Accident Terms and Definitions

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Salvage
Property taken over by an insurer to reduce its loss.

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

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