Accident Terms and Definitions

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.

Deductible
The amount of the loss which the insured is responsible to pay before benefits from the insurance policy are payable.

Venue
The specific county, city or geographical area in which a court has jurisdiction

Replacement Cost
Replacement cost is the cost of replacing lost or damaged property with new property of like kind and quality, at current market prices.

Collision
Pays for damage to your car caused by a collision with another vehicle or with any other object, regardless who was at fault.

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.

Hit and Run
An accident caused by someone who does not stop to assist or provide the required and necessary information.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for bodily injury or wrongful death caused by an underinsured motor vehicle (that is, a vehicle which is insured, but at an amount that is less than your uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) limits).

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)
Provides coverage for a policyholder involved in a collision with a driver who does not have liability insurance.

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.