What Is Bodily Injury Liability?
Bodily injury liability (BI) is the part of auto liability that pays the medical bills, lost income, and legal damages for people you injure in a crash you cause. It is expressed as per-person / per-accident limits (e.g., $50k/$100k). It does not pay for your own injuries — that needs medical payments or injury protection coverage.
Why it matters
BI is the coverage most likely to face a large lawsuit after a serious at-fault crash, so limits above state minimums are commonly recommended.
Common confusion
BI pays others, not you. Your own injuries are covered by medical payments / PIP or your health insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the two BI numbers mean?
The first is the max per injured person; the second is the max for all injuries in one accident.
Is BI required everywhere?
In every U.S. state with fault-based liability systems, yes (Florida is an odd case, requiring PIP but not BI).