Accident Terms and Definitions

Binder
A temporary or preliminary agreement which provides coverage until a policy can be issued/delivered.

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

Quote
An estimate of the cost of insurance based on information supplied to the insurance company.

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.

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.

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.

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

Scrapped
Vehicles that have been dismantled and/or crushed and should not return to the road.

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.