Limited Tort vs Full Tort Pennsylvania – What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right tort coverage under Pennsylvania law can make a big difference if you’re injured in a car accident. 

Tort insurance determines whether you can seek fair compensation for non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of life’s pleasures after an auto accident.

Pennsylvania drivers must select either limited tort coverage or full tort coverage when purchasing an automobile insurance policy. Both options provide some level of liability coverage and help with medical bills, but they differ when it comes to recovering non-economic damages.

In this article, we will explain how limited tort insurance and full tort auto insurance work, highlight their pros and cons, and discuss how to decide which tort option is right for you.

What is Tort Coverage in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, tort coverage is part of your automobile insurance policy and determines your legal rights after a car accident. It decides whether you can seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, or permanent disfigurement caused by another driver.

Pennsylvania law requires drivers to choose between two types of tort insurance:

1. Limited Tort Coverage – Offers lower premiums but limits your ability to recover non-economic damages unless you’ve suffered a serious injury.
2. Full Tort Coverage – Costs more but allows you to claim full compensation for all damages, including non-economic losses, without restrictions.

Choosing the right tort option is an important decision because it impacts how much you can recover if an auto accident occurs. Understanding the difference between these coverage options can help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.

What is Limited Tort Coverage?

Limited tort coverage is a type of automobile insurance that saves money on premiums but comes with restrictions. Under this limited tort option, you can only seek compensation for economic damages - such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage after a car accident.

However, it limits your ability to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering unless you’ve suffered a serious injury.

What qualifies as a serious injury?

• Serious impairment of a bodily function
• Permanent disfigurement
• Death

While this limited tort policy may be more affordable, it offers less protection if you experience long-term issues after an auto accident caused by an at-fault driver.

What is Full Tort Insurance?

Full tort insurance provides unrestricted rights to seek compensation after a car accident, including both economic damages and non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.

Unlike limited tort coverage, there’s no need to prove a serious injury to recover non-economic damages. This means you can pursue full compensation even for injuries that don’t involve permanent disfigurement or serious impairment of a bodily function.

Benefits of Full Tort Coverage:

• Covers medical costs, wage loss, and property damage
• Allows claims for non-economic damages, such as loss of life’s pleasures and physical pain
• Provides stronger legal protection if the at-fault driver is uninsured or a drunk driver caused the accident

While full tort auto insurance costs more than a limited tort policy, many drivers choose it for the broader protection it offers in the event of a personal injury.

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How Does Pennsylvania’s No-Fault System Affect Tort Coverage?

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means that after an automobile accident, each driver’s own insurance company pays for their medical expenses - no matter who caused the accident.

Features of the No-Fault System:

• Covers medical bills and lost wages through personal injury protection (PIP) included in your automobile insurance policy.
• Limits lawsuits for minor injuries to reduce legal battles and speed up payments.
• Allows drivers to choose between limited tort coverage and full tort insurance for cases involving non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

How Does This Impact Tort Options?

• Limited Tort Insurance: Works within the no-fault system but restricts the right to sue for non-economic damages unless a serious injury occurs.
• Full Tort Insurance: Provides full compensation rights, letting you sue for non-economic damages regardless of injury severity.

While the no-fault system simplifies claims for economic damages, choosing the right tort option helps make sure that you’re prepared for situations involving bodily injury, permanent disfigurement, or accidents with an uninsured driver.

How Do You Choose the Right Tort Coverage?

Choosing between limited tort coverage and full tort insurance depends on your needs, budget, and risk tolerance. Consider the following factors when deciding:

Cost of Coverage

• Limited tort insurance costs less upfront but offers limited protection.
• Full tort coverage is more expensive but allows you to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering without restrictions.

Level of Protection

• If you want the freedom to seek compensation for emotional distress or physical pain, full tort insurance provides broader protection.
• Limited tort policies may leave gaps, especially for injuries that don’t meet the serious injury standard.

Financial Situation

• Drivers with savings or other resources may feel comfortable with limited tort coverage.
• Others may prefer the full compensation rights offered by full tort auto insurance to avoid unexpected costs after an auto accident.

Need Help Deciding?

Consulting with an insurance company or a law firm can help you better understand your coverage options. A professional can explain the pros and cons of each tort policy and make sure that your choice aligns with your needs.

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How Much Does Limited Tort vs. Full Tort Insurance Cost?

The cost of tort auto insurance depends on the type of coverage option you select.

• Limited Tort Coverage: Typically 15–20% cheaper than full tort insurance. Drivers save money upfront but may face limits when trying to seek compensation for non-economic damages after an auto accident.
• Full Tort Coverage: Costs more than a limited tort policy but provides the ability to recover non-economic damages like emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of life’s pleasures without restrictions.

What Should You Consider?

• Short-Term Savings vs. Long-Term Protection: While limited tort insurance is cheaper, it may not cover all damages if a serious injury or permanent disfigurement occurs.
• Financial Security: If paying higher premiums for full tort coverage offers peace of mind, the extra cost may be worth it.

Comparing automobile insurance policy rates and reviewing your tort rights can help you find the best coverage option for your needs.

What Else Should You Know About Tort Coverage in Pennsylvania?

Selecting the right tort coverage is an important decision that can affect your financial security after an auto accident. Whether you choose limited tort insurance for its lower premiums or full tort coverage for its broader protection, it’s important to understand how your choice impacts your ability to seek compensation.

Takeaways:

• Limited tort coverage is more affordable but limits your right to recover non-economic damages unless you suffer a serious injury.
• Full tort insurance costs more but allows you to pursue full compensation for emotional distress, physical pain, and other non-economic losses.
• Consulting with a law firm or insurance company can help you evaluate your coverage options and make an informed decision.

No matter which tort policy you select, being prepared can help protect your rights in the event of an automobile accident caused by an at-fault driver.

Need Help Understanding Tort Coverage? Contact Muller Brazil Today!

Choosing the right tort coverage and abiding by the Pennsylvania statute of limitations may be daunting, especially when you’re trying to protect yourself after an auto accident. At Muller Brazil, we provide aggressive representation to help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Whether you’re dealing with limited tort insurance, full tort coverage, or a personal injury claim, our attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process. Call us at 215.885.1655 or email us at info@mullerbrazil.com to get started with a free consultation today.

Don’t wait, protect your rights and get the help you deserve today.

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