Collision Deductible Waiver

If you have this type of coverage with your car insurance policy, your insurance company will pay your deductible if you are in an accident that is the fault of an uninsured motorist. This is not available in all states or with all policies.

Comprehensive Coverage

This coverage provides protection in the event of damage not caused by a collision (that kind of damage would be covered by your collision coverage). These other kinds of damage can include theft, fire, damage by extreme weather, etc.

Continuously Insured

The amount of time that you’ve been insured, without gaps. You can switch companies as many times as you want, but if you’ve let your coverage lapse, you could end up with higher premiums.

Credit Rating

Each individual consumer has a credit file with each of the three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each company uses a formula developed by Fair Issac's & Co. (FICO) to determine the consumer's credit rating. Insurers consider your credit rating when determining your insurance rates, since their own advanced statistical models have determined that consumers with good credit are better insurance risks, and vice versa.

Deductible

This is the amount that you are required to pay towards any damages. Your car insurance will cover any costs above this amount. The size of your deductible can greatly affect your car insurance costs.

Declarations Page

This is a one or two page document that details all the facts about your car insurance, such as your name and address, the vehicles covered, the deductible, the types of coverage, etc.

Defensive Driver Course

Classes offered or approved by the DMV designed to enhance defensive driving skills. Most car insurance companies offer discounts to customers who successfully complete these courses.

Earned Premium

The portion of the premium that is "consumed" during a partial policy term. If you terminate your policy early, you are only responsible for the earned premium portion (plus expenses), regardless of what you may have paid.

Endorsements

These are also known as riders. They are changes to your coverage that are made after the effective date, like adding another car or raising your deductible.

Extraordinary Medical

This is optional coverage that protects you above and beyond your standard medical benefit coverage. Usually this would cover you if you were hospitalized long-term or permanently disabled.