Civil Liability refers to an individual's obligation to repair all or part of the damage that individual caused to a third person. In home insurance, the contract covers the personal liability of the insured and his spouse and children, as well as the animals for which he is responsible, for injury or damage caused to third persons. In auto insurance, third-party liability insurance is mandatory. All drivers must be insured against damage or injury that they could cause to third persons. (See Coverage A – Civil Liability.)
typically, a drunk driving conviction constitutes negligence per se and as such, civil liability automatically applies for any damages caused by such unlawful conduct. In some instances, punitive damages may also be applied if it can be proved the driver had wanton and reckless disregard for human life.
Liability to other motorists, pedestrians and property owners that you assume when operating your automobile on a public roadway.