Accident Terms and Definitions

Exclusion
A contractual provision in an insurance policy that denies coverage for certain perils, persons, property, or locations.

Private Passenger Automobile
Four-wheeled motor vehicles of the private passenger, station wagon, or van type. Private passenger automobiles are designed for use on public highways and subject to motor vehicle registration.

Scrapped
Vehicles that have been dismantled and/or crushed and should not return to the road.

Medical Payments Coverage
Covers the medical costs (up to the specified limit you choose) resulting from an auto accident for you, your family, and others in your car. It pays regardless of fault.

Comparative Negligence
The percentage of fault shared by each driver in an accident in which both contribute to causing the collision.

Dismantled Title
The vehicle sustained major damage to one or more major component parts and the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value.

Insured
The person(s) entitled to coverage in case of an accident or loss.

Accident
A collision involving an automobile and anything that causes damage to the automobile, including other automobiles, telephone poles, buildings, and trees.

Commissioner of Insurance
The title of the head of most state insurance departments. In some states, the Director or Superintendent of Insurance is used instead.

Summons
Document or writ directing the sheriff or other officer to notify a person that an action has been commenced against him in court and that he is required to appear, on a certain day, and answer the complaint in such action.