Accident Terms and Definitions

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).

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

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

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

Salvage
Property taken over by an insurer to reduce its loss.

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

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.

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

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

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