What does liability coverage in an auto policy typically protect against?

Liability coverage in an auto policy is specifically designed to protect the insured from claims arising from injuries or damages they are responsible for causing to other people or their property during an automobile accident. This means that if you are at fault in an accident, your liability coverage will pay for the medical expenses of the injured parties and cover the costs for any property damage caused to others.

This type of coverage is crucial because it helps to safeguard the insured's financial assets in the event they are sued following an accident. The coverage typically includes two primary components: bodily injury liability, which covers medical expenses and lost wages for injured parties, and property damage liability, which pays for damage to others' vehicles or property.

The other options refer to different types of coverage that are not part of liability protection. For example, damage to the insured's own vehicle is covered under collision or comprehensive coverage, theft is addressed by comprehensive coverage, and roadside assistance is an optional add-on that operates separately from standard liability coverage.