Accident Terms and Definitions

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

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

Negligence
The absence of ordinary care.

Scrapped
Vehicles that have been dismantled and/or crushed and should not return to the road.

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

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

Salvage
Property taken over by an insurer to reduce its loss.

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

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

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