Property Damage Liability Insurance
Purchase affordable liability insurance online today
What is Property Damage Liability Insurance?
Property damage liability insurance is the portion of your state-required car insurance that kicks in to pay for vehicle and other property damage after a car wreck. Most states require a two-fold liability insurance policy that covers property damage and bodily injury and/or death. Property damage liability pays for a variety of items that fall under the category of property, including:
- Another driver’s vehicle
- Damage to houses, fences, lampposts, mailboxes, etc.
If you live in an at-fault state, your property damage liability insurance will pay for the other person’s damages if you are at fault in an accident. If you live in a no-fault state, your property damage liability will pay for your damages, regardless of who is at fault. Of course, you’ll need to pay your deductible before your insurance kicks in. Your insurance will pay up to your policy limits. If the damage is more extensive, you’ll be paying for the rest of the costs out of pocket.
Given today’s costs for automobile repairs and bodywork, many people opt to increase their state-required property damage liability to be on the safe side.
At Freeway Insurance, we can help you decide how much property damage liability you should have to be legal and truly protected.
How Much Does Property Damage Liability Cost?
It depends on how much property damage liability insurance you buy, but driver’s with a clean driving record average anywhere from $90 to $145 per year. The exact amount you will pay for your property damage liability insurance will depend on several factors. Your insurance company will most likely look at your driving history, where you live (down to the zip code), your age and some other factors in order to determine your rate. It’s always a good idea to do some comparison shopping for car insurance to be sure you are getting the best price.
Since property damage liability insurance is required in all but one state (New Hampshire), you’ll have to pay for at least the state by state car minimum insurance requirements. Keep in mind that it may not be enough to pay for all the damages incurred in a car crash, so you might want to consider upgrading for a little more protection.
What is the Difference Between Property Damage and Collision Insurance?
We’ve discussed what property damage liability insurance covers – mainly it pays for car wreck damage you do to somebody else’s property in an at-fault state and your own accident damages in a no-fault state. Collision is completely geared to helping you recover financially if your car is damaged in a wreck or some other incident, such as:
- You have been in a wreck that is not your fault but the other driver either has no insurance, left the scene or doesn’t have enough insurance to completely cover your repairs. You can sue the other driver, but meanwhile, you need to fix your car.
- Your car sustains damage in a collision with a tree or some other inanimate object.
- Your car is involved in a single-vehicle crash, such as a rollover.
Adding collision insurance to your policy is a way to ensure you won’t be left paying out of pocket for damages to your vehicle. At Freeway Insurance we are experts at finding low-cost property damage and collision car insurance.
What are the State-Required Minimum Levels of Property Damage Liability Insurance?
All states except New Hampshire require car insurance before residents can legally drive. This required auto insurance consists of bodily injury, property damage and, in some cases, additional required coverages. Here’s a look at the amount of property coverage each state requires its driving residents to carry.
| State | State-Required Property Damage Liability Insurance |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $25,000 |
| Alaska | $25,000 |
| Arizona | $15,000 |
| Arkansas | $25,000 |
| California | $5,000 |
| Colorado | $15,000 |
| Connecticut | $25,000 |
| Delaware | $10,000 |
| Florida* | $10,000 |
| Georgia | $25,000 |
| Hawaii | $10,000 |
| Idaho | $15,000 |
| Illinois | $20,000 |
| Indiana | $25,000 |
| Iowa | $15,000 |
| Kansas | $25,000 |
| Kentucky | $25,000 |
| Louisiana | $25,000 |
| Maine | $25,000 |
| Maryland | $15,000 |
| Massachusetts | $5,000 |
| Michigan | $10,000 |
| Minnesota | $85,000 |
| Mississippi | $25,000 |
| Missouri | $25,000 |
| Montana | $20,000 |
| Nebraska | $25,000 |
| Nevada | $20,000 |
| New Hampshire* | $25,000 |
| New Jersey* | Basic: $5,000; Standard: $5,000 |
| New Mexico | $10,000 |
| New York | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | $25,000 |
| North Dakota | $25,000 |
| Ohio | $25,000 |
| Oklahoma | $25,000 |
| Oregon | $20,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $5,000 |
| Rhode Island | $25,000 |
| South Carolina | $25,000 |
| South Dakota | $25,000 |
| Tennessee | $15,000 |
| Texas | $25,000 |
| Utah | $15,000 |
| Vermont | $10,000 |
| Virginia | $20,000 |
| Washington | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | $25,000 |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 |
| Wyoming | $20,000 |
* New Hampshire: New Hampshire does not require car insurance. However, if you are responsible for someone else’s injuries and damages, you must show proof of financial responsibility. Choosing to buy the minimum liability available can protect your assets if you cause an accident. If you buy insurance, these are the minimum amounts you will be required to purchase.
* New Jersey: Drivers may choose to purchase the Basic Plan or the Standard Plan.
Finding Affordable Online Coverage in Your State
Car insurance is more than just a legal requirement; it’s also an inexpensive way to protect yourself from the tremendous risks of daily driving. Freeway Insurance can help you navigate the car insurance maze with an online insurance quote or by calling us at (800) 777-5620. You can also visit us at an office near you.