What are Pa laws on tort requirements for Insurance companies?
UPDATED: Oct 14, 2020
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After selecting limited tort on my auto insurance, a month or two later it was changed to full tort. I was told that by law they had to send a form out asking me again what my tort options were and if I did not send it back it would be changed to full tort. I did not send it back because I had already made my choice on the policy when I bought it. In fact I did not even read that part of the letter. Is this a state law and can they make the change without my permission?”
Asked June 5, 2017
1 Answer
Pennsylvania car insurance laws are very clear. By law, for any driver to legally drive, they have to have auto insurance. There are two options the driver can select, and they are a full tort or a limited tort coverage.
Limited Tort Coverage Changed to Full Tort Coverage
If you sign up for limited coverage initially, you have to explicitly choose limited coverage to stay with that plan. If you receive a letter in the mail and fail to reply to it, your coverage will be changed to full tort coverage. This happens because your auto insurance company sees not responding to the letter as agreeing to upgrade your protection. The Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (MVFRL) states that it is the insured driver's responsibility to confirm or deny coverage changes and failure to do so will result in limited tort coverage being changed to full tort coverage. You can find more information here: http://www.insurance.pa.gov/Coverage/Documents/Auto%20Guide.pdf
Limited Tort and Full Tort Coverage
Limited tort coverage is the cheaper option for insurance. You are still covered for medical expenses and car repairs as you would be by full tort coverage; however, you are limited to the number of damages you can claim. You will not be able to claim or receive payments for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet specific law requirements.
Full tort coverage is the more expensive option for insurance choices. You are covered for medical expenses and car repairs, along with unrestricted rights to get payments for pain and suffering.
Answered June 7, 2017 by bestrates