Can You Get Liability Insurance on a Financed Car? | Full Guide

When you finance a car, insurance can get a bit complicated. Most people wonder if they can get liability insurance on a financed car, hoping to save on monthly premiums. The simple answer is, yes, you can get liability insurance on a financed car, but it might not be enough to satisfy your lender’s requirements. Here, we’ll break down what liability insurance does, what lenders usually require, and ways to keep insurance costs manageable on a financed vehicle.

Liability Insurance Basics

What Is Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance is one of the most basic types of car insurance. It’s designed to cover damage or injuries you cause to others in an accident. If you’re found at fault in a collision, your liability insurance will help pay for the other party’s car repairs, medical bills, or other damages up to the policy limit. It does not cover damages to your own vehicle.

Coverage Provided by Liability Insurance

Liability insurance typically has two main components:

• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): Covers medical expenses and lost wages for the injured party.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL): Pays for damage to the other driver’s vehicle or property.

Each state sets minimum liability limits, but many people choose higher limits to ensure adequate protection in case of a serious accident.

Liability Insurance vs. Full Coverage

While liability insurance is essential, it’s not “full coverage.” Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision insurance, which pay for damages to your car. For a financed car, liability insurance alone may fall short, as lenders often want assurance that their asset is protected.

Financed Cars and Insurance Requirements

Why Lenders Require Insurance for Financed Cars

Lenders want to protect their investment, so they require you to maintain a certain level of insurance on a financed car. If the car is damaged or totaled, insurance ensures the lender won’t be left with unpaid debt.

Types of Insurance Required by Lenders

Most lenders require both liability and full coverage to guarantee that the financed car is protected. Here’s what each type includes:

• Liability Insurance: Covers other people’s damages, but not your own.
• Comprehensive and Collision Insurance: These cover your vehicle in events such as accidents, theft, or natural disasters.

Why Full Coverage is Often Mandatory

Since liability-only insurance doesn’t cover your own car, lenders typically require full coverage, including comprehensive and collision. This ensures that any damage to the vehicle will be repaired or compensated for, even if you’re at fault.

Is Liability Insurance Enough for a Financed Car?

Minimum Coverage Laws by State

Most states have minimum liability coverage laws, so carrying just liability insurance on a financed car may technically satisfy state law but not your lender. For example, in states like California, minimum coverage might be as low as $15,000 for bodily injury per person, but your lender might want much higher limits.

Full Coverage as a Common Lender Requirement

Lenders often insist on full coverage. This means liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance are all included in your policy, which adds up to better protection but a higher premium. Full coverage assures the lender that, no matter what happens, their investment (your car) is safeguarded.

Consequences of Insufficient Coverage on a Financed Car

Failing to meet your lender’s insurance requirements can lead to financial penalties. In some cases, lenders will add “force-placed” insurance, a costly policy they buy on your behalf, charging you for it. This policy often costs more than a standard full-coverage plan and only protects the lender’s interests.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Liability Insurance on a Financed Car

Benefits of Liability-Only Insurance

The main perk of liability-only insurance is cost savings. Monthly premiums for liability insurance are generally much lower than those for full coverage. This can be an attractive option if you’re trying to reduce expenses.

Potential Risks of Having Only Liability Insurance

Choosing liability-only insurance leaves you responsible for any damages to your own car. If you’re in an accident and at fault, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for repairs or a replacement vehicle, which could strain your finances.

Additional Types of Insurance for Financed Cars

To fully protect your car and meet your lender’s requirements, consider additional insurance options:

Comprehensive Insurance

This covers non-collision incidents such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. Comprehensive insurance is essential for protecting the vehicle from unpredictable events.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance covers repair or replacement costs if you’re at fault in an accident. For a financed car, lenders see collision insurance as crucial, ensuring their investment isn’t at risk.

Gap Insurance

Gap insurance covers the difference between the car’s value and the loan balance if it’s totaled. It’s especially helpful if you have a long loan term or purchased a car with a high depreciation rate.

How to Obtain Affordable Insurance for Your Financed Car

Compare Insurance Quotes

Shopping around is one of the easiest ways to find a policy that fits your budget. By comparing quotes from different providers, you can identify options that meet lender requirements at the lowest cost.

Adjust Deductibles and Coverage Limits

Raising your deductible can lower your monthly premium, though it means you’ll pay more out-of-pocket in case of a claim. Adjusting coverage limits to your state’s minimums can also reduce costs, but be cautious if you’re financing.

Tips for Lowering Premium Costs

• Bundle Policies: Some insurers offer discounts if you bundle car and home insurance.
• Safe Driver Discounts: Maintaining a clean driving record can make you eligible for discounts.
• Good Credit Score: A higher credit score can often lead to lower insurance rates.

Factors That Impact Car Insurance Rates on Financed Vehicles

Credit Score and Insurance Costs

Your credit score can significantly impact your premium, with lower scores leading to higher rates. Insurers see credit as a measure of responsibility and risk.

Driving Record and Premiums

A history of accidents or traffic violations increases premiums, as insurers view you as a higher risk. Staying accident-free helps keep rates low.

Car Make, Model, and Year

Certain vehicles, especially luxury models, cost more to insure due to high repair costs and theft risk. Standard, older models tend to have lower premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions about Liability Insurance on Financed Cars

Can I get liability-only insurance on a financed car?

Yes, but most lenders require full coverage to protect their investment.

What happens if my insurance lapses on a financed car?

Lenders may purchase a force-placed insurance policy, adding the cost to your loan.

How much liability insurance is required by law?

Minimum liability varies by state. Always check your state’s minimum requirements.

Does gap insurance cover liability?

No, gap insurance only covers the difference between a loan balance and the car’s value if it’s totaled.

Can I switch to a different insurance provider for my financed car?

Yes, as long as you maintain the required coverage level, you can change providers anytime.