What is full coverage bodily injury?

Asked by: Kellen Schmidt  |  Last update: August 25, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (36 votes)

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage (BI) is the part of your insurance that helps pay for injuries to others if you're at fault for an accident. It can also help pay for legal fees if you're sued for damages. In general, BI is one of the coverages required by most states and is included in most car insurance policies.

What is the most common bodily injury coverage?

The most commonly required liability limits are $25,000/$50,000/$25,000, which mean:
  • $25,000 in bodily injury per person.
  • $50,000 in total bodily injury per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident.

What exactly does full coverage insurance cover?

Comprehensive, collision and liability insurance are all included in full coverage. Auto accidents and losses brought on by vandalism, severe weather, fire, or theft will also be covered.

What is an example of a bodily injury?

Bodily injury refers to the physical damage caused to a person's body. It can also be known as physical injury. Examples of bodily injuries could include: Cuts, abrasions, bruises, burns, and lacerations.

What is considered a bodily injury claim?

Bodily injury includes the actual physical damage done to a person. This can include cuts, bruises, broken bones, and a range of other injuries from minor to catastrophic.

What is Bodily Injury Liability Coverage?

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How much is a bodily injury claim worth?

The median payout for a personal injury lawsuit is approximately $52,900. For most victims with moderate injuries, like broken bones, sprains, and whiplash, the payout ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. However, extreme injury and mental suffering has helped some victims earn millions.

Can a bodily injury claim be denied?

Insufficient evidence of liability or losses is another common reason why personal injury claims get rejected. To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, you need to provide evidence that demonstrates the other party's negligence or wrongdoing was the cause of your injuries.

How much does insurance pay for bodily injury?

Minimum bodily injury coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Minimum property damage coverage of $15,000 per accident.

What is the average payout for a personal injury claim in the USA?

Short Answer: According to data from 5,861 personal injury cases from 2021-2024, the average personal injury settlement in California is approximately $55,056. Most settlements and court awards will be approximately $3,000 to $75,000. The likelihood of receiving a payout in this range is approximately 70%.

Does bodily injury cover pain and suffering?

Yes, bodily injury liability coverage includes pain and suffering compensation. Pain and suffering is one of the common types of damages that personal injury claim victims are entitled to in a successful personal injury claim along with medical bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

What is not covered by full coverage insurance?

What's not covered with "full coverage"? Your medical expenses and your passengers' medical expenses are not covered by liability, collision, or comprehensive coverages. Medical bills can be covered by purchasing medical payments coverage or personal injury protection coverage.

How much will full coverage cover?

These limits can go up to and over $250,000 per person for bodily injury, up to $500,000 per accident, and up to $100,000 and over for property damage. 2. The lowest available deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage.

Does full coverage cover me if I'm at fault?

Full coverage car insurance covers the costs to repair damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident. However, in most states, it doesn't include coverage for bodily injuries that you or your passengers sustained. In “no-fault” states, your auto insurance does cover your bodily injuries up to the limits purchased.

What happens if I don't have bodily injury coverage?

If you cause an accident and don't have bodily injury liability coverage, you may be sued and held legally responsible for paying the other party's related medical costs out of your pocket.

What is a good amount of car insurance coverage?

Typical coverage amounts: Insurance experts recommend at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $100,000 for property damage.

Is bodily injury coverage the same as medical coverage?

Medical payments coverage pays out regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In California, the minimum amount of bodily injury coverage you must maintain is $15,000 for one injured person and $30,000 for all injuries combined. Any expenses above those amounts would be your responsibility.

Who gets paid first in a personal injury settlement?

Typically your attorney will take their fees out of the settlement disbursement first, then your medical providers will be paid, and you will receive what is left.

How much can you get out of pain and suffering?

Settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Recent jury verdicts in California personal injury cases have awarded substantial amounts, including over $1 million for future pain and suffering.

How much money should I ask for in a settlement?

Ask for more than what you think you'll get

There's no precise formula, but it's generally recommended that personal injury plaintiffs ask for about 75% to 100% more than what they hope to receive. In other words, if you think your lawsuit might be worth $10,000, ask for $17,500 to $20,000.

How does a bodily injury claim work?

A bodily injury claim requests compensation for the losses suffered due to injuries inflicted by someone else's negligence. These claims often arise from incidents such as: Motor vehicle accidents. Slips and falls.

Can I sue my insurance for bodily injury?

Yes, it is possible to sue your own insurance company after a car accident if the other driver has no insurance, or less than an adequate amount to compensation you for your injuries and damages. These benefit options are called Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists Benefits (UM/UIM).

What is an example of personal injury coverage?

An example would be someone getting injured at your house from tripping on your steps. Personal Injury – provides coverage for OTHER THAN bodily injury or property damage. This includes false arrest, detention, or imprisonment; malicious prosecution; wrongful eviction; slander; libel; and invasion of privacy.

How do you negotiate a bodily injury settlement?

9 Tips for Negotiating the Maximum Personal Injury Settlement
  1. Understand Your Case and Rights.
  2. Gather Strong Evidence.
  3. Know Your Worth.
  4. Be Prepared and Organized.
  5. Stay Calm and Professional.
  6. Be Flexible and Open to Compromise.
  7. Know When to Seek Legal Assistance.
  8. Build Rapport and Establish Trust:

What happens if an insurance company sues you?

If your insurance company initiates a legal action against you seeking declaratory relief, you need to seek advice and representation from an experienced insurance claims lawyer without delay as the insurer will ask the judge to determine that your claim is not covered.

What states do not require bodily injury coverage?

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state. State minimums and coverage types vary, but nearly all states that mandate insurance require liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury. The sole exception is Florida, which only requires liability coverage for property damage, in addition to PIP coverage.