Glossary

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Term	Definitions
Agent	A representative who can provide information and recommendations on RV insurance and auto insurance coverages. You can contact an agent to learn more about insurance for motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels or autos and motorcycles or to purchase an insurance policy. Unlike an insurance company's representative, an independent agent represents multiple insurance companies and earns commissions from policies sold, regardless of company. In New York and California, a broker, unlike an insurer company's agent, represents multiple insurance companies and earns commissions from policies sold, regardless of company.
Anti-Theft Device	A tool designed either to reduce the chance a vehicle will be vandalized or stolen, or assist in its recovery. Examples include decals, alarms, keyless entry, starter, ignition and fuel disablers, motion detectors, window etching and tracking systems.
Appraisal	Professional inspection of a vehicle or property after an accident or covered incident in order to estimate the damage and cost of repairs.
Auto & RV Insurance	Auto and RV insurance protects you and your family from legal liability resulting from an accident or in the event that your vehicle is vandalized, damaged or stolen. Providing coverage to pay for automobile and RV repairs, doctors and hospitals in case of injury, repairs to property such as mailboxes or fences - these are just a few of the things that automobile and recreational vehicle insurance helps with. Review each coverage description to see which coverage will provide the benefits and protection you deserve.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage	Bodily Injury Liability Coverage takes care of injury or loss to other people caused by your covered vehicle. It also helps pay for your legal defense costs if you are charged with causing harm to others with your car or RV. You should also keep in mind that if you lease or finance your car or RV, you may need higher liability coverage limits. Be sure to check with the lien holder or lease-holder to determine the appropriate level of coverage required in your case.
Bodily Injury Limits	A bodily injury limit is the maximum amount of bodily injury liability coverage you select when purchasing an insurance policy. Any amount over this selected bodily injury limit may be your out-of-pocket responsibility. To safeguard your assets, you may wish to select higher than minimum coverage.
Catastrophe	An event that causes massive devastation, such as a tornado, hurricane, typhoon, flood or hailstorms.
Claim	A request to an insurance company for payment to cover a loss. Filing claims and paying out claims are handled according to your insurance company's procedures and your insurance policy.
Claimant	The person presenting their insurance claim to the insurance company for payment.
Collision Coverage	Covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, or a vehicle rollover. While subject to deductibles and limits, your car is covered no matter who caused the accident.
Combined Single Limit (CSL)	A single limit amount that can be used as needed for either property damage or bodily injury. For example, a CSL of $200,000 per accident means that the maximum amount the insurance company would pay for all bodily injuries and property damage caused in one accident is $200,000. A combined single limit is an alternative to using split limits for specific bodily injury and property damage coverage.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance	Coverage for a variety of business-use vehicles from personal autos to light-duty commercial trucks to medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks for a variety of business types.
Comprehensive Coverage	Also see "Other Than Collision" (OTC) Coverage.
Comprehensive Losses	Also see "Other Than Collision" (OTC) Losses.
Consumer Report Information	Consumer credit information that can be used in determining your insurance score and driving history. Your insurance score is used in the calculation of your auto and recreational vehicle insurance premiums where permitted by law.
Coverage	The dollar amount of protection and benefits you choose in your insurance policy in the event of a loss. Examples of coverage would be bodily injury and collision.
Customized Equipment	Permanently installed parts and equipment like customized wheels, spoilers, paint, decals and sound systems which were not originally part of the dealer-installed vehicle.
Declarations Page	The Declarations Page is usually the first page of your Auto, RV insurance or Home Insurance policy. It specifies the details of your coverages, for example your coverage limits and deductibles. When you get a new auto insurance online quote, your declarations page is helpful in answering the basic questions about your existing levels of coverage as you look to switch to superior coverage and services at excellent rates.
Deductible	The amount of money you are responsible for paying out of your own pocket when a loss occurs. A deductible amount is a standard element of any vehicle insurance policy. You can save on monthly premiums by setting a higher deductible in your insurance policy.
Defensive Driving	Techniques designed to make drivers more aware of their surroundings, reduce driving accidents and keep the roads safe. Many insurance companies offer discounts on insurance premiums to teenage and elderly drivers who have completed one or more recognized defensive driving courses.
DWI and DUI	DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) are legal violations that appear on your driving record if you were found to be legally intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. Either a DWI or DUI on your driving record will increase the cost of your insurance.
Dwelling Coverage	Protects the value of structures on your residence premises, for example your house and garage, according to what is specified on the declarations page of your homeowners insurance policy.
Endorsement	A specifically written modification to your insurance policy that modifies coverage. An example of an endorsement is a higher coverage amount for an appraised item with a value that exceeds what is provided in standard policy provisions. Also known as a rider or attachment.
HO-6 Policy	HO-6 is a term used in Homeowners insurance, and refers to policies specifically designed for Condo and Co-op owners. The Condo Association's Master Policy usually covers the building structure and common areas, but your HO-6 coverage is what protects your personal belongings from named perils such as fire, storms, lightning, explosion, wind damage and theft. HO-6 policies also generally cover improvements you've made including private balconies or entrances, special fixtures or other additions to your property not covered by the Master Policy. Personal liability insurance is also your responsibility, and like a homeowner, if someone is injured in your unit, you may be considered responsible for the losses that occur.
Homeowners Insurance	Whether you live in a house, condo or apartment, homeowners insurance protects you and your assets from unforeseen events. Catastrophes like fire or other damage may mean temporary loss of home, damage to valuable possessions and a need for somewhere to stay until repairs can be made. Homeowners insurance also protects you against theft and vandalism. Not only can safety and security devices such as fire and burglar alarms, sprinkler systems, and dead bolts help protect you and your family from harm - they can bring down your homeowners insurance rates.
Insurance Fraud	Intentionally providing false information, failing to provide information to an insurance company, or filing a claim with false information to collect payment illegally. Not only is insurance fraud a crime, but it causes insurance rates to rise for all consumers.
Insurance Premium	The amount you pay your insurance company on a periodic basis for the coverage provided.
Insurance Quote	A no-obligation estimate of insurance coverage options and cost.
Insurance Score	A confidential ranking based on various factors and information found on your consumer report. An insurance score is one measure of the potential risk of loss. It is not a record of assets, income or demographic data. Insurance scoring is not used in all states.
Lapse in Coverage/Policy Lapse	A period of time when your insurance policy is not in effect. Your coverage will lapse if your policy is cancelled or terminated because you failed to pay the premium, misrepresented essential information in your policy contract or for other reasons that may vary by insurance company and state.
Liability Coverage	Coverage that protects your assets if you're legally responsible for injury or property damage in the event of an accident. If you are at fault in an accident, you can be sued for the full cost of the damages. If this cost exceeds the amount of your Bodily Injury and/or Property Damage coverages, you may have to pay the rest. So, be sure you choose enough liability coverage to protect your assets.
Lienholder	The person or institution that holds a security interest of your vehicle if you are financing it until it is paid off. You may have special insurance coverage requirements if you are financing your vehicle.
Locksmith Service	If your ignition or door key is lost, stolen, or locked inside your covered vehicle, we will pay up to $50 for the expense you incur for locksmith's service.
Loss	Stolen or damaged property and/or bodily injury that can be measured in a dollar amount and may be recovered through insurance.
Loss Prevention	Proactive steps that can be taken to prevent loss of your vehicle thus reducing insurance claims, including use of visible and audible deterrents, vehicle immobilizers and tracking systems.
Loss of Use	Generally refers to the inability to live in your home, condo or apartment due to damage or destruction during repairs. Home insurance policies providing Loss of Use coverage pay towards alternate accommodations in a similar dwelling while repairs or construction are taking place following a covered loss.
Master Policy	The insurance policy which governs the building in which you live when you are a Condo owner. Master policies generally insure the structure of the building and common areas including the roof, the stairways, the elevators, the foyer, the basement and so on. As a condo owner, you are responsible for carrying insurance that protects you and your assets from many of the same potential risks as a homeowner - theft or damage to your personal belongings, personal liability in the case that someone is injured on your property, and liability coverage for extras you may have added to your condo unit, such as specialized lighting or attached furnishings.
Medical Payments Coverage	Payments toward the cost of medical and funeral expenses resulting from injuries sustained in an accident involving a covered vehicle. Your expenses, as well as the expenses of other passengers traveling in your car, will be paid up to your selected medical payments coverage limit, regardless of who causes the accident.
Mexico Insurance Coverage	Mexican law requires vehicle liability coverage for when you are traveling in Mexico. Your U.S. policy may not include this coverage. Protect yourself, your vehicles and your assets when headed south of the border with Mexico coverage.
Motorcycle Insurance	If you ride a motorcycle, then you need specialized insurance coverage. Motorcycle insurance coverage applies to a variety of cycle types like cruisers, touring bikes, trikes and sport bikes. It even covers special construction bikes, classic motorcycles, golf carts and many ATVs.
Named Perils	Named Perils are specified causes of loss covered by your homeowners, renters or condo insurance policies. Your insurance coverage will itemize the perils (risks) for which you are covered. Named Perils include such things as wind, fire, hail, electrical surges, lightning, explosion, theft, vandalism and other potential causes of damage to property or people.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)	The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency is the primary provider of flood insurance. Flood insurance through The GMAC Insurance Homeowners Program is financially backed by the U.S. Government through the National Flood Insurance Program. GMAC Insurance acts as a "Write-Your-Own" company on behalf of the NFIP. "Write-Your-Own" companies sell and service flood policies and the NFIP pays the claims.
No-Fault Protection	This type of insurance protection provides coverage for your losses in the event of an accident, regardless of who caused the accident or who was at fault. No-fault protection is not available in all states.
OnStar®	OnStar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors,® is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. Through a simple three-button system it offers 24-hour access to Advisors, a connection to emergency assistance, and access to OnStar Hands-Free calling. Active OnStar subscribers can enjoy special insurance savings along with OnStar's comprehensive features and services.
Open Perils	This "special" policy protects your home from all perils except those specifically excluded, such as nuclear war, flood, and earthquake.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)	OEMs are federally licensed to warrant and guarantee their parts, unlike providers of aftermarket parts. GMAC Insurance, provider of the Good Sam Vehicle Insurance Plan, guarantees the use of OEM parts in the repair of your vehicle following a claim. This helps ensure that your warranties are not compromised by the use of aftermarket parts. This guarantee does not extend to radiators, A/C condensers, windshields, and routine maintenance parts, such as batteries, spark plugs and oil filters.
Other Than Collision Coverage	Often called comprehensive coverage, Other Than Collision (OTC) pays toward loss or damage to your vehicle caused by something other than a collision. This includes incidents such as vandalism and theft, falling objects, and disasters such as fire, blizzards, floods and hailstorms.
Other Than Collision Loss	Often called comprehensive losses, Other Than Collision (OTC) losses are those damages to an insured car due to fire, theft, or other losses that are not the result of a collision.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a form of no-fault insurance required in states with no-fault laws. It pays for medical care, lost wages and replacement services for the injured party, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
Property Damage Liability	Coverage for the damage your vehicle causes to someone else's property as the result of an accident, where you are at fault. Your property damage liability coverage is the third number in the liability coverage split limits. For example, with liability coverage of 50/100/50, you would have property damage coverage up to $50,000.
Personal Liability	Personal liability coverage protects you in the event of an injury or other covered loss that occurs on your premises. For example, medical expenses may result from a visitor being injured at your home, condo or in your apartment. In the event that a lawsuit results, legal costs may also be incurred. Something as common as a dog bite is an example of personal liability where a third party is injured and you may be responsible for medical and legal expenses that result. Personal liability coverage protects your assets when this sort of event occurs.
Quote Form	A form allowing you to see the coverages and cost of an insurance policy.
Rental Reimbursement	Pays toward the cost of renting a car while your car is being repaired as the result of an accident. The amount of rental reimbursement will vary according to your coverage limits. Coverage is usually sold in per day limits subject to a total limit.
RV Insurance	Coverage designed for most recreational vehicles, including motor homes, fifth wheel trailers, Airstream travel trailers, mounted truck campers and more. Specialized RV coverage from the Good Sam Vehicle Insurance Plan provides the features RVers need that are not normally available with ordinary auto insurance policies.
Short Rate Penalty	A charge by some insurance companies when a customer cancels their coverage early. Check with your current insurance company about any short rate penalty before switching insurers.
Soft Credit Inquiry	When an insurance company requests a copy of your consumer credit information, this is recorded as a "soft" credit inquiry. It does not affect your credit score. This type of inquiry is used as part of the calculation of your insurance score, which assists insurance companies in determining your rates.
Split Limits	Three numbers are used on your insurance policy to describe the amount of liability coverage you are carrying. For example, your liability coverage may be represented as 25/50/25. In this example, your (the insured's) liability coverage limits are $25,000 for bodily injury per person per accident, $50,000 total for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
SR-22	An SR-22 may be required when insuring a driver with a record as a previously uninsured motorist, DUI or DWI, license suspension or other major driving violations. It is a certificate that proves you have auto insurance based upon the financial responsibility laws of your state. An SR-22 is provided by your insurance company to the DMV.
Third Party Coverage	The "third party" is anyone other than the insured or the insurance company who might potentially be involved as the result of an accident involving your covered vehicle. Third Party Coverage protects you against possible lawsuits that might be filed by a third party.
Total Loss	Automobile or property damage sometimes requires more money to repair than the value of the vehicle or the property involved. Because repair costs would exceed the value of the car or property, the loss is considered "total."
Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage covers damages that exceed the amount of coverage carried by a driver. This extra coverage helps protect your assets when involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance coverage for all the damages. UIM coverage varies by state. Some states treat Underinsured Motorist Coverage and Uninsured Motorist Coverage separately, while some states combine UIM and UM coverages.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage	Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage covers damages and injuries resulting from being hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. UM coverage varies by state. Some states treat Underinsured Motorist Coverage and Uninsured Motorist Coverage separately, while some states combine UIM and UM coverages.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	A unique identification number for your vehicle (Vehicle Identification Number) consisting of 17 characters and marked on motor vehicles, trailers, motorcycles and mopeds. It is used to provide the model, make, year and other unique identifying information about your vehicle that is used to assist in calculating insurance rates. Since the VIN is on both your car title and your registration, it can be used to track your car's history. For example, if your car was rebuilt from salvage, you can trace this information through the VIN. This is the type of vehicle history that impacts value and potentially your insurance coverage and rates. Your VIN can usually be found on your vehicle's dash by the windshield, the driver's door, the steering column or other locations.