- Full Tort:
- Unrestricted Right to Sue: With a full tort insurance policy, you have the unrestricted right to sue the at-fault driver for all types of damages, including both economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering).
- Higher Premiums: Full tort policies typically have higher premiums because they offer greater legal protection and the option to pursue a wider range of damages in a lawsuit.
- Greater Legal Flexibility: If you’re injured in a car accident, you can file a lawsuit without having to meet specific thresholds or requirements regarding the severity of your injuries or the impact on your life.
- Limited Tort:
- Limited Right to Sue: In contrast, a limited tort insurance policy restricts your ability to sue for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless your injuries meet certain criteria. These criteria often include serious injuries, such as death, permanent disfigurement, or impairment of a bodily function.
- Lower Premiums: Limited tort policies generally come with lower premiums because they limit the insurer’s exposure to costly pain and suffering claims.
- Stricter Threshold: To pursue a claim for non-economic damages in a limited tort policy, you must demonstrate that your injuries meet the criteria defined by the policy, which can be challenging and subjective.
