What Is Limited Tort in Pennsylvania?

Part of the PhillyLegalConnect Quick Answer Series
Simple answers to Pennsylvania’s most common accident and insurance questions.

Quick Answer

Limited Tort is an automobile insurance option available in Pennsylvania that generally lowers your insurance premium in exchange for limiting your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering after a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence. Even with Limited Tort, you may still recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage when appropriate. Pennsylvania law also recognizes several exceptions that may restore a Limited Tort driver’s ability to seek compensation for pain and suffering. Every accident is different, and your legal rights depend on the specific facts of your case.

Key Takeaways

• Limited Tort generally costs less than Full Tort coverage.
• It primarily affects your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering.
• Limited Tort does not automatically prevent you from recovering medical bills, lost wages, or property damage.
• Pennsylvania law recognizes several exceptions that may restore Full Tort rights in certain situations.
• Understanding your coverage before an accident can help you make informed insurance decisions.

Understanding Limited Tort

When purchasing automobile insurance in Pennsylvania, drivers are generally asked to choose between Limited Tort and Full Tort coverage.

Many people select Limited Tort because it usually reduces the cost of their insurance premium. In exchange for those savings, however, Limited Tort generally restricts your ability to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, following an accident caused by another driver’s negligence. The amount of savings varies from one insurance company and policy to another.

This does not mean you lose all of your legal rights. In many situations, drivers with Limited Tort may still recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other economic losses. In addition, Pennsylvania law recognizes several exceptions that may allow a Limited Tort policyholder to pursue pain and suffering damages under certain circumstances.

Choosing between Limited Tort and Full Tort involves balancing insurance costs with the legal protections that may become important after an accident. Reviewing your coverage before an accident occurs can help you better understand your options.

Learn More on PhillyLegalConnect

Continue exploring Pennsylvania automobile insurance and accident claims with these related guides:

• What Is Full Tort in Pennsylvania?
• Can I Sue With Limited Tort in Pennsylvania?
• Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Pennsylvania Car Accident?
• Pennsylvania Injury Playbook

What To Do Next

If you’re unsure whether you have Limited Tort or Full Tort coverage:

• Review your automobile insurance declarations page.
• Ask your insurance company to explain your current coverage and available options.
• Compare the costs and benefits of Limited Tort and Full Tort before your next policy renewal.
• Learn how Pennsylvania’s insurance laws may affect your rights if you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident.
• Review your coverage before renewing your automobile insurance policy so you understand your options before an accident happens.