Accident Terms and Definitions

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

Subpoena
Document issued by the authority of the court to compel a witness to appear and give testimony or produce documentary evidence in a proceeding. Failure to appear or produce is punishable by contempt of court.

Commission
That portion of the premium paid to the agent as compensation for his or her services.

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

Total Loss
An insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss when a claim exceeds the full value of the vehicle. Insurance companies typically take possession and obtain the title of such vehicles.

Nonrenewal
The termination of an insurance policy at its normal expiration date.

Venue
The specific county, city or geographical area in which a court has jurisdiction

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.

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

Hearsay
Evidence based on what the witness has heard someone else say, rather than what the witness has personally experienced or observed.