Liability-only insurance pays for other people's injuries and property damage when you're at fault. Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive, which repair or replace your own car. If your car is financed, leased or worth more than you could afford to replace, you need full coverage. If it's older and paid off, liability plus uninsured motorist may be enough.
What liability-only covers
Liability is the legally required part of every policy. It pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. It does nothing for your own car, your own medical bills (outside Florida's PIP), or damage from theft, weather or an uninsured driver.
What full coverage adds
"Full coverage" isn't a legal term; it usually means liability plus collision (your car after a crash, any fault) and comprehensive (theft, hail, flood, fire, animals, falling objects). Lenders and leasing companies require both.
A simple rule for deciding
Multiply your annual cost for collision and comprehensive by ten. If your car is worth less than that number, the coverage may not be worth it. If it's worth more, or you couldn't easily replace it, keep full coverage.
Don't skip uninsured motorist coverage
Whether you choose liability-only or full coverage, UM/UIM is inexpensive and protects you from drivers with no insurance. It's required in South Carolina and North Carolina and strongly recommended in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
Choosing liability limits
State minimums (25/50/25 in GA, AL and SC; 50/100/50 in NC; PIP and PDL in FL) are low relative to modern medical and vehicle costs. Most agents recommend at least 100/300/100 if you have assets or income to protect.
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Frequently asked questions
Is full coverage required by law?
No state requires collision or comprehensive. Lenders and lessors require them while you owe money on the vehicle.
How much more does full coverage cost?
It depends heavily on the car's value, your deductible and your record. The best way to see the difference is to quote both ways.
Can I have collision without comprehensive?
Usually yes, and the reverse too. Comprehensive-only is common for cars in storage.