Limited vs. Full Tort in Pennsylvania: Which Should You Choose?

Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states with a 'choice no-fault' system. Your tort selection determines whether you keep the full right to sue an at-fault driver for pain and suffering (non-economic damages) after a crash.

It does not change your ability to recover actual costs like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs — those are covered regardless. It only affects your right to compensation for pain, suffering, and inconvenience.

With full tort, you keep the unrestricted right to sue for pain and suffering after an accident that wasn't your fault. If you're seriously injured, this can matter a great deal.

It typically costs a bit more per month — but for many families, preserving that right is worth the modest difference.

Limited tort lowers your premium in exchange for giving up the right to sue for pain and suffering in most cases. There are exceptions (for example, 'serious injury' as defined by law, or crashes caused by drunk drivers), but those exceptions can be hard to meet and often require litigation.

The savings are real, but so is the trade-off. If you're on a tight budget, limited tort can make sense — just go in with eyes open.

If you can comfortably afford the difference, full tort generally gives you more protection for what's usually a small monthly increase. If every dollar counts, limited tort is a legitimate way to cut costs.

The right answer depends on your budget, health coverage, and risk tolerance. We're happy to price both options side by side so you can see the actual difference before you choose.