Accident Terms and Definitions

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

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.

Full Tort
With this selection you retain unrestricted rights to bring suit against the negligent party.

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

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.

Insured
The person(s) entitled to coverage in case of an accident or loss.

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

Junk Title
A Junk Title is issued on a vehicle damaged to the extent that the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value; or a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurer or other state or jurisdiction.

Private Passenger Automobile
Four-wheeled motor vehicles of the private passenger, station wagon, or van type. Private passenger automobiles are designed for use on public highways and subject to motor vehicle registration.

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