Auto liability limits: label each number before comparing

Questions covered in this guide

Expand the shorthand

The Texas Department of Insurance describes separate liability limits for each injured person, an accident and property damage. If a quote shows several numbers separated by slashes, ask the insurer to write out every label and unit. Do not infer an amount from the number of digits or compare an unexplained sequence with a differently formatted proposal.

Make a three-row translation

Use one row for injury to one person, another for injury across the accident and a third for property damage. Copy the exact wording and amount from the quote. Ask whether the policy uses that structure or a different limit arrangement, and have the insurer explain the alternative in writing. This table translates the proposal; it does not determine which limit is enough for your circumstances.

Test the labels with questions

Ask the provider to explain a hypothetical event involving several injured people and damaged property without assigning invented payout numbers. Identify which limit would be relevant to each part and what other conditions affect payment. Keep exclusions, defense questions and any related umbrella requirements on separate lines. A total created by adding every printed limit can misrepresent what is available for one event.

Compare equivalent structures

When reviewing two proposals, resolve differences in format before comparing premiums. Ask for a like-for-like illustration if the insurer can provide one, and keep any remaining difference explicit. Use the coverage comparison tool’s liability notes for the translated labels and unresolved questions. The tool does not select a limit or calculate legal exposure. State minimum requirements and your own coverage decision are separate matters; consult the appropriate regulator and a licensed professional for the requirements and implications of the actual policy you are considering. Print your worksheet before leaving the page if you want to keep it.

Putting it into practice

A three-row translation replaces unexplained shorthand with named units. The multi-person discussion prompt tests the structure without adding limits together or recommending an amount.

Sources and supported claims

TDI distinguishes bodily-injury limits per person and per accident.
Source ↗ · state · Checked 2026-10-12

TDI lists property-damage liability separately from bodily-injury limits.
Source ↗ · state · Checked 2026-10-12