Accident Terms and Definitions

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

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.

Insurer
The insurance company providing the insurance.

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

Collision
Pays for damage to your car caused by a collision with another vehicle or with any other object, regardless who was at fault.

Venue
The specific county, city or geographical area in which a court has jurisdiction

Subrogation
The process in which an insurance company, after paying a loss to its insured, recovers the amount of the loss for damages (plus the insured's deductible) from the legally liable party.

Deductible
The amount of the loss which the insured is responsible to pay before benefits from the insurance policy are payable.

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

Policy
Written contract of insurance.