Accident Terms and Definitions

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

Private Passenger Automobile
Four-wheeled motor vehicles of the private passenger, station wagon, or van type. Private passenger automobiles are designed for use on public highways and subject to motor vehicle registration.

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

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.

Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for damage to your car caused by reason other than collision, such as fire, theft, windstorm, flood, etc.

Insurer
The insurance company providing the insurance.

Comparative Negligence
The percentage of fault shared by each driver in an accident in which both contribute to causing the collision.

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

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

Policy
Written contract of insurance.