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.

Flood Damage Title
States issue flood titles when a vehicle has been in a flood or has received extensive water damage.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Nonrenewal
The termination of an insurance policy at its normal expiration date.

Broker
A person who for payment of a fee procures insurance on your behalf.