Limited vs. complete tort: what’s the difference?

Print anything with Printful



Auto insurance policies offer comprehensive and limited tort options, with the former allowing policyholders to sue for pain and suffering. Many companies offer tort as an optional coverage, with limited tort reducing premiums by up to 15%. Actual injuries are covered regardless of the tort option, and the policyholder’s ability to sue only applies if another driver caused the accident.

Comprehensive tort and limited tort are options offered on some auto insurance policies; Not all auto insurance companies give customers the choice of limited tort, but it is important to understand the risks and benefits of this choice if it is offered. In auto insurance, a full tort policy allows the policyholder to sue the operator of the other vehicle in a traffic accident for damages related to pain and suffering, if that person was responsible for the accident. In tort, you waive your right to sue for pain and suffering, but other expenses related to injury or property damage are still covered.

The limited tort and the complete tort are solely related to the damages summons for pain and suffering. As a result, many auto insurance companies have made tort an optional coverage for policyholders. Individuals are free to choose this coverage, or not, based on the likelihood that they will sue someone for pain and suffering if they are involved in an auto accident. Many people choose limited tort coverage, if available, because it can help reduce their auto insurance premiums by a certain percentage.

This percentage usually doesn’t exceed 10 or 15 percent, but it can vary between different auto insurance companies. Waiving comprehensive tort coverage will generally require policyholders to sign a form acknowledging that they have waived coverage. If an individual changes their mind later, full tort coverage can be added back, usually by simply calling the company and paying the difference in premium. Which option you choose is a personal decision, although auto insurance companies often recommend choosing the full tort option for obvious reasons; people on a budget often find a limited tort acceptable to them, however.

It is important to remember that this option will only come into play if an accident caused by another person causes you pain and suffering and you decide to sue them for this mental or emotional distress. Actual injuries requiring medical attention will usually be covered by your auto insurance policy, regardless of the tort option you choose. Keep in mind that if the policyholder causes the accident, the tort options made make no difference; they apply only to the insured’s ability to sue the operator of the other vehicle that caused the accident.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content