Question 1

What does 50/100/50 liability insurance mean?

Accepted Answer

These numbers represent your policy limits in thousands: $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 property damage per accident. If you injure two people in a crash, your insurer pays up to $50,000 for each person's medical bills, but no more than $100,000 total. Any costs beyond your limits come out of your pocket and can result in wage garnishment or liens.

Question 2

Is liability insurance enough after a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Liability-only coverage satisfies SR-22 requirements and keeps you legal, but it leaves you exposed if you total your own car or get hit by an uninsured driver. Many DUI offenders carry liability-only because full coverage can cost $3,000–$6,000 annually with a recent conviction. If you can afford it, adding uninsured motorist coverage ($10–$30/month) protects you when others are at fault.

Question 3

What happens if I cause an accident with only minimum liability?

Accepted Answer

Your insurer pays claims up to your policy limits, then you're personally responsible for the rest. If your state requires 25/50/25 and you cause $80,000 in injuries and property damage, you'll owe $55,000 out of pocket. The injured party can sue you, garnish your wages, or place liens on your property. Many states allow judgments to remain collectible for 10–20 years.

Question 4

Does liability insurance cover me if I hit a parked car?

Accepted Answer

Yes—your property damage liability covers the parked car's repairs, up to your policy limit. You must leave a note or report it to police; fleeing the scene can trigger a hit-and-run charge and policy cancellation. Your own vehicle damage isn't covered unless you carry collision coverage. Expect your rates to increase at renewal, even if your insurer pays the full claim.

Question 5

Can I drop liability insurance if my car is paid off?

Accepted Answer

Not if you're driving the car. Liability insurance is required by law in 48 states, regardless of whether you owe money on your vehicle. You can drop collision and comprehensive once your car is paid off, but liability must stay active as long as your plates are registered. If you have an SR-22 requirement, any lapse—even one day—gets reported to the DMV and can suspend your license.

Question 6

How much does it cost to increase liability limits after a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Raising limits from 25/50/25 to 100/300/100 typically adds $20–$50 per month, even for high-risk drivers. The percentage increase is often smaller for drivers with violations because the base rate is already elevated—you're paying a high-risk premium either way. If you have any assets or income, the extra cost is usually worth it to avoid a six-figure lawsuit.

Question 7

Will liability insurance cover an accident if I was drinking but not over the legal limit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you weren't charged with DUI or driving recklessly. Liability coverage applies to at-fault accidents regardless of whether you'd been drinking, as long as your actions weren't criminal or intentional. However, if you're convicted of DUI—even from a separate stop—your insurer can non-renew your policy or reclassify you as high-risk, raising rates by 80–300% for the next three to five years.

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