Question 1

What do liability insurance numbers like 25/50/25 mean?

Accepted Answer

The three numbers represent your liability limits in thousands of dollars: bodily injury per person / bodily injury per accident / property damage per accident. A 25/50/25 policy pays up to $25,000 for one person's injuries, $50,000 total for all injuries in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Anything beyond those limits comes out of your pocket.

Question 2

Can I get liability insurance with a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you'll pay significantly more and will likely need to shop non-standard carriers who specialize in high-risk drivers. Most states also require you to file an SR-22 after a DUI, which means your insurer must certify to the DMV that you're carrying at least minimum liability coverage. Expect premiums to be 80% to 300% higher than standard rates for the first three to five years.

Question 3

What happens if I cause an accident and my liability limits aren't high enough?

Accepted Answer

You are personally liable for any amount beyond your policy limits. If you cause $150,000 in injuries but only carry $50,000 in bodily injury liability, you owe $100,000 out-of-pocket, which can result in wage garnishment, liens on your property, or bankruptcy. For high-risk drivers, this is a real threat — one serious accident can erase years of financial recovery.

Question 4

Does liability insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?

Accepted Answer

No, your liability insurance only pays when you're at fault and the other party makes a claim against you. If you're the victim of a hit-and-run, your liability coverage does nothing — you'd need uninsured motorist coverage for your injuries and collision coverage for your vehicle damage. This is a critical gap for drivers carrying liability-only policies.

Question 5

How much does liability insurance cost for high-risk drivers?

Accepted Answer

High-risk drivers typically pay $100 to $250 per month for liability-only coverage, compared to $50 to $100 for drivers with clean records. A DUI alone can increase your premium by $80 to $200 per month, and adding an SR-22 requirement, multiple violations, or a coverage lapse pushes costs higher. Non-standard carriers may also require you to pay six months upfront.

Question 6

Is liability-only insurance enough if I have an SR-22 requirement?

Accepted Answer

Liability-only satisfies your SR-22 legal requirement, but whether it's enough depends on your situation. If you own your car outright, have no assets, and can afford to replace it if totaled, liability-only works. If you're financing a vehicle, your lender will require collision and comprehensive. Many high-risk drivers start with liability-only to minimize costs and add coverage as their rates decrease.

Question 7

Can my liability insurance be canceled for too many claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes, insurers can non-renew your policy if you file multiple at-fault claims, even if those claims are within your liability limits. For high-risk drivers already in the non-standard market, a second or third at-fault accident within three years often results in non-renewal, forcing you into assigned risk pools with even higher premiums and fewer coverage options.

Liability Insurance: What High-Risk Drivers Must Know

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