Terminology Explained

The following terms are some common insurance terms that you may encounter when buying Car Insurance.

Act of God

An event that could not have been foreseen, avoided or safeguarded against, usually natural causes and without human intervention.

Actuary

Mathematical/statistical expert professionally trained to understand the technical aspects of insurance and forecast risk dependent on demographic criteria.

Agent

An individual or organisation acting on behalf of another party. Brokers are sometimes know as agents.

Any Driver

Allows anyone to drive vehicle with permission of the owner.

Approved garage / approved repairer

Garages which are approved by the insurer. Use of courtesy car is usually contingent on employing approved repairer.

Arbitration

Court alternative to resolving dispute. Usually a mutually approved independent arbitrator helps two or more disputing parties arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement.

Breakdown Cover

Provision in policy to provide recovery/repair if vehicle breaks down.

Broker

An agent who brings insurer and insured together to enter a contract.

Cancellation Clause

Contract provision which allows insurer or insured to cancel before a specified expiration date.

Claim

Submitting details of accident/loss for insurance company to review if part of agreed policy terms and pay compensation as agreed.

Comprehensive cover

Broadest type of policy covering damage to your car, third party vehicles, liability, fire and theft losses and emergency medical care.

Cooling off period

Legal period extended by any financial institution, including insurers, in which the customer may cancel without incurring a penalty.

Effective Date

The date insurance cover commences

Excess

Agreed amount that insured pays in the event of a claim before insurer pays balance.

Exclusions

Those events or items which are not covered by policy e.g. bicycles aren't included in many household policies unless specified.

Insured

Person covered by an insurance policy.

Insured Vehicle

The vehicle covered by an insurance policy.

Insurer

Provider of the insurance contract.

Intermediary

Person or organistion that offers advice and organises policies for clients. AonInsure.ie is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland as a multiagency intermediary.

Irish Brokers Association

Professional body governing Insurance brokers in Ireland.

Lapsed Policy

A policy terminated for non-payment of premium.

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An extra cost added to a premium by insurance company usually as a result of bad claims history, age, occupation or other demographic information.

Main Driver

The primary user of a vehicle

Market Value

Based on the value of a car at a specific time, the amount the market would be willing to pay.

Material Fact

If the insured fails to disclose all circumstances or give incorrect details and it results in a lower premium being offered this will result in insurance company refusing to payout in the event of a claim.

Named Driver

A driver, other than the Insured, whose driving is covered by the policy.

No Claims Bonus

Discounts earned up to a period of 5 years for not claiming on previous policies.

Policy

Legally binding document issued to the insured by the insurer which states agreed terms and conditions of contract.

Policyholder

Individual who is issued the policy.

Premium

Payment made to insurance company.

Public Liability Policy

Liability cover for damage or injury caused to others on the insureds property.

Quote

Estimation of cost of providing insurance cover based on information provided to the insurer.

Renewal

Extended cover over agreed time period.

Settlement

Amount agreed and paid by Insurer, in the event of a claim.

Voluntary Excess

Amount the insured chooses to pay additional to the standard policy excess.

Write Off

Insurer decides that it is not economical to repair your vehicle in the event of a claim.