Liability-Only Car Insurance Cost in 2026 — State Minimums & Rates

Liability-Only Car Insurance Cost

$420 - $900/yrUpdated March 2026

Key Takeaway: Liability-only car insurance is the most affordable option, covering only the damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident. It does not protect your own vehicle. Understanding when liability...

Liability-only car insurance is the most affordable option, covering only the damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident. It does not protect your own vehicle. Understanding when liability-only coverage is appropriate can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

What Is Liability-Only Car Insurance?

Liability-only insurance covers two things: bodily injury liability (medical expenses, lost wages, and pain/suffering for people you injure in an accident) and property damage liability (repairs to other people's property, including vehicles, buildings, and structures). It does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle, your medical expenses, or any comprehensive events like theft or weather damage.

Average Liability-Only Insurance Costs

The national average for liability-only coverage is approximately $650/year or $54/month. However, rates vary significantly: Low-risk drivers pay $35-$55/month, Average drivers pay $45-$75/month, High-risk drivers pay $75-$150/month. State minimums are the cheapest option but provide the least protection.

State Minimum Liability Requirements

Every state (except New Hampshire and Virginia, which allow alternatives) requires minimum liability coverage. Common minimums are 25/50/25 (meaning $25k per person/$50k per accident for bodily injury, $25k for property damage). States with the lowest minimums: California (15/30/5), Florida (10/20/10), Pennsylvania (15/30/5). States with highest minimums: Alaska (50/100/25), Maine (50/100/25).

When Liability-Only Makes Sense

Consider liability-only coverage when: your car is worth less than $5,000, you can afford to repair or replace your vehicle out of pocket, you own your car outright (no loan/lease), and the cost savings outweigh the risk. The savings average $800-$1,500/year compared to full coverage.

Risks of Liability-Only Coverage

The biggest risk is no coverage for your own vehicle. If you cause an accident, you pay for your own repairs. If your car is stolen or damaged by weather, you get nothing. Additionally, state minimums may not cover all damages in a serious accident — you could be sued for the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does liability-only car insurance cost per month?

Liability-only car insurance costs $35-$75/month for most drivers, with a national average of about $54/month. Your rate depends on driving record, age, location, and credit score. High-risk drivers may pay $75-$150/month for liability only.

Is liability-only insurance enough?

Liability-only meets legal requirements but provides minimal protection. If you cause a serious accident exceeding your limits, you are personally responsible for the excess. Most financial advisors recommend liability limits of at least 100/300/100 rather than state minimums.

Can I get liability-only if I have a car loan?

No. If you have an auto loan or lease, your lender/lessor will require full coverage (liability plus collision and comprehensive). You must maintain full coverage until the loan is paid off or the lease ends.

What happens if I only have liability and someone hits me?

If someone else hits you, their liability insurance pays for your damages. If they are uninsured or underinsured, you would need uninsured motorist coverage (which you may or may not have added). Without it, you may need to sue the at-fault driver directly.

Should I add uninsured motorist to liability-only?

Yes, strongly recommended. About 12.6% of drivers nationwide are uninsured. Adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage costs only $10-$30/month extra and protects you if an uninsured driver causes an accident.