Accident Terms and Definitions

Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for damage to your car caused by reason other than collision, such as fire, theft, windstorm, flood, etc.

Witness
Person who testifies under oath before a court, regarding what he/she has seen, heard or otherwise observed.

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

Producer
A term applied to an agent, solicitor or other person who sells insurance.

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.

Subpoena
Document issued by the authority of the court to compel a witness to appear and give testimony or produce documentary evidence in a proceeding. Failure to appear or produce is punishable by contempt of court.

Cancellation
The termination of an insurance policy before its normal expiration date.

Subrogation
The process in which an insurance company, after paying a loss to its insured, recovers the amount of the loss for damages (plus the insured's deductible) from the legally liable party.

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

Surcharge
An extra charge applied to the premium by the insurer, usually for at fault accidents or moving violations.