What is automobile liability insurance coverage?

Automobile liability insurance coverage is one of several types of autobile coverage. It is required by the law of most US jurisdictions in order to register a vehicle for operation on public highways. It is often also required to be shown as a condition of obtaining a driver's license.

Automobile liability insurance is intended to cover the negligent acts or omissions of a driver in the operation of the covered motor vehicle. Depending upon whether it is property damage liability coverage, bodily injury liability coverage, or both, it generally covers the correlating kind of damage sustained by the person who was not At Fault. In that sense, it is considered to be "third-party" coverage in that it does not pay for the damages sustained by the insured person.

Another aspect of automobile liability coverage is that if the aggrieved party makes a claim against the insured, such as by filing suit, the liability insurer defends the insured by retaining an attorney to defend the insured. The insurer pays the attorney, but also has the right to control the defense, including by settling the claim.