Auto Insurance Terms You Should Know

Auto insurance can be confusing at times. Policies often contain a variety of terms that can be difficult to understand, especially for someone without a background in insurance.

The following is a list of common auto insurance terms to keep in mind the next time you meet with your insurance broker:

• Accident report form: Sometimes referred to as a police report, this form contains important information about an auto accident, such as circumstances that led to an accident, the parties involved and details regarding the citations given.
• At fault: This term refers to the degree to which a party caused or contributed to an accident. This term is often used to determine whose auto insurance company pays for specific portions of damages incurred as the result of an accident.
• Automobile liability insurance: This refers to a type of insurance that provides coverage when a party causes an accident and either physical or property damage occurs.
• Bodily injury liability coverage: This type of insurance provides coverage for injuries or deaths to people involved in the accident other than the insured driver. This coverage kicks in if an insured person is legally liable for an accident and also provides coverage for defense costs if the insured is sued.
• Claims adjuster: A claims adjuster is a representative from an insurance company who investigates and settles claims. This person’s job is to ensure that all parties involved in an accident receive fair compensation.
• Collision coverage: A form of auto insurance that provides for reimbursement for loss to a covered vehicle due to its colliding with another vehicle, object or the overturn of the automobile.
• Comprehensive coverage: This coverage pays for any repairs not directly related to a collision. This includes damages from fires, thefts, windstorms, floods and vandalism.
• Covered loss: A covered loss is any damage to yourself, your vehicle, other people or property covered by your insurance policy.
• Declarations page: Sometimes referred to as an auto insurance coverage summary, this is a document provided by an insurance company. These documents list the following for policyholders:
  • The types of coverage elected
  • Specific limits for each coverage
  • The cost of each coverage
  • Specific vehicles covered by the policy
  • Types of coverage for each vehicle covered by the policy
• Deductible: A deductible is the portion of a covered loss that a policyholder agrees to pay out of pocket.
• Endorsement: Any change, addition or optional coverage added to an insurance policy. An endorsement may require additional premium.
• Garaging location: A garaging location refers to the primary location you park your car when it’s not in use.