth learning about its benefits and drawbacks to see whether this insurance option works for you. At TrySmartly, we believe the more informed you are, the better decisions you can make. Below we present some of the cheapest liability-only car insurance rates available:
| Provider | Monthly Estimate | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $34 | $402 |
| Auto-Owners | $27 | $327 |
| Nationwide | $52 | $475 |
| Farm Bureau | $60 | $480 |
| State Farm | $65 | $480 |
Liability-only car insurance pays for the other party’s medical and property damages when you are at fault for the accident. However, it doesn’t cover your medical bills or vehicle damage. If you’re involved in an accident, it only pays for the injuries and damages to the other vehicle, driver, and passengers. Liability-only coverage is part of the minimum coverage requirement in all states.
Liability-only coverage will cover the following:
Bodily Injury
this covers injuries you cause to the other vehicle’s driver and passengers in case of an at-fault accident.
Property Damage
this covers property damage you cause to the other vehicle, a building, or a fence.
Liability-only insurance is required by law in all states, which includes bodily and property damage coverage to the other party. Some states may require additional coverage, including personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, the lowest level of coverage you are required to get is known as the minimum coverage or liability-only.
Based on the rates of various companies in more than 30 states, we’ve compiled a list of companies that offer some of the most convenient liability car insurance quotes. Of course, the rates may differ based on your age, gender, state, and other factors.
GEICO is the second-largest auto insurance company in the U.S., providing services in all states. They offer relatively cheap liability car insurance that is widely available to everyone. The average annual premiums are as follows:
Furthermore, GEICO offers unique discounts, such as a good student discount, that you can leverage. You can get even cheaper rates by bundling auto and home insurance policies.
State Farm has the largest market share among car insurance companies in the United States. It can be a good option for young drivers as it offers a discount for completing a driver’s education course before the age of 21 and a good student discount. Average annual premiums include:
Nationwide can be a good choice for drivers that want minimum coverage only. They offer budget-friendly, usage-based insurance or pay-per-mileage options that let you pay for the actual miles driven. Their average premiums include the following:
Similar to other insurance companies, Nationwide also has discounts on bundling offers that you can take advantage of. You may also get a 4% to 20% discount for being a good student if your GPA exceeds 3.0.
Allstate may be a low-cost auto insurance option for students and people with DUI charges. It offers some of the cheapest quotes for liability coverage and can also be a suitable option for teen drivers. Here are their average rates:
Allstate offers a 10% discount for purchasing a policy 10 days before the start date. You can also get cheaper rates through their usage-based program (Drivewise) and pay-per-mileage program (Milewise).
Available in only 31 states, Travelers has a solid reputation for excellent customer satisfaction. It allows you to add different coverage options, including roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, and gap insurance. One of the pros of Travelers is its low average rates for drivers with DUI compared to other insurers. Their rates are:
If you're looking for the cheapest liability-only car insurance options, submit a free online request through TrySmartly. Auto insurance companies consider several factors when determining your rates. As a result, your coverage options and premiums will vary based on the following:
Insurance companies consider your vehicle’s condition to calculate insurance rates, including the model, mileage, and safety features. Base model cars made in the U.S. will typically have a lower premium, as the parts are easier to find. Conversely, the premiums for luxury, foreign models will generally cost more.
Your driving record includes the number of at-fault accidents and moving violations you have, which will significantly influence your rate. The more at-fault accidents and major traffic violations you have committed, the higher your premium will be. Similarly, your insurance premium will be higher if you have a DUI on your record.
Most companies have higher rates for new and young drivers, as well as older motorists. Your rate may decrease in your mid-20s and remain low until your 50s if you maintain a good driving record.
The state you live in will also influence the premium rate of your policy. Each state sets its own price by taking into account traffic density, cost of living, road conditions, and the likelihood of natural disasters.
Finally, your credit score may also impact the quotes. Having good credit history can significantly reduce your rate, while people with poor credit will usually be charged more. California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Michigan currently ban using credit scores as a basis for quotes.
To find the cheapest liability-only insurance option, make sure to also consider the following factors when comparing and choosing auto coverage options:
Applicable Discounts
Some insurance companies offer unique deals that can help reduce the cost of car insurance. For instance, some commonly available discounts may apply when you bundle home and auto insurance, are a new policyholder, insure multiple vehicles, pay the total premium upfront, and have a telematics program that monitors your driving habits.
Third-Party Ratings
Finally, reviewing third-party reviews about insurance companies can help you better understand the company’s customer satisfaction ratings and financial stability. Looking at reviews from different sources can help you determine the insurer’s ability to provide assistance and on-time claim coverage in the event of an accident. Some trusted sources include J.D. Power, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), and AM Best.
TrySmartly can also help you compare coverage costs based on your ZIP code and state.
Please note that minimum coverage will vary based on personal and vehicular information. However, the minimum coverage that the policyholder must sign up for does not vary. It’s a hard requirement set by the given state.
Below is a breakdown of average rates for minimum coverage by state:
| State | Annual Estimate | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $402 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Alaska | $354 | Bodily injury liability per person: $50,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $100,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Arizona | $469 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 |
| Arkansas | $372 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| California | $509 | Bodily injury liability per person: $15,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $30,000 Property damage liability per accident: $5,000 |
| Colorado | $370 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 |
| Connecticut | $568 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 |
| Delaware | $673 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 Personal injury protection per person: $15,000 Personal injury protection per accident: $30,000 |
| District of Columbia | $486 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident: $5,000 |
| Florida | $792 | Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 Personal injury protection: $10,000 |
| Georgia | $506 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Hawaii | $339 | Bodily injury liability per person: $20,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $40,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 Personal injury protection: $10,000 |
| Idaho | $227 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 |
| Illinois | $403 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $20,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 |
| Indiana | $324 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Iowa | $213 | Bodily injury liability per person: $20,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $40,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 |
| Kansas | $372 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Personal injury protection (including medical expenses) - up to $900 per month for a year of disability or loss of income; $25 per day for in-home services; $2,000 for funeral or cremation costs; and $4,500 for rehabilitation: $4,500 |
| Kentucky | $710 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Louisiana | $655 | Bodily injury liability per person: $15,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $30,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Maine | $221 | Bodily injury liability per person: $50,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $100,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $50,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $100,000 Medical payments coverage: $2,000 |
| Maryland | $652 | Bodily injury liability per person: $30,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $60,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $30,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $60,000 Uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage per accident: $15,000 |
| Massachusetts | $440 | Bodily injury liability per person: $20,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $40,000 Property damage liability per accident: $5,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $20,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $40,000 Personal injury protection: $8,000 |
| Michigan | $798 | Bodily injury liability per person: $50,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $100,000 Property damage liability per accident outside Michigan: $10,000 Property protection within Michigan: $1 million Personal injury protection: $250,000 |
| Minnesota | $477 | Bodily injury liability per person: $30,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $60,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Personal injury protection: $40,000 |
| Mississippi | $694 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Missouri | $445 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 |
| Montana | $263 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $20,000 |
| Nebraska | $292 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 |
| Nevada | $730 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $20,000 |
| New Hampshire | $268 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage per accident: $25,000 Medical payments coverage: $1,000 |
| New Jersey | $710 | Property damage liability per accident: $5,000 Personal injury protection: $15,000 |
| New Mexico | $311 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 |
| New York | $1,053 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Liability for death per person: $50,000 Liability for death per accident: $100,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per accident: $50,000 Personal injury protection: $50,000 |
| North Carolina | $376 | Bodily injury liability per person: $30,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $60,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $30,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $60,000 Uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident: $25,000 |
| North Dakota | $268 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage per accident: $25,000 Personal injury protection: $30,000 |
| Ohio | $301 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Oklahoma | $369 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Oregon | $564 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $20,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Personal injury protection: $15,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $390 | Bodily injury liability per person: $15,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $30,000 Property damage liability per accident: $5,000 Medical benefits: $5,000 |
| Rhode Island | $565 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| South Carolina | $380 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: $25,000 |
| South Dakota | $223 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 |
| Tennessee | $345 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 |
| Texas | $450 | Bodily injury liability per person: $30,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $60,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 |
| Utah | $508 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $65,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 Personal injury protection: $3,000 |
| Vermont | $221 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $50,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $100,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage per accident: $10,000 |
| Virginia | $445 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $20,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage per accident: $20,000 |
| Washington | $377 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 |
| West Virginia | $360 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: $25,000 |
| Wisconsin | $328 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $10,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000 Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000 |
| Wyoming | $225 | Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000 Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000 Property damage liability per accident: $20,000 |
While it does help you save on your auto insurance premium, there are some cases when you should not opt for liability-only auto insurance. For example, if you lease your car or have an auto loan, you must sign up for collision and comprehensive insurance plans until you pay off the vehicle.
Liability-only auto insurance can be a reasonable option when:
Full coverage car insurance is a better deal if your car is new. If your vehicle costs only a few thousand dollars, additional coverage may cost more than what an insurance provider will pay you in a claim. An average car’s value decreases by 13% yearly, while full coverage costs drop by about 5%. For example, if your 10-year-old Toyota Corolla costs about $7,000, full coverage would cost you approximately $1,200, which is more than one-sixth of your car’s value. In cases like this, choosing liability coverage can be wise if you have a plan that can cover your medical payments.
Liability-only car insurance can be a cheaper option if you don’t drive frequently. You should also consider other factors, such as how often you drive at night and if you park your car indoors or in a secured lot. If you occasionally drive – something that some companies consider “pleasure use” – a liability-only insurance policy can be cheaper since the insurance company may consider you less likely to file a claim.
If a full coverage plan is simply outside your budget and you must satisfy state requirements, you can choose liability-only car insurance. Keep in mind that liability-only insurance should be your last option. In case you are in an at-fault accident, you may be required to pay out-of-pocket for damages that are not covered by a liability-only coverage plan.
Additionally, it would be best if you asked yourself the following questions before signing up for liability-only insurance:
If you prefer more protection, you can add the following coverage options on top of your liability-only plan:
Personal injury protection (PIP) covers the medical bills of you and all your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident. It is required by law in 12 states – Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, and Utah.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays out if you’re involved in an accident with a driver that doesn’t have sufficient coverage. This coverage option is required in Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin.
Medical payments coverage (MPC or MedPay) is another optional plan that pays for you and your passengers’ medical bills no matter who is at fault. This policy works on a per-person basis, and the coverage limit ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. You can also get medical coverage if you’re hit by a car as a pedestrian.
Collision coverage covers the value of your vehicle minus deductible, even if you are at fault.
Comprehensive insurance covers the damage caused by circumstances out of your control, such as weather or vandalism.
Umbrella coverage provides excess liability protection for injuries, property damage, certain lawsuits, and personal liability situations. If the cost of damage exceeds your coverage limit, your added umbrella coverage will kick in to cover the outstanding amount.
Gap insurance covers the costs of damage if you’re leasing or financing a vehicle.
Roadside assistance coverage pays for towing, flat tires, and a locksmith.
TrySmartly helps you make informed decisions on which coverage option to choose. Check out these frequently asked questions to address any remaining inquiries you may have:
Liability-only car insurance covers the other party's costs when you are at fault for an accident. It includes bodily injury coverage and damage to the vehicle and is required by law in many states. However, it does not cover injury and damage costs to you, your passengers, and your vehicle.
Liability-only car insurance may be cheaper if your vehicle is old and has depreciated in value. It could also be beneficial if you don't drive often and don't have other passengers in your car. However, getting an insurance plan that covers bodily injuries of you and your passengers is always advised.
Cheapest liability car insurance doesn't necessarily mean you have the best deal on car insurance. Companies consider different factors to determine your rates, including age, gender, location, driving record, and credit score. With TrySmartly, you can search for cheap liability-only insurance rates from top providers.
Liability limits are usually expressed in three numbers, such as 25/50/20. The first number is the limit for liability coverage per person, so, in this case, $25,000. The second number represents the coverage limit per accident, which is $50,000, and the third number includes the limit for property damage you cause in an accident.
Now that you know the advantages and downsides of liability-only car insurance, you can make a conscious decision about determining your level of coverage. With TrySmartly, you can submit a free online request form to take the next step toward hopefully finding insurance. Get started now by entering your ZIP code into the form below.