Personal Auto Insurance Definitions

Following are short definitions of auto coverage (see policy contract for detailed information):

Bodily Injury Liability
Legal liability for causing physical injury or death to another.

Property Damage Liability Insurance
Protection against liability for damage to another's tangible property, including loss of use. Although this coverage is different than liability for bodily injury to another person, Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability protection are generally written together.

Combined Single Limit
Bodily Injury and Property Damage coverage expressed as one single amount of coverage.

Medical Payments
This pays for medical and funeral expenses incurred in an auto accident, regardless of fault. It will also cover injuries sustained by passengers in your car, or while you're operating someone else's car (with their permission), in addition to injuries you or your family members incur when you're pedestrians.

Uninsured Motorists Bodily Injury
Uninsured motorists bodily injury coverage pays for a covered person's bodily injuries of which an uninsured or hit-and-run motorist is legally liable, but unable to pay.

Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury
Underinsured motorists bodily injury coverage pays for a covered person's bodily injuries of which a person with not enough insurance is legally liable.

Uninsured Motorists Property Damage
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Liability coverage pays for property damages caused by uninsured drivers.

Comprehensive Coverage
Covers damage to a vehicle caused by an event other than a collision or overturn. Examples include hitting a deer, fire, theft, vandalism, and falling objects.

Collision Insurance
This covers loss to the insured person's own auto caused by its collision with another vehicle or object.

Deductible (Comprehensive & Collision)
The amount an insured person must pay before the insurance company pays the remainder of each covered loss, up to the policy limits.

Gap Insurance
If you are making lease or loan payments and you experience a total loss, there may be a difference (gap) between the market value of your vehicle and what you still owe on it. This optional coverage pays the difference.

Customized Equipment/Special Equipment
Optional coverage that can be endorsed on to most auto policies for electronic equipment, special paint or exterior items, or amenities added to the inside of a van or truck.

Extended Non-Owner Liability
An endorsement that provides broader liability coverage for specifically named people operating any non-owned automobile or trailer, such as individuals driving employer-furnished vehicles.