When it comes to car insurance in Pennsylvania, you may have heard about “Full Tort” and “Limited Tort” options. If you’re unsure what these terms mean, you’re not alone! Choosing between Full Tort and Limited Tort is an important decision that can affect your rights if you’re ever hurt in a car accident. Let’s break down the difference between Full Tort and Limited Tort so you can make the best choice for you and your family.
What Are Full Tort and Limited Tort?
Tort is a legal term that refers to a wrong or injury done to someone that can be fixed by the law. In car insurance, Full Tort and Limited Tort refer to your right to sue for pain and suffering if you’re hurt in a car accident.
Full Tort: This option allows you to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering, if you’re injured in an accident, no matter how serious or minor the injury might be.
Limited Tort: With Limited Tort, your ability to sue for pain and suffering is limited. Generally, you can only sue for pain and suffering if you have a “serious injury.” What counts as a “serious injury” is defined by law, but it usually means things like death, severe impairment, or serious disfigurement.
Why Do These Options Exist?
The state of Pennsylvania offers these two options to give drivers more control over the cost of their insurance. Full Tort coverage costs more than Limited Tort because it gives you the right to sue for pain and suffering after any accident-related injury. Limited Tort is cheaper because it limits this right in many cases. In other words, **if you want to save on your monthly insurance payments, Limited Tort might help—but it comes with a catch.
Key Differences Between Full Tort and Limited Tort
To help you understand the difference, let’s look at some key factors:
1. Right to Sue
– Full Tort: Allows you to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, no matter how serious or minor your injury is.
– Limited Tort: Limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless you have a “serious injury.” Minor injuries, like sprains or bruises, usually don’t qualify as serious, so you wouldn’t be able to sue for pain and suffering in those cases.
2. Cost
– Full Tort: Costs more because it gives you full legal rights if you’re injured.
– Limited Tort: Costs less because it limits your ability to sue.
3. What Counts as a “Serious Injury”?
The law doesn’t list every type of injury that qualifies as “serious.” Generally, it includes things like:
– Death
– Major, permanent injuries
– Serious disfigurement, like losing a limb or facial scarring
Smaller injuries or temporary pain usually don’t meet the serious injury threshold, so they would not be covered under Limited Tort.
4. Protection for Your Family
If you choose Full Tort, your whole family (covered by the policy) has the same right to sue for pain and suffering if they’re injured. With Limited Tort, everyone covered by the policy has the same limitations on their right to sue.
When Could Limited Tort Be a Problem?
Limited Tort can save you money upfront, but it could cost you in the long run if you’re hurt in an accident and can’t sue for pain and suffering. For example:
– Minor Car Accidents: If you’re in a fender bender and get minor whiplash, you might feel pain for a few weeks or months. With Full Tort, you can still sue the other driver for pain and suffering. But with Limited Tort, you probably wouldn’t be able to.
– Long-Term Pain: Some injuries might seem minor at first but turn into long-term problems. With Limited Tort, it could be harder to seek compensation if the injury doesn’t count as “serious.”
Why Do People Choose Limited Tort?
Many people choose Limited Tort to save money on their car insurance. Pennsylvania law requires insurance companies to give drivers the option to save money with Limited Tort, but it’s important to understand what you’re giving up:
– Lower Premiums: Limited Tort can save drivers about 15-30% on their insurance premiums. For some, this cost savings is worth the trade-off of reduced rights to sue.
– Less Coverage Needed: Some people feel comfortable with Limited Tort because they believe they are not likely to get into an accident, or they may feel that they can deal with minor injuries without needing compensation for pain and suffering.
Why Do People Choose Full Tort?
On the other hand, Full Tort offers full legal rights after an accident, which is comforting to many drivers:
– Full Rights to Sue: With Full Tort, you have full rights to sue for pain and suffering no matter the injury level. This can provide peace of mind, knowing that you can seek compensation for all kinds of injuries.
– No Surprises in Court: Since “serious injury” is not a clear-cut term, it’s possible that an injury you thought would qualify as serious might not. With Full Tort, you don’t have to worry about this, you know you’re covered no matter what.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing between Full Tort and Limited Tort depends on your needs and budget. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
1. How much can I afford for insurance premiums?
If your budget is tight, Limited Tort could save you money each month.
2. **How much am I willing to risk?
If you want full protection after an accident, Full Tort may be worth the extra cost.
3. Do I need peace of mind?
For some people, knowing they’re fully covered with Full Tort is worth every penny.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Full Tort and Limited Tort is essential in making a smart choice for your car insurance. With Full Tort, you have the full right to seek compensation for pain and suffering, but it costs more. Limited Tort is cheaper but limits your rights if you’re injured. Consider your budget and how much legal protection you want when deciding which option is best for you.
Before you decide, it’s a good idea to talk to a trusted insurance agent who can help explain your options and answer any questions. Whether you choose Full Tort or Limited Tort, the right choice is the one that makes you feel safe and secure on the road.