Bodily Injury

Updated: 20 May 2026

What Does Bodily Injury Mean?

Bodily injury refers to any physical harm caused to any part of a person’s body. In the context of insurance, many policies provide coverage for bodily injury. This type of coverage is commonly offered by auto insurers and covers injuries caused by the policyholder to another person in connection with the policyholder’s automobile.

Insuranceopedia Explains Bodily Injury

Bodily injury liability insurance typically covers expenses such as hospital bills, ambulance fees, legal fees, and sometimes lost income for the injured party. Most states require drivers to carry at least some bodily injury liability, and the required amounts vary, which is why it helps to check the minimum car insurance requirements by state before buying a policy. Since accidents frequently occur on the roads, bodily injury coverage is an essential type of coverage for drivers. The state minimum is often lower than what a serious accident actually costs, so many drivers buy higher limits after reviewing how much liability insurance they need. It is often offered alongside property coverage by auto insurers, as accidents can result in both injuries and property damage. Coverage amounts and pricing for bodily injury liability vary widely between insurers, so it’s worth comparing options from the best car insurance companies before settling on a policy.