Accident Terms and Definitions

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.

Gap Insurance
Insurance that pays the difference between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the amount still to be paid on the loan. Some gap policies may also cover the amount of the deductible.

Summons
Document or writ directing the sheriff or other officer to notify a person that an action has been commenced against him in court and that he is required to appear, on a certain day, and answer the complaint in such action.

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

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.

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.

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.

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

Liability Insurance
Coverage for a policyholder's legal liability resulting from injuries to other persons or damage to their property.

Total Loss
An insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss when a claim exceeds the full value of the vehicle. Insurance companies typically take possession and obtain the title of such vehicles.