Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose Full Tort or Limited Tort insurance?
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When choosing your auto insurance policy in Pennslyvania you will be presented with the option to choose “Full Tort” or “Limited Tort” coverage. Understanding what tort is and the differences between the two options is vital – especially if you ever find yourself a victim of a car accident. This brief guide will explain what tort is and what the differences are between Full Tort and Limited Tort insurance options.
Table of Contents
What does "tort" mean?
Defined by Merriam-Webster.com a tort is:
A wrongful act other than a breach of contract for which relief may be obtained in the form of damages or an injunction.
In more simple terms –
A tort is a term that has been around for centuries and has been used by lawyers to simply mean one person did something wrong to someone else. A classic example would be someone that runs a red light and hits another car – causing injuries and damage.
Ultimately, tort law determines whether a person or party should be legally accountable for an injury or loss suffered by another, in addition to what type of compensation the injured party is entitled to.
What is Limited Tort?
Let’s use a car accident as our example scenario.
With Limited Tort insurance, you would only be able to sue for actual damages sustained in a car accident – this could be things like auto repair and medical bills. By having Limited Tort insurance you would not be able to sue for things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the other intangible experiences of being injured in a car accident.
Why would someone choose Limited Tort?
Plain and simply, Limited Tort insurance is a less costly option than its Full Tort counterpart. For people on smaller budgets, or individuals that may not drive as much, Limited Tort insurance may make the most financial sense.
What is Full Tort insurance?
Full Tort insurance allows an injured party to seek compensation for things in addition to the actual damage suffered. This may include things like emotional distress and even compensation because the injury sustained changed the quality of life.
This doesn’t come without a premium – Full Tort insurance is the more expensive option when compared to Limited Tort.
Full Tort vs. Limited Tort - which should I choose?
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Of course, if you’re financially capable of handling the additional cost, Full Tort is the best option in the event you ever find yourself the victim of a personal injury sustained in a car accident.
Luckily, states like Pennsylvania give individuals the option to choose their coverage which allows for financial flexibility. If you’re on a tight budget, Limited Tort may be the only thing available to you.
Regardless of the option you choose, make sure you are aware of your legal rights and know who to call if you are ever injured in a car or motorcycle accident. If you ever need to speak to a personal injury attorney on our team, you can always request a free consultation regarding your case.
Answered By:
Attorney Daniel SchiffmanMore About Daniel:
Daniel S. Schiffman, a partner at Schiffman Firm, is a litigator who practices primarily in the fields of personal injury, product liability, and business litigation. Attorney Schiffman is licensed to practice law in all Pennsylvania state courts (60 judicial districts) and all three of Pennsylvania’s federal district courts.
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