Glossary of Terms

In order to help you better understand your auto policy, we’ve put together a glossary of basic auto insurance terms. Many of these coverages are optional, but very important in being adequately covered. Check your policy and see how well you're covered.

Liability — Covers damages (to other party) for bodily injury or property damage when you are legally responsible for an auto accident.

Bodily Injury — Bodily harm, sickness or disease, including death. This does not include communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Property Damage — Physical injury to, destruction of or loss of use of tangible property (of other party).

Medical Payments — Covers minor medical expenses (to you or your passengers) as a result of an accident, regardless of fault.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist — Covers damages (to you or your passengers) for bodily injury when the responsible party has no insurance or not enough insurance to pay for damages. This coverage includes hit-and-run accidents.

Collision — Covers damage to your vehicle as a result of hitting another vehicle or object (i.e. a tree).

Comprehensive — Covers damage to your vehicle as a result of a loss caused by something other than collision. Some examples are theft, fire, vandalism or falling objects. This coverage is sometimes referred to as "Other-than-Collision".