Then don't.

PG-13 horror movies aren't all bad. Just because theres no violence, nudity, or swearing doesn't mean the movie still can't be scary as hell. Atmospheric fright is a lot scarier then blood and gore.

I realize that. That's why Insidious, The Ring, and Drag Me to Hell are some of my favorites, and I don't think violence nudity and swearing makes anything better.

Imo violence, nudity or swearing can make everything more "realistic".
And I watch horror for entertainment or because I like the concept, not for the scares. There are only 3 movies that really scared me over the years.

Wait a couple of years =P

I didn't say it makes it worse ;)

Then why the avoidance of PG-13 movies?

The point of a horror movie is to scare. If I don't feel the attempt to scare or they failed at the attempt then I'm gonna like the movie less. All those things can add to realism but not all the time and sometimes can seem forced.

For the most part, they're usually not particularly entertaining or scary. I think Insidious, The Ring, and Drag Me to Hell were good because they had the right directors attached, and the stories for each of them were interesting. Other PG-13 horror films like The Grudge, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, One Missed Call, and The Possession were horrible.

Also, The Conjuring is proof that a movie doesn't need to have gore, sex or profanity to be rated R.

So by your own admission, a PG-13 horror movie can be good so there really shouldnt be a reason to avoid them. I think you have other problems with those movies besides them being PG-13. Seems like a silly reason to me to not watch a movie.

violence nudity and swearing makes everything better...

Exhibit 1 your honour:

http://au.playstation.com/media/KLg5...eature_vf1.jpg

I can provide another 150+ examples if need be.

I'm not saying a movie is bad because it's PG-13. I'm saying, more often than not, a PG-13 horror movies are usually bad.