Bodily injury liability and medical expense coverage

When you're out on the road, your dreams and the people who matter most to you deserve protection. So, what happens when life takes an unexpected turn? At American Family Insurance, we offer auto insurance coverages designed to help safeguard you, your passengers, and others if you're in an accident.

Let's break down two important types of coverage: bodily injury liability and medical expense coverage. Understanding the difference between these auto coverages can help you make confident choices for your auto policy.

How are bodily injury liability and medical expense coverage different?

Both bodily injury liability and medical expense coverage are designed to help with accident-related injuries, but they serve different purposes. 

Bodily injury liability insurance

Bodily injury liability insurance helps protect you financially if you're found responsible for an accident. This coverage may help pay for injuries to others, including drivers and passengers of other vehicles or pedestrians. It can also assist with lost wages and legal expenses if you're sued.

In most states, your own passengers are covered, though some states may exclude resident family members. Remember, coverage, limits, and exclusions vary by state and policy, so it's always best to talk to your agent for details specific to your situation. 

Medical expense coverage

This option may help pay for medical expenses for you, your family members, and your passengers, no matter who's at fault. It can even help if you're injured as a pedestrian or cyclist. 

How bodily injury liability insurance could help

If you're in a car accident and found legally responsible for injuries to others, your bodily injury liability insurance may help with:

• Medical costs: Emergency care, hospital bills, and medical equipment like wheelchairs, crutches, or braces.
• Physical pain: Compensation for physical pain suffered by those injured.
• Lost wages: Coverage for income lost due to accident-related injuries. 
• Legal fees: Help with your legal costs if an injured party files an accident-related lawsuit against you.

Bodily injury liability coverage may help protect you from major financial setbacks in the event of an unexpected loss. Ask your American Family agent about the right amount of coverage to help ensure your peace of mind.

How medical expense coverage can help

If you’re in a car accident, medical expense coverage may help cover  medical costs for you, your family and your passengers — no matter who's at fault. You may also be covered if you're hit while walking, running, or biking.

Here's how it works:

• If you, a family member, or anyone with your permission is driving, and passengers are injured, everyone in the vehicle may be covered.
• If you’re struck by a car while walking, running, or biking, medical expense coverage may help with your medical bills. 
• If you’re a passenger in your friend’s car and get hurt in an accident, this coverage may help, no matter who's at fault.
• If the accident is fatal, medical expense coverage may help cover funeral expenses.

Even if you have health insurance, medical expense coverage can help fill gaps, especially if you regularly drive others, like your kids' friends or carpool partners. For extra protection and peace of mind, talk to your American Family agent about adding medical expense coverage to your auto policy.

Let’s keep your dreams moving forward

At American Family Insurance, we’re here to help you protect what matters most — wherever the road takes you. Connect with your agent today to learn more about these important coverages.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. this information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.