Difference Between Full Tort and Limited Tort Insurance Coverage

What are your options when it comes to choosing between full tort vs limited tort automotive insurance? What do the terms full tort and limited tort even refer to? These questions are just part of the many different aspects of automobile insurance that you will have to navigate when you are considering what type of auto insurance you need. All fifty states require that drivers have some form of automobile insurance on their vehicles in order to legally operate these vehicles on the road. Full tort and limited tort refer specifically to your legal rights in case of an automobile accident, and the option you choose can greatly affect your options.

Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Coverage

Full tort insurance basically refers to your ability to sue the at-fault party in an automobile accident for various additional damage, such as for pain and suffering. (See also Compensation for pain and suffering with full tort coverage).

Full tort is an option that is typically more costly than limited tort insurance, but which will preserve your ability to recover more money from the party in the accident who was at fault via the legal process. By choosing full tort vs limited tort insurance, you are preserving some of your legal rights at a slightly higher monthly cost than limited tort insurance.

Limited tort insurance still gives you the right to sue for unpaid medical bills, loss of wages due to recovery time spent away from work, and out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the accident including rental car fees, car repairs which are not covered and other related such expenses.

You may also preserve the right to sue for pain and suffering in a limited tort case if you have received severe injuries, were hit by a drunk driver or an uninsured or unlicensed motorist. However, your right to sue for pain and suffering from a minor injury is lost when you choose limited tort insurance coverage.

Making the Choice

Full tort vs. limited tort insurance is a choice that you will have to make depending on a number of factors. If you feel that it is worth the extra peace of mind to you to be able to sue for pain and suffering in the case of a minor auto accident, then full tort coverage might be a better option than limited tort coverage. However, if you are on a budget or if you feel that full tort vs limited tort is not necessary for your lifestyle or for situations you expect to encounter, you may decide to go with the limited tort insurance option to save a little extra money on your monthly bill.

Getting Help

Before choosing which type of coverage you need, you may wish to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in your state. Your attorney can explain to you the different types of coverage and the laws of your state to help you determine how best to protect yourself when buying insurance.

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