Auto Insurance Lawyers Pittsburgh Pennsylvania PA Attorneys

Caroselli Beachler McTiernan & Conboy LLC
Phone: 412-391-9860
Email: info@cbmclaw.com

Social Security Disability / SSI
Personal Injury Law
Workers´ Compensation
Auto Insurance

Your Insurance Options

What is the major difference between the Full Tort and Limited Tort options?
When buying automobile insurance you must choose between Full Tort and Limited Tort coverage. (Tort refers to the right to make a claim for an injury that another person caused.)
Full Tort guarantees you the right to sue for pain and suffering if you are injured by another person's negligence, or fault, no matter how seriously you are injured.
Limited Tort, however, limits your right to sue unless your injuries are "serious." Although Limited Tort was presented to consumers as a way to save money on insurance premiums, it is not worth the small amount you save if you are in an accident and sustain less than a "serious" bodily injury.

The only time Limited Tort coverage would be sufficient is when your injuries are considered "serious," which could mean death, serious impairment of a bodily function, or a permanent serious disfigurement. Injuries which most people would consider serious, such as a broken arm or leg, have been found by the courts not to be serious.

We recommend you purchase full tort coverage for the best protection possible in case of an accident.

Do I need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage?
Every driver in the state of Pennsylvania is required to carry a minimum amount of automobile insurance, yet nearly 10% of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured, with many more being underinsured. If you are injured by an uninsured, you cannot collect damages. Uninsured Motorist coverage will provide you with the coverage you need. Underinsured Motorist coverage will assure that you have adequate medical protection should you be injured by a driver with inadequate coverage.

We recommend that you choose both the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Combined with the full tort option, this will provide you and your family with the protection that you need.

What other coverage options do you recommend I purchase?
Other options are available. Like Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, they will give you the best possible protection.
Income Loss coverage enables you to collect for lost wages from your insurance company should your injuries keep you out of work for any length of time.
Stacking of Limits for Uninsured/Underinsured coverage is recommended if there are two or more automobiles in your household.
That way your Uninsured/Underinsured coverage would equal the total coverage for all the vehicles in your household.
Collision insurance pays for the damages to your car that are cause by a collision with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive insurance pays if your car is stolen or for damages to that are caused by such things as fire, flood, vandalism, etc.

Is there any way I can save money on my insurance premium?

You can save money on your insurance premiums by:

Raising the deductible on your collision and comprehensive insurance

Not carrying collision and comprehensive coverage on old cars worth less than $1000

Buying cars that are considered safer, less expensive to repair, and are stolen less often

Comparison shopping insurance companies; premiums can very greatly

Also ask for discounts for:

Seat belts
Air bags
Anti-theft devices
Approved Driver's Education courses
Safe driving records
Multi-vehicle coverage
Low mileage driving

Remember: You have the right to change your policy at any time. Be sure to get any changes in writing.

Can my premium be increased after I make a claim to my insurance company?
If you are in an automobile accident, your insurance company cannot increase your premium if you or someone covered under your policy makes a claim and was paid – unless it is determined that you or the other insured was at fault.

When do I need an attorney?
If you are injured in automobile accident, you should seek the advice of attorney immediately – BEFORE you sign any papers. Once you sign any documents for an insurance company, you may have permanently given up your rights to sue for damages.
You should call an attorney if you wish to make a claim against the person who caused your injuries.
At Caroselli Beachler, we offer a free initial consultation on your rights. And we only represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not charge a fee unless we recover damages on your behalf.*
If you have any question on the information on this website, or would like a free consultation, call us at 412-391-9860 or toll free at 1- 800-222-8816.

*Certain expenses may apply in addition to fees.

We understand the importance of providing the best possible protection for your family and your self. Therefore, we would like to recommend the following as a guideline for minimum coverage:

Recommended Coverage

Full Tort

Medical Benefits: $5,000 is required minimum, but we recommend taking at least $10,000

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Not required, but we recommend a minimum, of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per occurrence

Stacking of Limits of Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage: Not required, but we recommend the same coverage as above multiplied by the number of vehicles in your household

Income Loss Benefit: Not required, but we recommend $15, 000 of coverage ($1000 per month for a maximum of fifteen months)

Accidental Death/Funeral Benefits: You may purchase up to $25,000 in accidental death and $2,500 in funeral benefits. (If you have adequate life insurance, you may need this coverage.)

Bodily Injury Liability: This will pay the expenses for someone you might injure or kill in an auto accident – if you are at fault. We recommend that you take a minimum coverage of $25, 000 per person/$50,000 per occurrence.

Home - Our Firm - Practice Areas - Attorneys - Q & A - Contact Us - Online Resources
Site Map