Auto insurance terms and definitions
Every industry has its own unique and quirky jargon. Auto insurance is no exception. But first, exactly what is car insurance? Car insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. By applying for coverage, you’re agreeing to pay an auto insurance premium to the insurance company. In return, that company agrees to pay covered costs associated with an auto accident once the deductible has been met under the policy terms.
There are various ways to customize your policy by making coverage selections to cover a number of different types of accidents and related issues.
Here are some more important auto insurance definitions to know and information about how they can help protect you in the event of the unexpected.
Actual cash value (ACV)
The value of a car considering the age, mileage, make, model, and overall condition of the vehicle.
Appraisal
An estimate of the value of a vehicle or property, or the extent of damage from an accident at the time of loss. Usually conducted by an impartial appraiser.
Bodily injury liability coverage
Pays damages for injury or death resulting from a covered accident for which you are at fault. May also provide you with funds for a legal defense. Learn more about liability coverage.
Carrier
The company providing insurance coverage.
Certificate of satisfaction
A form you sign when taking delivery of an insured car from the repair shop. It indicates your satisfaction with the repairs.
Claim
A request for payment under the terms of an insurance policy. Learn more about claims.
Declarations page
A page in your policy – usually the front page – with basic information such as your name and address, description of the vehicle(s) insured, effective dates of the policy, amount of coverage and the premiums.
Deductible
The portion of a claim that you pay. A higher deductible amount will lower your insurance premiums but increase your costs if there’s an accident. Learn about Nationwide's Vanishing Deductible.
Endorsement
A change to your policy by amending specific coverage. It can add coverage, modify it, reduce or even remove coverage or terms or provisions of the policy.
Exclusion
A provision in an insurance policy that excludes and/or limits certain coverages.
Expiration date
The date when your coverage ends. A new or renewal policy typically starts on this date.
Field adjuster
An insurance liaison who works outside the office and conducts accident scene investigations, damage inspections and face-to-face meetings with policyholders.
Financial responsibility law
A law that requires owners and drivers of vehicles to have enough money on hand to compensate anyone they might injure in accident. Liability insurance is the most common way to satisfy this requirement.
Indemnification
Financial compensation for a loss with the intent to restore a person or entity to the financial position enjoyed before the loss.
Insurable interest
A right or relationship under the insurance contract that would cause an individual to suffer an economic loss as the result of damage to property or bodily injury.
Insurance ID card
A card issued by your insurance company with basic information about your policy.
Insurance score
A rating you are given by the insurance company, influenced by your credit history and other factors, used in some states to determine whether they can write you a policy.
Leased vehicle
A car or truck rented under a long-term contract or lease. The company leasing the vehicle still owns it, and is listed on the insurance policy as an insured party.
Liability
The legal obligation or responsibility for any injury or damage suffered by another person.
Limit
The maximum amount of coverage under an insurance policy. Learn more about choosing the right coverage limit.
Loss
The amount of damage to a vehicle or other property, or injury suffered by a person. In the insurance world, the term “loss” is used interchangeably with “claim.”
Medical payments coverage
Pays to reimburse a driver or passenger for medical or funeral expenses incurred in a covered accident, up to the limits of your policy. It also covers the medical costs of pedestrians you may have injured.
Motor vehicle report (MVR)
A report from the department of motor vehicles listing accidents and violations on your driving record.
No-fault insurance
Pays your own medical expenses, lost wages or other accident-related expenses regardless of who is responsible for an accident. Only applies in states with no-fault laws in place. Learn more about no-fault insurance.
Non-renewal
When an insurance company decides to not renew a policy at its expiration date.
Personal injury protection
Pays for medical treatment, lost wages or other medical expenses related to an accident regardless of who caused the accident. Learn more.
Premium
The cost of coverage under an insurance policy. It can be paid in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual installments. Learn more about the factors that influence your premium.
Re-inspection
The review of an estimate or appraisal done by an adjuster to guarantee that the work required in the estimate or appraisal is being completed by a body shop.
Release
A legal document stating that all financial obligations from the past, present and future resulting from an accident or occurrence have been fulfilled.
Replacement cost (RC)
In contrast to ACV, the amount it would cost to actually replace a damaged or destroyed vehicle.
Risk
Refers to the probability of a particular loss occurring.
Total loss
The condition of a vehicle or other property so heavily damaged that repair costs would surpass its value.
This guide to the most commonly used auto insurance terms can help you understand exactly what you're getting from a potential car insurance policy. When you're ready to take a look at our auto insurance coverage policies or find an insurance agent near you.