Limited tort vs. full tort is a choice in automobile insurance that determines the extent of an injured driver’s right to recover damages in an accident. Life is full of challenging choices, especially in regard to money. So when investing in auto insurance, you can save money on your monthly premium or spend a bit more to gain more (security, that is) in the long term.
In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, drivers are highly encouraged to opt for the Full Tort option as opposed to Limited Tort. What difference does this choice make? In the event of an accident—everything.
If you choose the Limited Tort option in Pennsylvania, also known as the Lawsuit Threshold option in New Jersey, you would not be able to bring a claim unless you’ve suffered substantial impairment of bodily function as a direct result of the vehicle accident. Therefore, with a lack of severe and lasting bodily harm, you would have to take legal measures to obtain compensation for pain and suffering. In other words, you’ll have to take it to court and place this decision in the hands of a jury.
This situation can get rather inconvenient for the accident victim but proves to be ideal for insurance companies who don’t want to pay out.
With the Full Tort option (or Zero Threshold), you’ll gain peace of mind. If you’re involved in an accident, the person who is responsible will have to pay for your out-of-pocket expenses such as:
- Medical bills
- Loss of wage
- Pain and suffering
- Physical compromise
Basically, any aspects of life—from an inability to sleep or function to the effect on your spouse, if you’re married—would be covered.
As you shop for and compare different insurance policies, keep the Full Tort option in mind. This would provide optimal protection against the catastrophes that often accompany vehicle accidents. Contact us today to learn more.
Limited Tort vs. Full Tort
In automobile insurance, limited tort vs. full tort determines the extent of an injured driver’s right to recover damages after a car accident. Both options affect how and when a person can sue for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages beyond medical bills and lost wages.
Full tort coverage provides the most complete legal rights. Drivers who select full tort retain the unrestricted ability to sue an at-fault driver for both economic damages (like medical expenses, property damage, and lost income) and non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, or loss of life’s pleasures. This means that even after minor injuries, a person can pursue compensation for the full range of harm suffered. Because of this broad protection, full tort policies usually cost more in premiums, but they offer greater legal flexibility and peace of mind.
Limited tort, on the other hand, offers lower insurance premiums but restricts an individual’s right to recover for non-economic damages. Under a limited tort policy, an injured person can generally only recover economic losses—for example, hospital bills and lost wages. To recover for pain and suffering, the injury must meet a legal threshold of being “serious”, typically meaning death, significant impairment of a bodily function, or permanent disfigurement. Minor injuries, no matter how painful or inconvenient, usually do not qualify.
Limited tort vs. full tort involves balancing cost and protection. Limited tort may seem attractive due to lower premiums, but it can severely limit compensation after an accident. Full tort, though more expensive, ensures broader rights and fuller recovery options. For many drivers, understanding these distinctions is essential, as the decision affects not just financial exposure but also the fundamental ability to seek justice after an injury. If you have further questions about the limited tort vs. full tort options, contact our team.
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