What is Property Damage Liability Insurance?

Property damage liability insurance is an essential part of auto insurance coverage in Connecticut. This type of insurance covers the cost of damage you cause to someone else’s property during a car accident, including their vehicle or other personal belongings. Unlike coverage for your own car, property damage liability insurance focuses solely on the damage you are responsible for causing to others.

In Connecticut, drivers are required by law to carry a minimum level of liability insurance, which includes property damage coverage. The minimum property damage liability coverage required in Connecticut is $25,000. This ensures that if you are involved in an accident where you are at fault, there is financial protection to cover the damage to the other party’s property.

What Does Property Damage Liability Insurance Cover?

Property damage liability insurance is designed to address a variety of damages that may result from a car accident. Common examples include:

• Damage to another person’s vehicle: This is the most common type of claim under property damage liability insurance.
• Personal belongings inside the vehicle: Items such as electronics or other valuables inside the damaged vehicle may also be covered.
• Property outside of vehicles: Damage to structures like buildings, fences, mailboxes, or other fixed objects may also be included.
• Rental car costs: If the other party needs to rent a car while theirs is being repaired, your insurance may cover those costs.

It’s important to note that property damage liability insurance does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing your own vehicle or personal property. For that, you would need additional coverage such as collision or comprehensive insurance.

Differences Between Property Damage Liability Insurance and Physical Damage Insurance

While property damage liability insurance covers damage you cause to others’ property, physical damage insurance is designed to cover your own car. In Connecticut, you have the option to add the following types of physical damage insurance to your policy:

• Collision Coverage: This type of insurance pays for damage to your car caused by a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Also known as “other than collision” coverage, this protects your vehicle from non-collision-related incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather-related damage.

While collision and comprehensive coverage are optional in Connecticut, they offer valuable financial protection if your own car is damaged in an accident or other incident. Be sure to review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and consider adding these options if they are not already included.

What Happens If My Car is Totaled After an Accident?

If your car is determined to be a total loss after an accident, this means that the cost to repair it exceeds its current market value. In such cases, the at-fault driver’s property damage liability insurance should provide compensation up to the policy limits for the value of your car. These funds can be used to replace your vehicle with a similar one.

If you’re having trouble getting the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pay for your property damage, it’s important to seek legal help. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we specialize in helping clients navigate the insurance claims process and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Why Choose Bert McDowell Injury Law?

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you need after a car accident. Whether you’re dealing with property damage, medical bills, or lost wages, our experienced attorneys are here to help.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call us at 475-231-3274 or fill out our online contact form to get started.