How split limits work
Most policies show liability limits as three numbers, in thousands of dollars:
- the first is the most paid for bodily injury to one person,
- the second is the most paid for bodily injury to everyone hurt in one accident,
- the third is the most paid for property damage in one accident.
Texas's legal minimum, for example, is written 30/60/25.
Example: with 50/100/50 limits, you injure two people. One has $70,000 of medical bills and the other $20,000. The policy pays $50,000 for the first person (the per-person cap) and $20,000 for the second, a total of $70,000. The remaining $20,000 for the first person could be claimed from you.
Limits apply to other coverages too. The Texas Department of Insurance notes that liability, personal injury protection, uninsured and underinsured motorist, towing and rental coverages all have dollar limits, while collision and comprehensive pay up to the car's value instead. Your limits are listed on the declarations page.
Related terms
Sources
- California Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance Terms definition of limits
- Texas Department of Insurance, Auto insurance guide split limit shorthand, which coverages have dollar limits, declarations page
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