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HOW TO BUY AUTO INSURANCE IN PENNSYLVANIA - PART 2

by Jeffrey P. Lowenthal

Part 2: Limited Tort vs. Full Tort

What is Limited Tort?

"Limited Tort" is a restriction on an injured person's right to make a claim for compensation of a personal bodily injury. A person who has chosen "Limited Tort" (barring certain exceptions) will be able to make a successful claim for personal injury only if he or she has been injured so seriously that the injury significantly affects that person's duties both at home and at work (if employed).

Further, if you select "Limited Tort," it may restrict your spouse and children as well, even if you are passengers in someone else's car!

What is Full Tort?

"Full Tort" is essentially the unrestricted right to be compensated for a personal bodily injury claim whether that injury is small, medium or large. Full Tort was the law for everyone prior to the passing of the current automobile injury law. Now, you must select "Full Tort" in order to enjoy this important right.

Who Should Select Full Tort Coverage?

Everyone who is able to afford it. Though it is cheaper to select "Limited Tort" instead of "Full Tort," in our experience the difference in cost is not enough to make it worth the loss of the right to sue as noted above.

For example, the prevention of even a single average-sized injury valued at $30,000 by "Limited Tort" selection would cause an injured person to forego more money than a lifetime of savings gained by selecting "Limited Tort."

"Full Tort" vs. "Full Coverage"

Some people think they have selected the "Full Tort" option when they believe themselves to have "full coverage," meaning coverage to fix their car and to pay for damage for someone else's injuries. This is not correct. To have "Full Tort" and the unrestricted right to be compensated for injuries of any size, you must insist on "Full Tort" and make sure those two words appear on your policy.

Have you been injured in an auto accident? Contact our Pennsylvania Auto Accident Attorneys and we will advise you of your rights and legal options.

Go on to Part 3: Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection