Accident Terms and Definitions

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

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.

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

Producer
A term applied to an agent, solicitor or other person who sells insurance.

Gap Insurance
Insurance that pays the difference between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the amount still to be paid on the loan. Some gap policies may also cover the amount of the deductible.

Dismantled Title
The vehicle sustained major damage to one or more major component parts and the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value.

Insurer
The insurance company providing the insurance.

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.

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