| 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 and we will beglad 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.
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. |
| 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 |
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.
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 |
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| Four Clairton Blvd. P.O. Box 18069 Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Phone: 412.892.2424 Fax: 412.653.9463 |