Q: What is Tort?

A: There are two options you have when it comes to your “Tort” Options. The first is “Limited Tort”. The Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania give you the right to choose a form of insurance that limits your right, and the right of members of your household to seek financial compensation for injuries caused by other drivers. Under this form of insurance, you and other household members covered under this policy may seek recovery for all medical and other out-of-pocket expenses, but not for pain and suffering or other nonmonetary damages unless the injuries suffered fall within the definition of “series injury” as set forth in the policy, or unless one of several other exceptions noted in the policy applies. The annual premium will be less for this option.

The second option is “Full Tort”. The laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also give you the right to choose a form of insurance under which you maintain an unrestricted right for you and the members of your household to seek financial compensation for injuries caused by other drivers. Under this form of insurance, you and other household members covered under this policy may seek recovery for all medical and other out-of-pocket expenses and may also seek financial compensation for pain and suffering and other nonmonetary damages as a result of injuries caused by other drivers. The annual premium for this option will be greater.

Q: What should I do in the event of an auto accident?

A: yourself, your auto and any other property from further damage. You should call the police as soon as possible if someone is injured, damage is extensive, or if you need assistance. Do not say you’re liable, or sign a statement, unless authorized by your insurance company. Gather as much information as possible about the other vehicle(s) involved, persons injured and witnesses. Report the claim to your insurance company immediately. If you are a commercial driver, let your employer know about the accident right away.

Q: What is a broker?

A: One who represents an insured in the solicitation, negotiation, or procurement of contracts of insurance, an who may render services incidental to those functions. Brokers may also be licensed as agents.

Q: What is an application?

A: A questionnaire that is filled out by an agent and the prospect seeking insurance. The forms contains rating and underwriting information. The applicant is expected to make representations by answering questions to the best of his knowledge (truthfully).

Q: What is a Business Owners Policy (BOP)?

A: A commercial package policy designed for certain types of small businesses, combining Property and Liability.

Q: What is Insurance?

A: A social device that protects people against certain types of financial losses by transferring pure risk from individuals to a group. Insurance involved the pooling of a large number of individual risks. Fund to cover individual losses are raised by collecting small amount of money (premiums) from a broad base of buyers.

Q: What does No-Fault Insurance mean?

A: A form of Auto insurance mandated by law in many states whereby an insurance company reimburses its insured for auto losses, regardless of fault, and without resort to subrogation.

Q: What is considered a private passenger auto?

A: Ordinary cars, station wagons and jeeps, utility autos (pickups, panel trucks, and delivery vans not sued commercially), and utility trailers designed to be pulled by a private passenger auto.

Q: What is Professional Liability?

A: Liability arising out of the rendering or failure to render services of a professional nature.

Q: What is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage?

A: Uninsured Motorist coverage is designed to provide Bodily Injury protection for the insured should she be involved in an accident in which the driver at fault has no insurance to cover the loss. Underinsured Motorist coverage stacks coverage for an insured onto inadequate coverage of an individual who negligently caused injury to that insured.