Terms and Definitions - Car Insurance

Additional Interest Insured
A company or person who has been named as an additional interest insured on a policy can be liable for an accident that involves an insured person or vehicle. For example, a lienholder can be an additional interest insured.

Anti-Theft Device
A device, either active or passive, that attempts to prevent vehicle theft. Active anti-theft devices can track and recover a vehicle and automatically contact a response center to begin the vehicle recovery process. Passive anti-theft devices attempt to prevent theft by using sophisticated electronic car alarms, simple steering wheel locks, etc.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage (BI)
If an insured person is legally liable for an accident, BI coverage pays for injuries/death to people involved in the accident other than the insured driver. BI also pays for legal defense costs if you are sued. Certain exclusions may apply. Refer to your policy.

Comprehensive Coverage
If your insured vehicle is damaged due to an event other than a collision, Comprehensive coverage will pay for the damage. This includes damages from fire, theft, windstorm, flood and vandalism. If your vehicle is stolen, Comprehensive covers transportation and loss of use expenses when applicable.

Collision Coverage
When your insured vehicle overturns or collides with another object, Collision coverage pays for the damage to your vehicle. Collision coverage also may extend to a non-owned vehicle or one rented for personal use that is in your custody or that you are operating. Certain exclusions may apply. Refer to your policy.

Continuously Insured
Being continuously insured means your insurance coverage from an insurer or more than one insurer was in effect at all times, without a break or lapse in coverage for any reason.

Declarations Page (Dec Page)
Also known as an auto insurance coverage summary, this page is provided by your insurance company and lists the following:

  • Types of coverage you have elected
  • Limit for each coverage
  • Cost for each coverage
  • Specified vehicles covered by the policy
  • Types of coverage for each vehicle covered by the policy
  • Other information applicable to the policy

Deductible
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket for damage resulting from a specific loss or accident. Generally, choosing a higher deductible will lower your premium.


Driver Improvement Course
Drivers age 55 and older can take a voluntary driver improvement course to refresh and enhance their driving skills. Taking this course may qualify these drivers for a discount if they meet eligibility requirements.

Driver Status
People can be added to policies with the following types of driver status:

  • Rated – Actively drive vehicles on the policy
  • Excluded – Not allowed to drive vehicles on the policy and will not be covered under your policy in the event of an accident
  • Listed – Residents of the household who do not drive the vehicles on the policy (such as a roommate)

Full Coverage
"Full coverage" is a common term that people use to describe how much auto insurance coverage they have. Though there is no such thing as "full coverage," it often implies that the policy has more than just Liability coverage.


Garaging Location
A garaging location is the place you primarily park your vehicle when you're not using it. Generally, this is your primary residence.


Limits
An insurance coverage limit is selected by you and is the most an insurance company will pay for damages or injuries that apply to the coverage. Most states have laws that specify the minimum limit that must be purchased for each required insurance coverage.


Loan/Lease Payoff Coverage
Loan/Lease Payoff coverage, sometimes called "gap" coverage, pays the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and what your insurance pays if your vehicle is declared a total loss or stolen and not recovered, less your Comprehensive or Collision deductible.

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