Limited Tort vs. Full Tort: Why Pennsylvania Drivers Get Burned

If you live in Pennsylvania and own a car, you had to pick between limited tort and full tort coverage when you bought your insurance.

Most people pick limited tort because it’s cheaper. And most of them regret it.

• Full Tort : You keep your right to sue for pain and suffering no matter how serious your injuries are.
• Limited Tort : You give up that right unless your injuries cross a “serious” threshold.

That threshold is fuzzy. It often means you can be hurt, miss work, and rack up medical bills, but if the injury isn’t considered severe enough under the law, you’re out of luck.

Money. Limited tort policies cost less each month, so people think they’re saving. But when an accident happens, the savings vanish compared to what you can lose.

Delaware doesn’t have a tort election system. Whether your injuries are minor or catastrophic, you can always make a claim.

If you’re rear-ended and end up with neck and back pain that lingers for months, limited tort might block you from recovering for your suffering, even though the crash wasn’t your fault. With full tort, you’d be able to make that claim.

It’s slightly more expensive, but it’s the only way to protect yourself. Insurance companies pushed for limited tort to cut their payouts, not to help drivers. Don’t let them sell you short.

If you’re in Pennsylvania, don’t gamble on limited tort. Pay a little more now for full tort, or risk being stuck later when you need protection most.