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.

Claim
Notice to an insurer of a loss that under the terms and conditions of a policy may be covered.

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

Vehicle ID No. (VIN)
This 17 character number is unique to each vehicle. It identifies characteristics of the vehicle, including manufacturer, year, model, body, engine specifications, and serial number.

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.

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.

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

Insurer
The insurance company providing the insurance.

Airbag Deployment
Occurs when the driver, passenger or side airbag has been used or deployed during a crash or other incident.