Auto Insurance In Pennsylvania, Full Or Limited Tort ?
If you are an internet shopper you may not even know what a tort option is. Many times the popular on-line companies will simply quote you the lowest cost option. This can be a terribly costly mistake when you've suffered injuries and medical bills because of someone's negligence.
Choosing a tort option that fits with your lifestyle and beliefs will help you avoid the frustration and confusion if you do suffer a loss. Finding a qualified/trusted agent when you shop for auto insurance in pa can be your best weapon.
Pennsylvania auto insurance has a unique law that allows the consumer to make a choice regarding their "tort" option. Tort is simply your right to sue. In pennsylvania auto insurance law the choice to limit your right to sue or retain your full right to sue is on your shoulders. You signed a form when you got your policy that said you understood the choice you made. Most people barely remember getting the insurance, much less the forms they signed.
Here are the two choices:
Full Tort- Retaining all your rights to sue for "pain and suffering" What is pain and suffering ? It is being compensated for the fact that you were injured. Irregardless of the extent of your injuries, under the full tort option, the responsible persons insurance company is required to contact you with an offer. Whether you negotiate a better settlement is up to you. The fact remains that you will receive an offer to settle if you suffered any type of injury whatsoever.
Limited Tort- By far the most popular option in Pennsylvania auto insurance. The limited tort option is normally 10-15% cheaper than the Full Tort option. By choosing limited tort you have agreed to "limit" your right to recover for "pain and suffering" if you are injured in an auto accident. How much have you limited your rights ? Normally this is decided by the courts. This means you can initiate a law suit, spend the money and then find out you are not eligible under the pennsylvania state law. Limited torts definition has been challenged by many in the past ten years. The limits are this, it must be a serious or permanent injury. Exceptions to the limited tort are being involved in an accident with an "out of state" driver or a driver who is determined to be under the influence of alcohol.
Be very careful when making your choice. Review the choice you have on your policy right now and get a price on changing the option if you are not satisfied. Your family's rights depend on your choice.
