Liability or Full Coverage Insurance: Which Should I Carry?

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When shopping for car insurance, two terms you’ll hear constantly are liability insurance and full coverage insurance. They sound straightforward, but the differences between them can have a major impact on your finances, legal protection, and peace of mind. The Law Office of Brian Brunson wants to help you understand what each type covers—and which might be right for you.

What Is Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance is the most basic level of car insurance and is required by law in most states.

What it covers:

  • Bodily injury liability: Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees if you injure someone in an accident.
  • Property damage liability: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing someone else’s property (like their car, fence, or building).

What it does NOT cover:

  • Your own injuries
  • Damage to your own vehicle

When it’s typically enough:

  • You drive an older car with low value
  • You want to meet legal requirements at the lowest cost
  • You can afford to repair or replace your own car out of pocket

Pros:

  • Lower premiums
  • Meets legal minimum requirements

Cons:

  • No protection for your own vehicle or medical bills
  • Higher financial risk if you’re at fault in an accident

What Is Full Coverage Insurance?

“Full coverage” isn’t actually a single policy—it’s a combination of several types of coverage that provide broader protection.

Typically includes:

  • Liability insurance (as described above)
  • Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your car after an accident, regardless of fault
  • Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, or hitting an animal

What it may also include (optional add-ons):

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Medical payments or personal injury protection
  • Roadside assistance or rental reimbursement

What it covers:

  • Damage to your car (collision + comprehensive)
  • Damage to others (liability)
  • Some out-of-pocket costs depending on add-ons

Pros:

  • Much broader protection
  • Helps cover repair or replacement of your vehicle
  • Peace of mind in a wide range of situations

Cons:

  • Higher premiums
  • Deductibles apply for collision and comprehensive claims

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your personal situation:

  • Choose liability insurance if:
    • Your car is older or not worth much
    • You’re trying to minimize monthly costs
    • You have savings to cover repairs or replacement
  • Choose full coverage if:
    • Your car is newer, financed, or leased (lenders usually require it)
    • You want protection against theft, weather, and accidents
    • You’d struggle to pay for major repairs out of pocket

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT AND AREN’T SURE WHAT YOUR INSURANCE COVERS, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.

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