Accident Terms and Definitions

Nonrenewal
The termination of an insurance policy at its normal expiration date.

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.

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.

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.

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

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

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

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

Premium
The money paid for an insurance policy based upon the coverage provided.

Limits
The maximum amount of benefits the insurance company agrees to pay in the event of a loss.