Accident Terms and Definitions

Commission
That portion of the premium paid to the agent as compensation for his or her services.

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.

Witness
Person who testifies under oath before a court, regarding what he/she has seen, heard or otherwise observed.

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

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.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)
Provides coverage for a policyholder involved in a collision with a driver who does not have liability insurance.

Binder
A temporary or preliminary agreement which provides coverage until a policy can be issued/delivered.

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

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

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.