Limit of Liability
Insurance Glossary
The limit of liability, also known as the coverage limit, is the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a covered loss under an insurance policy. It represents the ceiling of the insurer’s financial responsibility for a claim.
Here are key aspects of the limit of liability
Policy Limits: Limits of liability are specified in the insurance policy documents and can vary depending on the type of coverage and the policyholder’s chosen level of protection.
Types of Limits
- Per Person Limit: The maximum amount payable for injuries to a single person in an accident.
- Per Occurrence Limit: The maximum amount payable for all claims arising from a single event or occurrence.
- Aggregate Limit: The maximum amount payable for all claims during the policy period.
- Deductibles: The limit of liability applies after the deductible is paid by the policyholder.
- Importance: Understanding the limits of liability is crucial for policyholders to ensure they have adequate coverage for potential losses. If a claim exceeds the policy limit, the policyholder is responsible for the remaining amount.
Example
An auto insurance policy might have a liability limit of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. If the policyholder causes an accident that results in $75,000 in injuries to one person, the insurance company will pay $50,000 (the per-person limit), and the policyholder will be responsible for the remaining $25,000.
Policyholders should carefully review their policy documents and discuss their coverage needs with their insurance agent or broker to ensure they have sufficient limits of liability to protect themselves from potential financial losses.
