Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Auto Insurance in 2025 (Differences Explained)

Full tort vs. limited tort auto insurance can make a big difference in the coverage you get after an accident. Full tort auto insurance allows you to sue for pain and suffering, giving you more coverage, especially for serious injuries.

On the other hand, limited tort auto insurance offers lower premiums but limits your ability to sue unless you have severe injuries. Understanding these options helps you choose the right tort auto insurance for your needs.

 

If you’re looking for the best auto insurance quotes by state, consider comparing quotes from different companies to find the best deal.

To find out if you can get cheaper auto insurance rates, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool to instantly compare rates from various companies near you.

Understanding Tort Systems in Auto Insurance

First – what is the ‘tort’ system? In short, if your state uses the ‘tort’ system when an automobile accident occurs, one of the parties involved will be determined to be the party that caused the accident, and this person is labeled the ‘at fault’ party.

It is this party and their auto insurance that will be subject to paying the victims’ accident-related medical treatment and property damage costs, and in many states, this party will be open to lawsuits for damages as well; this is why it’s referred to as the ‘tort’ system.

Let’s see how other places define the “tort” system in regard to auto insurance.

Tort System in Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association

This is a system where the driver who is at fault for causing a traffic crash is responsible for paying the victim’s medical expenses and compensating for additional damages, such as loss of wages and “pain and suffering.”

Read more: Affordable Full Coverage Auto Insurance

Tort System in Automobile.com

The traditional tort is designed to pay for the medical expenses of another party in the event of an accident caused by the policyholder. The insurance does not pay the policyholder’s medical expenses.

Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider

The process of proving that an accident occurred, the policyholder was at fault, and the medical expenses that came from the accident are the responsibility of the party making a claim.

In states that follow tort insurance, the driver who caused the accident pays for the other person’s damages. The most common tort auto insurance claim usually involves injuries from car accidents, where the victim can ask for money to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Knowing how this works helps drivers understand their rights and what their insurance covers.

Explore the different types of auto insurance coverage to understand how tort insurance works and what it covers.

Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Full Tort Auto Insurance: Explained

Full tort auto insurance gives you the most coverage if you’re hurt in an accident. The main purpose of tort auto insurance is to let you sue the person who caused the accident for both financial and emotional damages, like medical bills and pain and suffering.

With full tort, you can also seek compensation for things like emotional distress or loss of quality of life, which you might not be able to with other types of insurance.

That’s why full tort is considered one of the most important tort insurance options. It’s a good choice if you want to make sure you get full compensation, especially if you’re seriously injured.

In states like Pennsylvania, where you have to choose between full tort and limited tort, it’s important to understand the differences so you can pick the best insurance for your needs.

Read more: 10 Best Auto Insurance Companies 

Limited Tort Auto Insurance: Explained

Understanding what limited tort is can help you make the right choice when selecting car insurance. With limited tort auto insurance, you agree to lower premiums, but your ability to sue for pain and suffering is restricted unless your injuries are considered severe.

Today is #InsuranceAwarenessDay! Do you know what type of auto insurance policy you have? We always encourage drivers to maintain a full tort policy. Watch to learn why! #CarInsuranceTips pic.twitter.com/IeTRmshGn4

— Freeburn Law (@PAInjurylaw) June 28, 2021

This means that if you’re in an accident and suffer minor injuries, like whiplash or bruises, you may not be able to recover extra compensation beyond medical expenses and lost wages. Choosing limited tort auto insurance can save you money upfront, but it comes with limitations if you ever need to file a claim.

Some states, like Pennsylvania, allow drivers to choose between full and limited tort, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. If you’re unsure what limited tort is and how it impacts your rights, reviewing your policy and consulting with an insurance expert can help you make an informed decision.

Read more: Affordable Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Auto Insurance Coverage

Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Auto Insurance: Laws and Regulations in Your State

In the U.S., 38 states operate under the ‘tort’ system for auto insurance, while 12 states follow a ‘no-fault’ insurance system. The primary difference between the two is that in ‘no-fault’ states, drivers buy Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs, regardless of who caused the accident.

On the other hand, the ‘tort’ system allows the at-fault party’s insurance to cover injury claims, but it can get more complicated with two options: Full Tort and Limited Tort.

Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Auto Insurance: Cost Differences, Coverage Limits, and Legal Implications

With full tort coverage, if you’re injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you can sue the responsible party for pain and suffering, giving you more flexibility. In limited tort states, however, the ability to sue for additional damages is restricted, typically only allowing lawsuits for serious injuries, which can be hard to prove.

Understanding whether your state operates under full tort or limited tort laws is essential, so it’s best to check with your insurer or your state’s insurance office to be sure.

Read more: Does auto insurance cover whiplash symptoms?

Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Full Tort vs. Limited Tort Auto Insurance: Key Differences

When you’re buying auto insurance, it’s in your best interest to know about the difference between full and limited tort because it impacts how much protection you will have if you’re injured in an accident.

• Full Tort: With full tort, you can sue for both financial damages (like medical bills or lost wages) and non-financial damages (such as pain and suffering). It gives you more freedom to claim if you’re seriously injured in an accident.
• Limited Tort: Limited tort is cheaper but limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries are very serious. It helps save money on your premiums but gives you less compensation if you’re injured.
• Full Tort vs. Limited Tort in Pennsylvania: In Pennsylvania, drivers must choose between full tort and limited tort coverage. Full tort gives you more options if you need to sue, while limited tort is more affordable but has restrictions on what you can claim.

When deciding between full tort vs. limited tort insurance, think about whether you want extra protection or lower insurance costs.

Read more: Understanding How Auto Insurance Works

Full Tort vs. Limited Auto Insurance: What They Mean for You

The debate over what tort insurance is and what limited tort means has been going on for years in many state legislatures, with most states sticking to the same system or switching to the other.

While more states use the tort auto insurance coverage system, which lets drivers sue for pain and suffering, supporters of limited tort say their insurance costs are lower. They don’t have to worry if the other driver has enough coverage.

In full tort states, drivers can get extra protection with policies like Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured Motorist Protection, so the need for what limited tort means isn’t as big of a concern.

If you live in a full tort state, it’s important to understand your options and get the coverage you need. Instead of just going with the state’s minimum insurance, it’s a good idea to get more coverage, like tort auto insurance coverage, to protect yourself if something serious happens. This way, you’ll be better covered no matter which system your state uses.

Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool to find the best auto insurance providers for your needs and budget.

Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption