Accident Terms and Definitions

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

Airbag Deployment
Occurs when the driver, passenger or side airbag has been used or deployed during a crash or other incident.

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.

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

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

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

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

Towing & Labor Coverage
Pays for towing charges when your car can’t be driven. Also pays labor charges, such as changing a flat tire, at the place where your car broke down.

Misdemeanor
Criminal offenses less than felonies; generally those punishable by fine or imprisonment of less than 90 days in a local facility. A gross misdemeanor is a criminal offense for which an adult could be sent to jail for up to one year, pay a fine up to $5,000 or both.

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.