Accident Terms and Definitions

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.

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

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

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

Venue
The specific county, city or geographical area in which a court has jurisdiction

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.

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

Exclusion
A contractual provision in an insurance policy that denies coverage for certain perils, persons, property, or locations.

Policy
Written contract of insurance.

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.