Accident Terms and Definitions

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

Loss Due To Fire Title
The vehicle sustained major damage due to fire. In most states, fire damage titles are issued when the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value.

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

Quote
An estimate of the cost of insurance based on information supplied to the insurance company.

Premium
The money paid for an insurance policy based upon the coverage provided.

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

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.

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.

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

Claim
Notice to an insurer of a loss that under the terms and conditions of a policy may be covered.