Auto Insurance: Full vs. Liability Coverage

Heather Gaydowen Jul 31, 2023

Know what coverage to ask for when you call for an auto quote!

Liability Coverage: Liability coverage is the minimum legal requirement for most types of insurance. It protects you financially if you are found responsible for causing injury or damage to someone else or their property. In the context of auto insurance, liability coverage typically includes two components:

  1. Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and sometimes lost wages of the other party involved in an accident if you are at fault.
  2. Property Damage Liability: This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of the other person's property that you damaged in an accident, such as their vehicle or a fence.

Liability coverage does not provide protection for your own injuries or property damage. It is designed to protect others and fulfill your financial responsibility towards them. The CT state minimum for liability coverage is 25,000/50,000.


Full Coverage: Full coverage, on the other hand, is not a specific type of insurance but rather a combination of coverages that provide a broader level of protection. Full coverage typically includes liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage) as mentioned above, but it also includes additional components:

  1. Collision Coverage: This coverage helps pay for repairs to your own vehicle if it's damaged in a collision, regardless of fault. It may also cover the replacement cost if your vehicle is totaled.
  2. Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or hitting an animal.
  3. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage: This coverage helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, in the event of an accident.
  4. Towing Coverage: This coverage will help pay for any moments you need roadside assistance. Just call the number located on your insurance ID card or your agent, and they will help you get your vehicle towed.
  5. Rental Coverage: This coverage will contribute towards the rental payments when your car is not available for use. The typical amount for rental is $40/day.

Full coverage provides a higher level of financial protection by covering not only the liability aspect but also potential damage to your own vehicle and your own medical expenses.

It's important to note that the specific coverages and their terms may vary depending on the insurance policy and the insurance company. It's recommended to carefully review and understand the details of the coverage provided by your insurance policy and consult with an insurance professional to ensure you have the appropriate level of coverage for your needs.

Getting full coverage, particularly in the context of insurance, is important for several reasons:


  1. Financial Protection: Full coverage provides financial protection against unexpected events, accidents, or damages. It helps mitigate the financial burden that can arise from repairing or replacing your own property or covering medical expenses resulting from an accident.
  2. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have comprehensive coverage gives you peace of mind. You can go about your daily activities without worrying excessively about potential risks or accidents because you have a safety net in place.
  3. Unforeseen Circumstances: Life is unpredictable, and unexpected events can occur at any time. Full coverage is designed to protect you from a wide range of risks, including natural disasters, accidents, theft, or liability claims. It ensures that you are prepared for unforeseen circumstances that can have a significant impact on your finances or well-being.
  4. Liability Coverage: Full coverage includes liability protection. This is crucial because it safeguards you against potential legal claims and lawsuits if you cause harm to someone else or damage their property. Liability coverage helps cover legal expenses, medical bills, or settlement costs resulting from such claims.
  5. Additional Protection: By obtaining full coverage, you have a comprehensive and well-rounded protection plan. It typically includes a combination of different types of protection, such as comprehensive (non-collision), collision, towing/roadside assistance, medical pay, and rental reimbursement.

It's important to note that the specific coverage you need may vary based on your individual circumstances, local regulations, and the nature of your assets or liabilities. Consulting with us help you determine the appropriate level of coverage for your specific needs.


Give us a call at 203-440-9550 for your free quote today!


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