Accident Terms and Definitions

Junk Title
A Junk Title is issued on a vehicle damaged to the extent that the cost of repairing the vehicle for safe operation exceeds its fair market value; or a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurer or other state or jurisdiction.

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

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

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

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.

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

Surcharge
An extra charge applied to the premium by the insurer, usually for at fault accidents or moving violations.

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

Flood Damage Title
States issue flood titles when a vehicle has been in a flood or has received extensive water damage.