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Actual Cash Value (ACV) – Unless otherwise defined in the policy, actual cash value in California means fair market value. The fair market value of an item is the dollar amount that a knowledgeable buyer (under no unusual pressure) is willing to pay, and a knowledgeable seller (under no unusual pressure) is willing to accept.

Adjuster – The person who evaluates the damage caused by an accident or other covered loss and determines the amount to be paid under the policy terms.

Agent – A licensed individual or organization authorized to sell and service insurance policies for an insurance company.

Automobile Insurance – A type of insurance that protects against losses involving automobiles. Auto policies contain a variety of coverages that can be purchased depending upon the needs and wants of the policyholder. Liability for bodily injury and property damage, medical payments, uninsured motorist, comprehensive, and collision are some of the common coverages offered under an auto insurance policy.

Binder – A short-term agreement that provides temporary insurance coverage until the policy can be issued or delivered.

Broker – A licensed individual or organization who, on your behalf, sells and services insurance policies.

Broker-Agent – A licensed individual who can act as an agent representing one or more insurance companies and also as a broker dealing with one or more insurance companies representing your interests.

Broker Fee Agreement – The contract between the policyholder and the broker which also specifies the charges for the services rendered by the broker.

Commission – A portion of the policy premium that is paid to an agent by the insurance company as compensation for the agent’s work.

Comprehensive Coverage – Pays for damage to your car caused by reason other than collision, such as fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm, flood, etcetera.

Claim – Notice to an insurance company that a loss has occurred which may be covered under the terms and conditions of the policy.

Collision – Pays for damage to your car caused by physical contact with another vehicle or with another object, such as a tree, boulder, guardrail, structure, or person.

Declarations (DEC) Page – Usually the first page of an insurance policy that contains the full legal name of your insurance company, your name and address, the policy number, effective and expiration dates, premium payable, the amount and types of coverage, deductibles, the vehicle(s) insured, and the vehicle identification numbers (VIN).

Deductible – The amount of the loss that the policyholder is responsible to pay up-front before covered benefits from the insurance company are payable. This is applicable to comprehensive or collision coverage only.

Endorsement – A written agreement that changes the terms of an insurance policy by adding or subtracting coverage.

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

Insured – The policyholder(s) entitled to covered benefits in case of an accident or loss.

Insurer – The insurance company who issues the insurance and agrees to pay for losses and provide covered benefits.

Liability Insurance – Coverage for a policyholder’s legal liability resulting from injuries to other persons or damage to their property.

Limits – The maximum amount of benefits the insurance company agrees to pay in the event of a loss.

Loan Gap Coverage – This coverage pays the difference between the fair market value of your vehicle and the loan balance owed to your lender. This coverage is available on new vehicles only.

Medical Payments Coverage – Covers the medical costs (up to the specified limit) resulting from an auto accident for you, your family, or others in your car. This coverage pays regardless of fault.

Policy – A contract that states the rights and duties of the insurance company and the insured.

Premium – The price of insurance paid to the insurance company for a policy.

Producer – A term used by the insurance industry to refer to agents and brokers.

Quotation - An estimate of the cost of insurance based on the information supplied to the agent, broker, or insurance company.

Rental Reimbursement Coverage – This coverage pays your expenses to rent an auto if you have a loss covered under Comprehensive or Collision benefits. Coverage is sold based on a daily amount of expense subject to a maximum limit.

Replacement Cost – The amount that it costs to replace lost or damaged property with new property of like kind or quality in the local market.

Subrogation – The process of recovering the amount of claims damages paid out to a policyholder from the legally liable party. When a company pursues the legally liable third party, they are required to include the policyholder’s deductible in the recovery process.

Surcharge – An extra charge applied to the premium by an insurance company, usually applied to an at-fault accident or moving violation.