Decoding the 100/300/100 Auto Insurance Coverage Numbers

What the Numbers Represent

The three numbers on an auto insurance policy—100, 300, and 100—are shorthand for the limits of liability coverage. They indicate the maximum dollar amounts the insurer will pay for each type of claim in a single accident. The first number covers bodily injury to a single person, the second covers bodily injury to a group of people, and the third covers property damage.

Individual Bodily Injury (100)

This limit is the maximum amount the insurer will pay for injuries sustained by one person in a single accident. If a victim files a claim and the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering total $90,000, the insurer would cover that amount up to the $100,000 cap.

Group Bodily Injury (300)

This higher limit applies when multiple people are injured. If four passengers each sustain injuries, the insurer may pay up to $300,000 in total for all bodily injury claims in that accident. The per-person limit remains the $100,000 cap.

Property Damage (100)

The property damage limit covers damage to other people's vehicles or property. If a collision damages a third‑party car for $80,000, the insurer will pay up to that amount, capped at $100,000.

Why These Limits Matter

Choosing appropriate limits protects you from out‑of‑pocket expenses when you are at fault. If a claim exceeds any of these limits, you could be personally liable for the difference. Many states require minimum limits, but higher coverage can provide greater financial security.

Assessing Your Needs

Consider factors such as the value of your vehicle, your health insurance coverage, and your financial tolerance for risk. Higher limits increase premiums but reduce potential liability exposure.