| Auto Insurance |
Your auto policy is very involved, fortunately the Internet can answer many
of your questions. If you have a question which is not listed on this page,
type your question in the box at the bottom of this page and we will be
glad to answer any questions you may have.
of your questions. If you have a question which is not listed on this page,
type your question in the box at the bottom of this page and we will be
glad to answer any questions you may have.
Limited & Full Tort
Bodily Injury Liability
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Liability Insurance
Loan/Lease Payoff
Protection
Medical Payment
Bodily Injury Liability
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Liability Insurance
Loan/Lease Payoff
Protection
Medical Payment
Physical Damage
Property Damage Liability
Rental Reimbursement
Towing & Labor
Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
Uninsured Motorist (UM)
Stacked/UnStacked
Property Damage Liability
Rental Reimbursement
Towing & Labor
Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
Uninsured Motorist (UM)
Stacked/UnStacked
Question: What is a Tort? (And why would I limit it?)
Your options:
Limited Tort: Limits your right to sue for pain and suffering, except in cases of
serious injury. This "limited-tort" option qualifies you for a
reduction in your premium.
Full Tort: Does not limit your right to sue. This "full-tort" option is not
eligible for a reduced premium.
Your options:
Limited Tort: Limits your right to sue for pain and suffering, except in cases of
serious injury. This "limited-tort" option qualifies you for a
reduction in your premium.
Full Tort: Does not limit your right to sue. This "full-tort" option is not
eligible for a reduced premium.
Question: If I choose the "limited-tort" option, what am I giving up?
You are giving up the right to sue for non-economic damages, more commonly known as
"pain and suffering," except in cases of serious injury. The law defines serious injury as
death, serious impairment of body function or permanent, serious disfigurement. If your
injury is determined to be serious, you will keep your right to sue for non-economic
damages even if you have elected limited tort.
This selection will be effective whether you are going after the responsible driver's
insurance company or if you are filing the claim with your own, under and uninsured or
underinsured motorist claim.
You are giving up the right to sue for non-economic damages, more commonly known as
"pain and suffering," except in cases of serious injury. The law defines serious injury as
death, serious impairment of body function or permanent, serious disfigurement. If your
injury is determined to be serious, you will keep your right to sue for non-economic
damages even if you have elected limited tort.
This selection will be effective whether you are going after the responsible driver's
insurance company or if you are filing the claim with your own, under and uninsured or
underinsured motorist claim.
Question: Apart from serious injury, are there any other exceptions
if I choose limited tort?
Even if you have elected limited tort, you can still sue for pain and suffering under certain
circumstances. Common examples are when the responsible drive is convicted of or
accepts Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for driving under the influence of
alcohol or a controlled substance, or if the responsible driver's vehicle is registered in
another state.
if I choose limited tort?
Even if you have elected limited tort, you can still sue for pain and suffering under certain
circumstances. Common examples are when the responsible drive is convicted of or
accepts Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for driving under the influence of
alcohol or a controlled substance, or if the responsible driver's vehicle is registered in
another state.
Question: If I choose limited tort, can I still be sued by someone else?
Yes. Your selection of limited tort applies to your ability to sue others under your policy.
Should you be at fault in an accident, the injured parties can seek recovery from you for
any economic damages. Their ability to sue you for non-economic damages is determined
by whether they elected the limited-tort or full-tort option on their own policy.
Yes. Your selection of limited tort applies to your ability to sue others under your policy.
Should you be at fault in an accident, the injured parties can seek recovery from you for
any economic damages. Their ability to sue you for non-economic damages is determined
by whether they elected the limited-tort or full-tort option on their own policy.
Question: What do I get in return for choosing limited tort?
You could receive a reduction in premium for choosing limited tort. Beginning in 2004,
you could receive up to a 40 percent reduction in premium for bodily injury, first-party
benefits and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
You could receive a reduction in premium for choosing limited tort. Beginning in 2004,
you could receive up to a 40 percent reduction in premium for bodily injury, first-party
benefits and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Question: Do these savings apply to other parts of my auto coverage?
No. The premium for other coverage under your personal automobile policy such as
comprehensive and collision are not affected by your tort selection.
No. The premium for other coverage under your personal automobile policy such as
comprehensive and collision are not affected by your tort selection.
Question: How do I know what I should do?
Making such a personal decision about your options is yours-and yours alone under the
law. As your professional independent agent, I can help explain these tort options and
your policy coverage choices. Our agency's job is to help provide you with information
on these choices so can make informed decisions.
Making such a personal decision about your options is yours-and yours alone under the
law. As your professional independent agent, I can help explain these tort options and
your policy coverage choices. Our agency's job is to help provide you with information
on these choices so can make informed decisions.
| **This brochure is intended to help consumers understand tort choices under Pennsylvania's Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law and is not a substitute for your responsibility to make your own choices under the law. |
| Serving the Pittsburgh Area for 60 Years |
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| Questions or Comments Please email us! |
| Ricci & Associates Four Clairton Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Phone- 412-892-2424 Phone- 412-653-0303 Fax- 412-653-9463 |
| Proud Members Of |
| Encompass Insurance |
Question: If I choose limited tort, can I still sue for my economic
damages, such as unpaid medical bills, unreimbursed
lost wages or other out-of-pocket expenses?
Yes. You can still sue to recover these damages.
damages, such as unpaid medical bills, unreimbursed
lost wages or other out-of-pocket expenses?
Yes. You can still sue to recover these damages.
| Limited Tort vs. Full Tort What it means to you |