Full tort

Full tort is the lawsuit option in Pennsylvania's choice no-fault system that preserves your right to sue an at-fault driver for all damages, including noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering, however minor or serious the injury. New Jersey's equivalent is called the "no limitation on lawsuit" option.

It is the alternative to limited tort, which costs less but bars pain-and-suffering claims unless an injury meets the state's serious-injury threshold or an exception applies. In Pennsylvania, full tort is the default: under 75 Pa.C.S. 1705, a named insured who does not respond to the election notice is presumed to have chosen it. In New Jersey the default runs the other way, toward the lawsuit limitation.

Under either option, your own personal injury protection or first-party medical benefits still pay your medical bills regardless of fault. The tort choice affects only what you can recover from the other driver beyond those benefits, and the decision usually applies to you and resident relatives covered under the policy. Full tort makes the most sense for drivers who want the strongest recovery rights for themselves and their families; compare the premium difference before choosing. See choice no-fault.